Nuwara Eliya is a charming city nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, renowned for its cool climate, mist-shrouded hills, and timeless colonial architecture. Often referred to as “Little England,” this picturesque destination sits approximately 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level. Its crisp mountain air, serene surroundings, and traditional British influences make it a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.
One of Nuwara Eliya’s most iconic features is its breathtaking landscape, dominated by sprawling tea plantations that stretch endlessly across rolling hills. These lush, emerald-green fields are carefully maintained, creating a patchwork of beauty that enchants visitors. Early mornings are particularly magical, with a soft mist hanging over the tea estates, adding a dreamlike quality to the scenery. The city is also famous for its neatly kept flower gardens, including the vibrant Hakgala Botanical Garden, which showcases exotic blooms and rare plant species.
For those seeking outdoor adventure or tranquil leisure, Nuwara Eliya offers a wide range of activities. Nature lovers can explore the pristine trails around Gregory Lake or take a boat ride across its calm waters. Hikers and wildlife enthusiasts will be drawn to Horton Plains National Park, a nearby natural treasure known for its dramatic landscapes, including the World’s End cliff and Baker’s Falls. The cooler climate is ideal for scenic walks, golf, or horseback riding.
No visit to Nuwara Eliya is complete without experiencing its tea culture. As the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, the region is home to some of the finest Ceylon tea estates. Visitors can tour tea factories, observe the intricate production process, and savor freshly brewed cups while overlooking the fields where the leaves are grown. The blend of colonial charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes Nuwara Eliya an unforgettable destination for travelers in search of peace, adventure, and heritage.
Victoria Park is a well-maintained park situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. Victoria Park spans approximately 27 acres and is characterized by its well-manicured lawns, towering trees, and a variety of flowering plants. The park also has a children’s play area and some rides that make the place enjoyable for all ages.
One of the highlights of Victoria Park is its stunning collection of flowers and plants. Visitors can wander through vibrant flower beds featuring an array of seasonal blooms, including roses, dahlias, marigolds, and more, adding bursts of color to the landscape. One can also enjoy looking for and spotting exotic birds like the Kashmir Flycatcher, the Indian Blue Robin, the Grey Tit, etc. The park also has a children’s play area and is known for the mini train made for the tourists to enjoy. The pretty flowers, serene ponds, and many other scenic spots in the park would also make it an excellent location for clicking beautiful photographs.
In the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake is perfect for a peaceful boat ride or a lakeside picnic. The reflections of the mountains and clouds in the calm water look like a painting. Lake Gregory is a local reservoir situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. It is surrounded by a well-maintained park with walking paths, benches, and open spaces and is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing by the water. Visitors can hire paddle boats or take a leisurely boat ride on the lake. Swan-shaped paddle boats are particularly popular among families.
The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the cool, crisp air. You can also go for pony rides or bicycles around the lake. If visiting with your family, have a lakeside picnic or a relaxed evening stroll along Gregory Lake. The lake also has small restaurants around, so you can have some snacks while exploring. Gregory Lake is an artificial reservoir created during the British colonial period in the late 19th century. It was named after Sir William Gregory, the then Governor of Ceylon. The lake area is occasionally used for events and festivals, especially during the April New Year celebrations when the region comes alive with cultural festivities.
It is a paradise of flowers and exotic plants. It feels like a different world — especially when the roses and orchids are in full bloom. The Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. It is a part of the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve and was established in 1861. Spread over 28 hectares, it boasts a lush landscape with manicured lawns, scenic walking paths, and a variety of themed gardens that are home to a vast array of flora, including exotic plants, trees, and flowers. It is said that the Hakgala Gardens is the, ‘Ashok Vatika”, from the Hindu epic ‘The Ramayana”.
Hakgala Botanical Garden has a wide variety of plants and some exotic animal species, with the entire garden divided into different sections dedicated to different plant species, like ferns, cacti, orchids, etc. Visitors can marvel at the impressive collection of orchids, roses, ferns, and medicinal plants that thrive in the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya. Hakgala is renowned for its extensive rose garden, where visitors can stroll amid a kaleidoscope of rose varieties in full bloom, filling the air with delightful fragrances.
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is on the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway, near the famous Seetha Amman Temple. It has a lot of historical significance since the Hindus believe that this was where King Ravana had his famous pleasure garden – The Ashok Vatika. The garden takes about two hours to explore and provides the ability to move around in a golf cart. Situated approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Nuwara Eliya town, accessible by road. The garden is at its best blooming during the spring and early summer months, from March to May.
The Seetha Amman Temple is a small temple located in the village of Seetha Eliya, about a kilometer away from the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The temple is believed to have been built on the site where Sita Devi was kept as a prisoner by King Ravana. The temple premises also have Lord Hanuman’s footprints and the river Seetha, where different deities were recovered.
The Seetha Amman Temple has idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Devi Sita, and Lord Hanuman. Since it is also the place where Lord Hanuman is known to have met Devi Sita to give her a message from Lord Rama, the temple premises also have a rock where you can see the footprints of Lord Hanuman. There is a river near the temple called the Seetha River, where Devi Sita prayed and bathed. It holds a lot of significance as a historical monument.
Folklore about Seetha Amman temple – Following the Hindu epic, Ramayana, it is said that the Seetha Amman Temple is the spot where Sita Devi was kept captive by King Ravana, where she prayed to Lord Rama every day to come to rescue her. The temple is also the spot where Lord Hanuman came to deliver a message to Sita Devi. The temple now has footprints of Lord Hanuman that suggest his presence there. The Seetha River that flows near the temple also has some significance. Legend has it that some centuries ago, some idols were found mysteriously, hence suggesting that these gods have been worshipped for centuries. There is also a part of the river where the water has no taste – this part is known to be cursed by Sita Devi.
Moon Plains, also known as Sandathanne, was recently opened to the public in 2014 and has readily become one of the most loved biodiversity spots for travelers. Earlier it used to be a garbage dump area which had now been converted into a park. Moon Plains is situated 6 km away from the main city of Nuwara Eliya.
During the visit to Nuwara Eliya, one can notice slanting plains, majestic against the backdrop of hills from the Central Highlands. Blanketed in lush green with mountain peaks all-round, one can view this country all at once from Moon Plains. Also known as Mini World’s end or the second World’s End, one can get a 360-degree view of the nine peaks – some of them being Kirigalpoththa, the Great Western Mountain, Kikiliyamana Mountain, Thotupola Mountain, Konical Hill Mountain, Single Tree Mountain – among which the highest peak Pidurutalagala is clearly visible from Moon Plains. As no personal vehicles are allowed, one can rent jeeps to reach the top. Safari rides, proximity to nature, diverse flora and fauna in the Moon Plains are some of the few highlights of visiting Moon Plains in Sri Lanka.
Pedro Tea Centre and Factory is a famous tea farm known for cultivating Pure Ceylon Tea grown on the terraces of the Pidurutalagala mountain. You can visit the fields and even pick some tea leaves with the help of the workers. Here, you get to visit the tea factory where the tea is processed and packed before exporting. The best time to visit the estate is in the morning or after 2:00 PM.
The tourists can interact with the workers in the tea fields, and they can even pick some leaves with their guidance. The tourists then visit the tea factory, where the tea leaves are dried, processed, packed, and prepared for export. The Pedro Tea Estate also has an outdoor cafe where tourists can savor fresh tea. They can also purchase some exceptional Pure Ceylon Tea from here, to take home or give gifts to their friends and family.
Lovers Leap is nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Nuwara Eliya, creating a serene and romantic ambiance. It is characterized by a single stream of water that gracefully cascades down a rocky precipice, creating an ethereal sight against the backdrop of verdant surroundings. There is an observation deck strategically placed to provide visitors with an optimal view of the waterfall.
Lovers Leap is steeped in a romantic local legend. According to folklore, a tragic love story unfolds around the waterfall, involving a young couple. The tale adds a touch of mystique to the natural beauty of the site. There are various stories as to how this waterfall got its name, and all of them make the place even more intriguing. Towards the end of the hike, the view of the waterfall, and the view of the entire city from the top of the hill are guaranteed to make you swoon. The trek may get tough, but it is worth it.
It is recommended that you visit these waterfalls during the wet season to see them in their full glory. It is easy to find the waterfalls since there are directions marked on the way. You will come across a shrine of Lord Shiva on your way as well. Tourists generally prefer visiting this waterfall in the afternoon, after paying a visit to the Tea Estate. A bit of hard work and challenging climbing can take you to the best viewing point of the city. It is easily accessible, located a short distance from the town center, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Waterfalls near to Nuwara Eliya – Bomburu Ella, Devon Falls, Laxapana Falls, St. Clair’s Falls, Kolapathana waterfalls, Ramboda Falls, Aberdeen Falls, Nanuoya Falls.
Damro Tea Factory, located in the scenic region of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s well-known tea factories offering an insight into the tea production process. The factory is set amidst the lush, rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, providing visitors with a chance to witness the traditional methods of tea plucking, processing, and packaging. Guests can take guided tours of the facility, learning about the history of Sri Lankan tea and sampling freshly brewed cups of tea. The picturesque surroundings and educational experience make the Damro Tea Factory a popular stop for tea enthusiasts visiting Nuwara Eliya.
Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and iconic attractions. Spanning over 31 square kilometers, the park is characterized by rolling grasslands, misty forests, and breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most iconic features of Horton Plains is World’s End, a sheer cliff that drops 880 meters (2,890 feet) into the valley below, offering visitors a dizzying view of the plains and distant mountains. The viewpoint is especially popular at sunrise when the mist lifts to reveal the stunning scenery below. During the hike, a popular stop is the multi-tiered, 20-meter-tall Baker’s Waterfall, where you can swim during monsoon.
Horton Plains is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, wild boar, and many species of birds. Birdwatchers flock to Horton Plains to spot elusive species such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, yellow-eared bulbul, and Sri Lanka wood pigeon amidst the park’s diverse habitats.
Horton Plains National Park offers several hiking trails that cater to different fitness levels and interests. The most popular trail is the circular route that takes visitors past World’s End, Baker’s Falls, and through scenic grasslands and forests. Due to its high elevation, Horton Plains National Park experiences cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding lowlands, and mist and fog are common, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
The farm, also known as New Zealand farm, is a hub of organic countryside activities in the pristine landscape of Ambewela hill station. The lush green fields, rugged mountains, and the bright blue sky gives Ambewela the title of ‘Little New Zealand’. The drive is a pleasant one, with scenic views of vegetable farms, lakes and forests. A famous attraction in this area is the World’s End, which is a cliff with an immense depth of more than 1200 meters. This thrilling spot is often used by visitors to click pictures.
Ambewela is a pristine hill station located in Nuwara Eliya district in Central Province, Sri Lanka. The farm is located 20 km from Nuwara Eliya and encompasses a 1500-acre area. Ambewela farm also owns a cafeteria, which specializes in dairy products, organically made in the farm. The milkshakes in the cafeteria are beloved by the locals as well as the tourists. The weather is always pleasant in and around the farm. The temperature ranges between 9°C to 23°C, with an average of 17.5°C. The misty weather adds to the beauty
Families, especially those with children, most often visit Ambewela farms. The mountains, farms and animals make for an ideal family excursion and weekend getaway. Also, children get the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, farming and the lifestyle in the countryside. Visit this slice of heaven for a peaceful and feel-good experience.
