Joanna James
Tucked away within a hill country landscape, Nuwara Eliya's undeniable charm attracts countless visitors seeking Sri Lanka's cool mountain air. Discover the tranquillity of the country's highlands with the best places to visit around Nuwara Eliya, from breathtaking waterfalls to misty plains dotted with wildlife.
Gregory Lake is a man-made reservoir surrounded by rolling green hills, a picturesque park, and several of the best Nuwara Eliya 4 star hotels. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a boat for a peaceful ride, or simply relax on the shores of the lake, basking in the peaceful atmosphere. Today, some hotels in the area also offer watersports and similar activities around the lake, including jetskiing with Araliya Green Hills.
Step back in time at the General Post Office in Nuwara Eliya, the oldest post office in Sri Lanka. Perched atop a hill, this colonial landmark of Tudor-style architecture and red brick walls has stood for over a century. Learn about the history of the East-India Trading Company's postal services, or venture down the road to explore the town's bustling centre.
Dubbed the "Little England" of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is home to a collection of gardens and parks, landscaped with manicured bushes and topiaries from the British colonial era. Discover a variety of colourful flowers, exotic plants, and serene lawns, thriving under the cool mountainous climate. Victoria Park, located in the heart of the town, offers a peaceful retreat at a fee of just 300 LKR, while the park's Hakgala Botanical Gardens boasts a vast collection of plants and trees from around the world, as well as sightings of rare bird species.
The mountains and forests of Nuwara Eliya harbour several stunning waterfalls, considered to be some of the most beautiful in the entire country. Visit the iconic St. Clair's Falls viewpoints, and watch as the waters cascade down terraced rock, past lush green tea estates. Or, head west to witness the grandeur of Devon Falls, a stream of gushing water from a height of 97m, offering unparalleled, breathtaking views from its peak. Capture the untamed beauty of Aberdeen Waterfall and Bomburu Ella, a collection of several falls surrounded by pure wilderness.
Nuwara Eliya is famous for its tea plantations, producing some of the finest Ceylon tea in the world. Visit a local tea factory to learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties of Ceylon tea, brewed to stringent perfection. Guests can also explore the scenic tea plantations and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Located just an hour from town, Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Explore the park's trails and hike to the famous World's End, a sheer cliff that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, as far as the southern coast on clearer days. Camping at the park is a popular activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Other breathtaking sites around the park include the mystical cloud forests, cloaked in mists weaving through the canopies, and a plethora of mountainous wildlife grazing across grasslands and evergreen wilderness.
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.
