Joanna James
As Sri Lanka opens for tourism and relaxes its entry requirements, travellers get their itineraries ready to explore all this majestic island has to offer. Here are a couple of fun things to consider adding to your list when you're in Nuwara Eliya!
You're sure to spot Gregory Lake as soon as you enter Nuwaraeliya and pass the town. Created between 1872 and 1877 for British colonial settlers by Governor William Gregory, you're unlikely to run out of things to do when you're here. A favourite location among foreigners and locals alike, Gregory Lake is a picturesque location, with the striking blue of the water against the lush green background making for amazing photographs. You can ride ponies, embark on a ride on one of the many colourful swan-shaped paddleboats or even hire a jet ski! There's also a relatively new walking path and park next to the lake, where you can relax and take in the cool, refreshing air.
Consider your trip to Nuwara Eliya incomplete without stopping by at one of the many strawberry farms/stores! If you're a lover of all things strawberry related, Nuwara Eliya will not disappoint as strawberries tend to flourish in cold weather. You can opt to have strawberries with waffles, ice cream, condensed milk or just the fruit itself! Get yourself a strawberry jam to take home with you, to accompany your morning toast as you reminisce about Sri Lanka. You'll find these strawberry stores close to any Nuwara Eliya luxury bungalow, the likes of Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya.
Fancy a stroll surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colours, flora and fauna? If your answer is yes, Victoria Park is where you need to go. Covering almost 27 acres of land, this popular park in Nuwara Eliya was created in honour of Queen Victoria's 60th jubilee. The park is home to numerous flowers and foreign trees and serves as the perfect spot to indulge in nature. You can also take your family with you, as there's a playground for kids to enjoy.
If you're a nature lover, Horton Plains National Park is for you. You can either hike to World's End or set up camp and spend a night or two here to really enjoy nature at its finest. This adventurous trek is 9 kilometres in total, but even inexperienced hikers can give it a shot as it isn't a very rough path to tackle.
To smell fresh flowers and admire the natural beauty possessed by Nuwara Eliya, a stop at Hakgala Botanical gardens is ideal! This is the second biggest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and you're sure to come across a range of rare species of flowers in the region. Make sure you add this location to your itinerary as it is quite popular and must not be missed, especially if you want stunning photographs as keepsakes.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
