Anastasia Smith
Nestled high away amidst rolling green hills and misty clouds galore, Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands is like no other in the tropical island. Families, particularly those vacationing with kids in tow, are in for a treat, as the hill country city plays host to a plethora of family adventure.
As you ascend through the dramatic landscape, you will eventually reach Nuwara Eliya. At the heart of the city lies Lake Gregory, a nature spot drenched in serenity and beauty. It is an oasis that invites everyone to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming Gregory Lake is the main attraction, but the lush greenery, quaint cobblestone pathways, and meticulously manicured flower gardens surrounding the lake add to the breathtakingly beautiful nature scene. You can ride a swan boat across the tranquil waters, stroll along the sprawling green lawns, or simply relax on a bench while admiring the stunning views of the emerald waters set against the emerald-green tea fields.
Nestled on the outskirts of the city of Nuwara Eliya is the sprawling Hakgala Botanical Garden, making for an unmissable treat for all nature lovers (and others) to the hill country station. The precious 28 hectares of well-manicured and protected nature reserve makes Nuwara Eliya home to the second largest botanical garden of the island nation’s five botanical gardens. Explore the over 10,000 species of native and exotic flora and let both your feet and mind take a wander through the nature galore.
At 109 metres high, Ramboda Falls is the eleventh tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th tallest waterfall in the world. Nuwara Eliya is home to a whole host of breathtaking waterfalls but Ramboda Falls sure is a top contender. After a day of exciting trekking to the falls, retreat to a fine Nuwara Eliya family hotel; your options include Araliya Red.
An hour’s drive away from the city centre of Nuwara Eliya lies Horton Plains National Park, one that is unlike any of the other 26 national parks in the island nation. Montane grasslands and cloud forests characterise the park and sprawling 32 square kilometres mean there’s oodles of opportunities for exciting exploration, sure to unleash your inner explorer.
Your expedition to Horton Plains National Park wouldn’t be complete without its star attraction, the World’s End. Great World’s End Drop, better known as World’s End, is a sheer cliff, with a drop of about 4,000 feet — certainly not one for the faint-hearted. The dramatic abyss is what many visitors to the national park look forward to and never does one leave without totally in awe.
