Joanna James
Nestled away in the misty hills of the central highlands, the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya is always about treating its many visitors to a good slice of adventure. Head for the dramatic mountains, where an array of hiking trails await to take you to some of the secluded and serene places of nature.
The 4,000-foot abyss of the Great World's End Drop — or commonly known as World's End — set at the peak of the Horton Plains National Park is, without a doubt, the most popular hiking experience among all tourists to Nuwara Eliya. The hike to the World's End involves a 1-hour, 32-kilometre drive from the city to the national park, from where the trek cuts through montane grasslands and cloud forests to the abyss with possible exciting wildlife encounters from fauna that call the protected nature reserve home.
Terraced landscape blanketed in lush green set against the backdrop of misty hills — the first sight of Moon Plains from afar is sure to take your breath away. Opened to the public not that long ago only in March 2014, Moon Plains — or Sandathenna, as it is known locally — at a distance of 6 kilometres from the city centre makes for some low-key, effortless hiking while allowing you to soak up the jaw-dropping panoramic scenery.
Just 2 kilometres east of the city of Nuwara Eliya is Galway's Land National Park, which at an expanse of 27 hectares might be one of the smallest out of the 22 national parks in the island nation of Sri Lanka, but surely does make for some exciting hiking and one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Adding to the trek is the immersive breathtaking scenery and the national park's wide species of animals, especially the rich birdlife, making for some incredible photo ops along the way.
Another wonder of nature in the sanctuary of the aforementioned Horton Plains National Park, presenting opportunities for some incredible hiking, is the spectacular Thotupala Kanda — the third-highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Compared to most other hiking trails in and around Nuwara Eliya, Thotupala Kanda may be moderately challenging, inviting the truly adventurous to feed their appetite for fun and thrills. The rather challenging nature of the trail makes it a less popular choice for outdoor activities, affording the luxury of peace and quiet for those courageous enough to take up the challenge.
The hill country station of Nuwara Eliya is home to a host of fantastic waterfalls, and Lovers Leap is arguably the most popular out of the bunch. Not only is it a breathtaking wonder of nature, worthy of admiration, but also makes for exciting hiking just as incredible as its cascading curtain of water. After a day of tiring trekking, retreat to one of the finest resorts in the city such as the Langdale Boutique Hotel.
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.
