Horton Plains National Park offers a unique ecosystem with cool highlands and rich biodiversity, which stands as a key attraction in Nuwara Eliya. The park covers 3,160 hectares and rises to 2,300 meters above sea level. Tourists can witness a variety of flora and fauna, some of which is endemic to the region. The park is home to World's End, where the plateau comes to a sudden drop with stunning views that can extend for miles on clear days. The park also has beautiful waterfalls and streams, making it a hiker's paradise. It's important to start the trek early morning as the park is often covered in mist from mid-morning onwards. Aside from walking and sight-seeing, the park is also a fantastic destination for birdwatching.
Victoria Park is a well-maintained and serene place located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. Spanning 25 acres, it's a haven for leisurely walks, picnics, and bird watching. The park was named to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. With its beautifully laid out flower beds, mini-forest, and children's playground, it’s a perfect spot for families to unwind. The park's impressive variety of plants, both native and foreign, provides a colorful backdrop throughout the year. It has a nominal entrance fee and can get crowded during weekends, but visiting on a weekday often allows for a more tranquil experience.
The trek to Lover's Leap Waterfall is a rewarding experience for those who enjoy nature and a bit of adventure. The waterfall is situated just a couple of kilometers from the center of Nuwara Eliya and is accessible via a moderately easy hiking trail. According to local tales, the waterfall got its name from a tragic love story of a young couple who leapt to their death from the top of the falls. At approximately 30 meters high, the waterfall is a beautiful sight, and the trek passes through lush tea plantations and typical hill-country scenery. Be sure to bring a camera for photos and wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
Gregory Lake is one of the most prominent attractions in Nuwara Eliya, offering a relaxing environment and a variety of recreational activities like boating, horse riding, and cycling around the lake. Created during the British colonial period and named after Sir William Gregory, the lake is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Boating provides a way to experience the tranquility of the lake and enjoy the surrounding views. The gentle climate usually found in Nuwara Eliya makes this activity quite enjoyable throughout the day. Boats can be rented for individual or group rides, and life jackets are provided for safety.
The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia and offers a challenging 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the beautiful hill country. Opened in 1889, the club retains the charm of the colonial era with its old clubhouse and well-maintained grounds. The golf course itself is picturesque and presents challenges such as tight fairways, dense rough, and a number of water hazards. Playing a round here is a must for golf enthusiasts visiting Nuwara Eliya, not just for the golfing experience but also for the stunning surroundings and the cool climate that is ideal for the sport.
No trip to Nuwara Eliya would be complete without visiting a tea factory. The town is known for its Ceylon tea, and a visit to one of the local tea factories provides insights into the tea-making process, from plucking the green leaves to processing and packing. Most tours also include a tea tasting session where visitors can sample different grades of tea. Additionally, visitors often get to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations. The experience is both educational and enjoyable, providing a closer look at the industry that has shaped the history and economy of Sri Lanka.
Single Tree Hill, or 'One Tree Hill' as it is locally known, is the tenth-tallest mountain in Sri Lanka and offers one of the most scenic viewpoints over Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding tea plantations. The hike to the top is relatively straightforward, though it can be steep in parts. Upon reaching the summit, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views that are especially remarkable at sunrise or sunset. It's a quiet and less frequented spot, making it ideal for a peaceful trek. Hikers should bring a bottle of water and a camera to capture the breathtaking vistas from the top.
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second-largest garden in Sri Lanka, and it's noted for its extensive collection of roses and other flowers. Established in 1861 for the cultivation of Cinchona, the plantation was later turned into a garden with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors to the garden enjoy the well-designed layouts, quiet ponds, and the cool climate that helps maintain the lush greenery. It’s an excellent place for nature lovers and photographers alike. In addition to the florals, the garden also hosts several species of birds and is a fantastic setting for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
The twin waterfalls, St. Clair's and Devon, are located close to each other and are often referred to as the 'Little Niagara of Sri Lanka.' St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the country and consists of two falls, 'Maha Ella' (The Greater Falls) and 'Kuda Ella' (The Lesser Falls). Devon Falls drops 97 meters and is named after a pioneer English coffee planter. Both waterfalls create a majestic spectacle and are popular stops for travelers heading to or from Nuwara Eliya. There are viewpoints along the main road to take in the scenery, and while swimming is not advised due to strong currents, the sight itself is mesmerizing.
Moon Plains is a newer attraction in Nuwara Eliya, known for its unique landscapes that resemble the moon's surface, with vast open plains surrounded by mountains. Paddleboating here offers an opportunity to enjoy the serene atmosphere and cool weather, making for an enjoyable family activity. The plains are surrounded by tea plantations and forests and are known for its rich biodiversity, including leopards, buffaloes, and various bird species. The area provides excellent photo opportunities against the backdrop of the stunning Horton Plains and the peak of Sri Lanka's second-highest mountain, Mount Pidurutalagala.
