Lying in the west of the island, a charming hill station of Nuwara Eliya, or Little England, is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Nuwaraeliya is renowned for its cool Climate,Pictruesue Landscapes and the Colonial Era Architecture. Here’s the journey of Nuwara Eliya, its history, its attractions, and why it’s been one of the travelers favorite places to visit.
A Glimpse into History
British colonial rulers had fallen in love with its cool climate and beauty and had founded Nuwara Eliya in the early 19th century. Soon, the town became a favorite getaway for British official, sick of the tropical heat of the lowlands. That is when the British transformed Nuwara Eliya into a little bit of England itself, with mock Tudor buildings, rose gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. Today, the town still has a lot of colonial charm to it which is undoubtedly a unique selling point as visitors get a first hand feel into Sri Lanka’s Colonial past.
Natural Beauty and Climate
The cool climate of Nuwara Eliya is one of its main draws. The town sits at an altitude of 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) and enjoys mild temperatures year round that average 12 to 20 degrees Celsius (54 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). The lush greenery, rolling hills and cool weather of Nuwara Eliya make it one of the cooler of the holiday spots in the lowlands.
Tea plantations blanket the hills, covering the majority of the Nuwara Eliya landscape and making the place so green. Some of the worlds finest Ceylon tea originates from these plantations, so visiting one of the many tea estates is a must. The green tea fields, broken intermittently by running waterfalls and clean lakes is a picturesque atmosphere that would interest nature lovers and photographers.
Top Attractions
There is plenty to do in Nuwara Eliya for all kinds of interests. Nuwara Eliya has something for everyone – whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff or just interested in relaxing and unwinding.
1. Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake is a calm and scenic location located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya; you can find many activities such as boating, jet skiing and paddle boating. The Lake is encircled by awesome cultivates and delightful scenes and is extremely well known for having picnics and an unwinding stroll around it.
2. Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is a rich biodiversity site, known for its excellent biodiversity and splendid landscapes, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. World’s End is the park’s most famous feature, a sheer cliff with a drop of 4,000 feet or so and glorious views. The park also has Baker’s Falls, a striking waterfall, and a variety of wildlife, and is a hikers’ and nature buffs’ paradise.
3. Pedro Tea Estate
Sri Lanka’s tea industry is fascinating, that’s what Pedro Tea Estate is. A guided tour through the tea factory provides a tour of the tea making process and a tasting of the finest Ceylon teas is offered. Situated in a picturesque setting, with rolling tea fields and stunning views, the estate is the must visit place to see.
4. Victoria Park
In the heart of Nuwara Eliya you can find the beautifully maintained public park Victoria Park. It is known for its flower beds of color and its species of bird. Because it is serene and the park has nice picturesque landscapes, it is popularly visited by the locals and tourists.
5. Hakgala Botanical Garden
Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated about 10 kilometers away from Nuwara Eliya and is Sri Lanka’s second biggest botanical garden. On the garden you will find a surprising variety of flora such as orchids, roses, and ferns. The area enjoys a cool climes ans has spectacular views making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
6. Seetha Amman Temple
Situated in Seetha Eliya in the village is Seetha Amman Temple, which describes to be the place where the demon king Ravana imprisoned Sita, wife of Lord Rama. To both devotees and tourists, the visitors are also attracted by temple’s mystical aura and beautiful surroundings.
People also engage in Adventure and Leisure Activities.
Apart from being blessed with natural beauty and the cultural attractions, Nuwara Eliya has also a series of adventure and leisure activities. Golfers can play a round of golf in the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia. Aside from underground river tours, the town also presents its visitors numerous opportunities for horse riding, hiking and bird watching so its perfect place for nature buffs.
Culinary Delights
Like its attractions, the culinary scene of Nuwara Eliya is so diverse. There is variety of dining available in the town which includes Sri Lankan cuisine, international foods as well. Many restaurants and cafes offer delicious meals, and as well as tasting fresh strawberries at the local farms, visitors can enjoy a traditional English high tea at one of a handful of colonial era hotels.
3-Day Tour of Nuwara Eliya: Exploring the Best Attractions
Day 1: A little about the heart of Nuwara Eliya
1. Gregory Lake
Situated inside Nuwara Eliya Gregory Lake lies in the heart of Nuwara and the most peaceful and photogenic photo spot to start your tour. This delightfully artificial lake was created in 1873 by Governor William Gregory, which is surrounded by lush surrounding greenery and stunning landscape, and, thus, a favorite place of the locals as well as tourists. Boating, jet skiing, and paddle boating are just some of amazing activities that you can enjoy on the lake.
Attractions and Activities:
Boating: You can hire a boat and calm down on the ride across the lake enjoying the views.
Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is available for a little bit of adrenaline; it is a fun means to explore the lake.
Horse Riding: Spend a lazy horse ride along the shores of Gregory Lake, something totally different.
Tips for Visitors:
Best Time to Visit: If you ever visit Gregory Lake, the best time is in the morning or late afternoons.
Picnic Spots: The lake has several well tended picnic spots around, which are ideal for a family outing or a romantic picnic.
Safety: For your safety, it’s recommended you wear life jackets as you try out water sports.
Day 2: Exploring the Rich Heritage
2. Horton Plains National Park
Nature lovers and other adventure lovers will love Horton Plains National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated some 32 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya, is famous for the sheer wealth of biodiversity, beautiful landscapes and the famous World’s End cliff. It is the paradise for trekkers where you will get many trekking routes.
Attractions and Activities:
World’s End: A sheer cliff, with a drop of about 4,000 feet, affording spectacular views over the plains and on clear days out to the Indian Ocean.
Baker’s Falls: One of the gorgeous falls within the park that makes great stop point for refreshing while hiking.
Wildlife: See sambar deer, purple faced langur, and a variety of bird species.
Tips for Visitors:
Early Start: To get the best views from World’s End, begin your trek early in the morning so that you won’t be on the peak in the mist.
Guided Tours: A great way to learn more about the park’s ecology and history is to hire a guide.
Carry Essentials: Take water, snacks and a camera to appreciate the amazing scenics that are on offer.
Day 3: Embracing the Colonial Charm
3.Pedro Tea Estate
Sri Lanka is rich with tea heritage, and Pedro Tea Estate shows what the country has to offer. This tea plantation is set up in the 19th century, just a drive away from Nuwara Eliya town. Visitors can learn about the process of tea making and enjoy the impressive views of the rolling tea fields, when visiting the estate.
Attractions and Activities:
Tea Factory Tour: See the tea production process from leaf to leaf plucking, through to the final packaging, all in the first guided tour of the tea factory.
Tea Tasting: Taste some of the finest Ceylon teas produced at the estate, and enjoy a tasting session.
Photography: Picture the landscapes and the tea pluckers hard work.
Tips for Visitors:
Best Time to Visit: Go there in the morning when the tea factory is operational and you get the full experience.
Purchase Tea: Do not forget to purchase some freshly produced tea to take home for a souvenir.
Comfortable Clothing: Come in comfortable shoes and clothes that you are ready to walk in the tea fields.