Joanna James
The hill station of Nuwara Eliya, monikered the "Little England", nestled away in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is like no other city in the tropical island nation. Come, lose yourself in the glories of a paradisiacal hillside world, where nature is scenic, and the ambience is charming.
The tranquil Lake Gregory or Gregory Lake makes for a convenient escape for anyone craving a moment of peace and quiet without actually going beyond the fringes of the city. Nestled right in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake is an oasis of serenity and is arguably one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. A gigantic reservoir of unruffled waters surrounded by verdant lawns with plots of meticulously manicured flower gardens and set in the backdrop of hilly emerald-green tea fields – if this isn't heaven on earth, what is?
Nuwara Eliya is undeniably the most scenic city in the whole of Sri Lanka and Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one gorgeous example. Extending over a whopping 28 hectares, it is the second largest of all five botanical gardens in the island nation. The sprawling park is a natural haven for a mind-boggling variety of flowers and plants, where roses alone can be found in more than 100 different species. Make the 5-kilometre drive from the city centre to this breathtaking nature park and share tranquil moments with oodles of nature and beauty.
Tucked away in the serene mountains of the hill country in Sri Lanka, Horton Plains is unlike any of the other 21 national parks scattered throughout the tropical island nation. The highlight of the park is World's End, a sheer cliff with a drop of 4,000 feet, which pulls droves of tourists into the national park every year. Let your inner adventurer loose by embarking on an exciting hike through the montane grassland and cloud forest of Horton Plains to World's End, where you are greeted with mind-blowing panoramic views.
A one-hour drive away from Nuwara Eliya is the spectacular 109-metre-high Ramboda Falls, the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. Visiting Ramboda Falls will not only treat your eyes to a stunning cascading curtain of water but also an exciting trek that leads to the falls. Navigate your way up the trail and admire the breathtaking wonder of nature as you create lovely memories to take back home.
Sprawling lush grasslands, towering white windmills and herds of grazing cows – New Zealand Farm in Nuwara Eliya is immediately reminiscent of a countryside farm in New Zealand. It will surely make you feel as if you have discovered a little New Zealand in the scenic hill station. Head up inside and sign up for a guided tour of the entire farm and its operations. After a day of touring the sprawling farm, retreat to one of the finest hotels in town, such as the Stafford Bungalow.
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