Nuwara Eliya, also known as the City of Light, is nestled in the central province of Sri Lanka and stands as a crucial area for tea production. This region is notable for its cool temperatures, which vary from 10-21 degrees Celsius. Visitors are encouraged to explore the tea estates, lakes, picturesque landscapes, and historic buildings, all while soaking in the old-world charm of what is affectionately referred to as Sri Lanka’s Little England.
Attractions In Nuwara Eliya
Delve into the heart of the hill country and uncover the treasures of Nuwara Eliya during your visit
01. Victoria Park
Originally a research field for the Hakgala Botanical Garden, Victoria Park now spans 27 acres in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. Named in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, this public park flourishes with a wide variety of flowering plants, including rare and exotic species. Managed by the local municipal council, it is a year-round destination, with the best visiting months being March to May and August to September when the flowers are in spectacular bloom. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars to spot species like the Sri Lanka scimitar babbler and the yellow-eared bulbul. There’s also a children’s area with a play zone and a miniature train, making it ideal for family picnics.
02. Gregory Lake Nuwara Eliya
Created in 1873 by British Governor Sir William Gregory, Gregory Lake has evolved from a mere bog into a vibrant recreational spot. Today, it covers 225 acres and offers numerous water activities. Visitors can enjoy pony rides, boat rentals, and even windsurfing. The park surrounding the lake features food stalls offering local snacks and delicacies. For those pressed for time, seaplanes from Colombo provide quick access to this serene getaway.
03. Horton Plains National Park
Located about an hour from Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park is a top attraction in the Central Province. The park, sitting between 6,900 and 7,500 feet in elevation, features grasslands and cloud forests and serves as the headwaters for three major rivers. It’s a biodiversity hotspot where visitors can observe sambar deer, numerous bird species, and enjoy the breathtaking views from World’s End, a dramatic 4,000-foot cliff.
04. Ambewela Farm
Often called ‘Little New Zealand’, Ambewela Farm is about 17km from Nuwara Eliya. The farm is renowned for its dairy production, thanks to the collaboration with the New Zealand government in the 1960s. Visitors can see cows grazing freely in green pastures and buy fresh dairy products from the on-site store. The farm’s cool climate and pastoral scenery make it a peaceful retreat.
05. Moon Plains
Discovered as a tourist spot in 2014, Moon Plains offers stunning 360-degree views of the Central Highlands from a designated viewpoint known as ‘Mini Worlds End’. The valley, surrounded by some of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain ranges, provides a unique vantage point to observe peaks such as Pidurutalagala and Kirigalpotha. The area is also rich in wildlife, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers.
06. Pedro Tea Estate
Just a short drive from Nuwara Eliya, the Pedro Tea Estate is an essential visit for tea enthusiasts. Established in 1885, the estate offers a glimpse into the tea-making process with its 19th-century machinery. The factory tour reveals the steps from grading to packaging, albeit it operates at night to preserve the quality of tea. The adjacent Lovers Leap Ethical Tea Boutique provides a serene setting to enjoy a cup of tea against the backdrop of the tea plantations and the nearby Bomburella Reservoir.
0 Comment