Joanna James
Nuwara Eliya and its surroundings can be a fascinating and beautiful place! The city is famous for its tea, British-inspired architecture, cool mountains, tea estates and picturesque waterfalls! Make a grand old time of your visit to this city.
Horton Plains is the highest elevated National Park in Sri Lanka. Its highlight is the 'World's End' viewpoint, which is a dramatic 880m drop with spectacular views stretching far into tea plantations, little villages, mountain ridges and even the sea! Go there early before 9 am to bypass any crowds and to get the best views before the mist sets in!
Victoria Park is a pleasant place to enjoy the climate and the extensive flora that decorates the park premises. It is well-maintained with many ponds and trees, flowering paths, and pavilions. You can also find a children's park, ideal for a morning walk or a picnic.
Lake Gregory happens to be a large man-made lake, named after the former governor, Sir William Gregory. You can encounter recreational activities like boating and plenty of food around the lake. There are many luxury bungalows in Nuwara Eliya, surrounding this place overlooking the lake. However, the likes of Langdale Boutique Hotel can be a great option, if you want to stay closer to the tea estates and away from the main city.
It is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka and is located just 3.5 km away from the city. The mountain, locally known as Pidurutalagala, is over 8000 feet and is home to a local media transmission tower. One can reach Mt Pedro's viewing point via car or van. Once at the site, keep an eye out for wildlife, like the elusive Sri Lankan leopard that is known to prowl around this area! There is a tea estate and factory nearby, which allows tours of the estate. Sip some fresh hot tea and enjoy the crisp mountainous air of Sri Lanka.
It is the second-biggest botanical garden in Sri Lanka after Peradeniya in Kandy and is in the city of Haggala around 5km away from Nuwara Eliya. The tastefully sculpted park highlights a wide variety of flora like cacti, orchids, roses, ferns and more. It is the perfect place to capture some pretty poses amid beautiful flowers and trees.
The temple is in the little village of Seeta Eliya, a kilometre away from Haggala Gardens. You will encounter a colourful shrine overlooking the lush wilderness and a flowing stream nearby. The site is dedicated to Sita, the wife of Rama, of the Ramayana Epics. It is thought to be the location where she was kept prisoner by the King of Lanka, Ravana.
Lover's Leap is a famous waterfall in Sri Lanka, especially due to the harrowing tales of young lovers plunging into its watery depths in protest of parental opposition. Sad stories aside, if you are looking for some adventure, try hiking up the waterfall and back, and cool off in the fresh pools below.
This is one of the latest attractions in Nuwara Eliya and is around 6 km from the city and has been open for visitors since 2014.
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