Sightseeing Nuwara Eliya

Exploring Nuwara Eliya: A Guide to Sightseeing

Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England,” is a beautiful highland town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Known for its cool climate and colonial-era architecture, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that makes it an ideal tourist destination. Here are some must-visit sites to include in your Nuwara Eliya sightseeing itinerary:

  1. Tea Plantations & Factory Visits: Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its tea plantations, which cover vast stretches of the landscape. Visiting a tea factory will provide you with an insight into the process of picking and processing Ceylon tea. Don’t forget to sample some freshly brewed tea!

  2. Seasonal Botanical Garden: Located at 7,000 feet above sea level, this botanical garden houses a rich variety of flora including orchids, trees ferns, and a wide range of exotic flowers. The best time to visit is during the dry season from February to April.

  3. Hakgala Botanical Garden: Another beautiful garden located at a higher altitude than the Seasonal Botanical Garden, Hakgala offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys.

  4. Gregory Lake: This scenic lake is nestled amidst lush greenery and offers boating facilities. It’s an excellent spot for picnicking or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

  5. Sri Maha Bodhiya: A sacred Buddhist site, the Sri Maha Bodhiya houses a sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. The temple complex is a tranquil and spiritual place to visit.

  6. Strawberry Farm Visit: Nuwara Eliya is famous for its strawberries, and you can find many farms where you can pick your own strawberries or buy fresh produce.

  7. Lover’s Leap Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall located about 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, Lover’s Leap offers stunning views and a refreshing mist.

  8. Malls & Architecture: Take a stroll down the charming streets of Nuwara Eliya and admire the colonial-era architecture, particularly the old mansions, post offices, and hill clubs that hark back to the town’s British heritage.

  9. Horton Plains National Park: Located about an hour’s drive from Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains offers breathtaking views, unique flora & fauna, and the famous World’s End cliff edge. A guided tour is recommended for this excursion.