If you love greenery, mountains, Ceylon tea and cold weather Nuwara Eliya has many places in and around the city. While enjoying the time doing interesting activities, you will be spending days closer to nature rather than to bustling over-crowded cities filled with fancy buildings.
In Nuwara Eliya, you will notice many buildings from the colonial period of the country when English were ruling the island; Stone Bungalows and Tea Bungalows in Tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya is completely different from the Southern or Northern parts of Sri Lanka.
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Enjoy the Gregory Lake
Boat rides in the lake
There are duck boats and roofless open boats which can be rented for a few hours for a fair amount of money. Two people can tour the lake around while paddling the boat together. You can take nice photographs for Instagram while you are in the middle of the lake, with the beautiful background of the city. You can enjoy a quiet conversation away from others or simply enjoy the peaceful time yourself.
Horseback riding
There are small trained horses around with their owners. You will see small children riding them, but anyone can ride them. So take the chance to stroll along the lake with the horse.
Cycling / Walking
To tour around the city and especially around Gregory Lake you can either walk along the path or rent a bicycle and go cycling. This can be a good workout for the fitness lovers
If you love some culture
Seetha Amman Kovil
This is an important place to Hindu worshippers. Especially if you have heard of Ramayanaya or King Ravana’s story, you will know the value of this place. It is said that Princess Seetha was last kept captive by King Ravana at this place. The temple can be noticed from far away due its golden appearance. It is also the only kovil dedicated to Princess Seetha. The rock behind the temple has a deep imprint in the shape of a foot, which is believed to be Hanuman’s.
Holy Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church built during the mid- 19th century, consecrated in 1852. Captain Nelson had designed the church as the original architecture.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited the church during their visit to Sri Lanka. After attending the service the church was gifted with a blue carpet and a stained glass in remembrance. It is said to be built to remind the Canterbury Church of England.
The Holy Trinity Church’s atmosphere of a colonial period built classic English church is worth the visit.
Waterfalls
There are so many waterfalls on the way to the city and in Nuwara Eliya. So here we have picked 3 waterfalls which we highly recommend to visit while in Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy the scenic beauty of a waterfall before your own eyes.
Lovers Leap
Lovers Leap falls gets its name from an old love tragedy. There was a couple; a prince and a commoner girl in love. The king of the country was unhappy about their relationship and wanted to tear them apart. At last, they leapt from the waterfall wishing to die together.
St, Clair’s Falls
80m in height, only 3 km away from the Nuwara Eliya town you will find the beautiful waterfall cascading down the rocks. The waterfall is largely surrounded by tea plantations. It is a true romantic sight for nature lovers.
Bopath Ella
This is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls because you can go nearby the vehicle. It is a bit far from Nuwara Eliya. The waterfall flows in the shape of a Bo leaf and thus named after it as Bopath Ella. There are natural pools that people swim in from this waterfall.
Nature Walks/ Hikes
Hortons Plains
It is the retreat that every nature lover can hope for. Begin the journey in the morning on a sunny day because the weather is unpredictable in Nuwara Eliya. Look out for sudden rains and by mid-afternoon it starts to get misty in the mountains. There is a lot of rich flora and biodiversity. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Once you reach the top, the wide view of the nearby mountain ranges will be amazing! You might also get to explore the wildlife in this park.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Hakgala Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. Some of the flora of it are rarely seen in other gardens. It is well maintained, decorated and mostly visited by travelers for its beauty. You can take beautiful photos with a colorful background. Anyone who visits Nuwara Eliya must visit Hakgala Gardens.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a well maintained huge park that can be used as a place to chill and relax with family & friends. There are flowers, trees and enough space for kids to run around. Spend your day relaxing while taking a stroll inside the park.
For the Tea Lovers
Mlesna Tea Castle
For the fans of tea, enjoy your morning or afternoon tea at Mlesna Tea Castle. There is the ready made view of Devon falls to relax the mood and delicious quality tea to drink. We won’t forget to mention the delicious desserts prepared for the visitors.
Additionally you can explore the castle gardens. It is elegant, refined and exquisite which is unique in itself. Go to the gift shop and buy any tea you prefer. They also have a museum inside about the history of tea.
Grand Hotel
A colonial beauty that gives out the feeling of traveling to the past. The Grand Hotel is one of the famous places to enjoy your afternoon tea with some treats. The building itself is very old but it is a luxury hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Visit and try some nice quality tea.
Tea Lounge
Enjoy some high tea in a comfy place. The decorations, service and food will definitely make your experience beautiful.
