Joanna James
While Sri Lanka is famed for its sun-kissed beaches, Nuwara Eliya offers a stark contrast with its mist-shrouded mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Tucked away in this scenic highland retreat, you’ll find a place where natural beauty stretches to the horizon and beyond. Read on to discover the many wonders that await!
Lake Gregory belongs to the British colonial period and offers an idyllic place to unwind in the heart of the town. What you may find interesting is that this is an artificially created reservoir and not a natural waterbody, though you won’t be able to tell the difference. It’s a great spot for a picnic (please don’t litter!), where you can lounge by the water, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and simply unwind. You can also rent a bicycle for a relaxing ride, take a stroll along the scenic pathways, and let the kids enjoy pony rides. If you are up for a little adventure, hop on a pedal boat or feel the thrill of jet skiing for some adrenalin-pumping fun!
Here is another key attraction in Nuwara Eliya that’s well worth adding to your itinerary. Named in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, this park is an ideal place to enjoy some tranquillity. Walk amidst manicured lawns, admire colourful flower beds, and let the little ones enjoy the playground and miniature train, which they are bound to love. If you visit between March and May or August and September, you will be treated to a floral spectacle when the blossoms are in full bloom. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes peeled too because you might spot some rare, feathered friends hiding amongst the trees!
No trip to Nuwara Eliya is complete without a visit to a tea plantation. Rolling hills covered in lush tea bushes certainly do create picture-perfect scenery that is ideal for Insta posts that are bound to get you plenty of ‘likes.’ However, beyond the beauty, there’s a rich history and tradition to be discovered, too. Tour a tea factory to learn how Ceylon Tea, one of the world’s finest beverages, is made, from withering and rolling to fermentation and sifting. For a hands-on experience, stay at a hotel like Heritance Tea Factory, which is not only housed within a restored colonial-era tea factory but offers interactive tea experiences as well; this includes everything from learning the art of tea tasting to dressing in local attire to try your hand at tea plucking!
For hiking enthusiasts, the Pekoe Trail is a dream come true. This 300-km trail winds through Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, and the good news is, you don’t have to hike the whole thing! Stage 22, easy to access from the best hotels in Nuwara Eliya, takes you on an unforgettable 11.3 km journey from the charming town of Kandapola to the historic Pedro Tea Estate. Expect stunning views of tea plantations, misty valleys, and remote villages along the way. Here’s something else worth knowing: For a little detour, head to Lover’s Leap, a picturesque waterfall where you can sit by the cascading waters and soak in the serenity.
Just a short drive from Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanic Gardens is another key place to visit for nature lovers. Set against a cool, misty backdrop, this sprawling garden is home to a vast array of plant species, including endemic orchids, exotic ferns, and towering trees. Stroll through the rose garden, marvel at the glasshouse filled with rare flora, and visit the central pond with its delicate water lilies. The air here is fresh, the colours are stunning, and the atmosphere is utterly peaceful. Suffice it to say that it’s just what you need to feel one with nature!
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.
