Joanna James
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” is a picturesque hill station situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea-laden highlands. It offers a welcome departure from the island’s tropical humidity, inviting visitors to embrace cooler climes and a touch of colonial charm. With misty hills, crisp air, and stately bungalows, the area provides a stark contrast to coastal experiences. These lesser-known attractions delve into the region’s deeper character, offering history, intrigue, and natural beauty sure to engage both lens and imagination.
While Horton Plains is well known, and the crowds at World’s End are expected, few explore the lesser-trodden path to Moon Plains. Once a refuse site, it has been transformed into an expansive grassland sanctuary that is unexpectedly breathtaking. Serene and scenic, it offers panoramic views that genuinely astonish. Visitors can embark on a jeep safari to Mini World’s End, a striking viewpoint that quietly showcases Pidurutalagala—Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain—with effortless grandeur. Without question, it remains one of the finest things to do in Nuwara Eliya.
Positioned amidst hills and immaculately kept tea estates, the Seetha Amman Temple is steeped in mythology. According to the Ramayana, this is where Sita, consort of Lord Rama, was held by Ravana, infusing the site with profound cultural resonance. The temple is adorned with vividly coloured statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, and is enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection. Nearby, large rock formations bearing indentations believed to be Hanuman’s footprints deepen the intrigue. Hotels such as Heritance Tea Factory offer guided Ramayana Trails that allow deeper exploration.
Though one might assume all gardens are alike, Hakgala Botanical Garden—established in 1861—clearly stands apart. As Sri Lanka’s second-largest botanical collection, it presents an impressive range of flora that includes orchids, ancient trees, ferns, and notably fragrant roses. Meticulously arranged into themed zones and well-maintained walking paths, the garden invites visitors to slow down, appreciate the diversity, and momentarily disengage from the modern world. It is a setting that blends aesthetic beauty with botanical education.
Amid Nuwara Eliya’s many colonial structures, the town’s Post Office remains among the most distinctive. Built in 1894, this red-brick building continues to function while simultaneously offering a glimpse into the past. With its steep gables, traditional windows, and heritage charm, it serves as both a working institution and an architectural timepiece. Stepping inside evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the interior counters maintain their historic character, offering a rare fusion of utility and sentimentality.
Nuwara Eliya is home to numerous waterfalls, yet Lover’s Leap stands out for its evocative narrative. Legend tells of a prince and a village maiden whose forbidden love led them to leap from its summit—rendering the site both tragic and timeless. Though not the tallest or most thunderous, the waterfall’s elegance lies in its understated beauty. A brief trek through lush tea fields and quiet hamlets enhances the sense of serenity. It is an experience that transcends mere sightseeing, enriched by its emotional depth and setting.
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.
