Do you want to have a taste of the finest tea in the world? Well then I invite you to immerse yourself in the enchanting land of Nuwara Eliya filled with mist-draped emerald green mountains, colonial heritage, adventure, festivity and the alluring scent of freshly brewed tea in the nation that produces the finest of the finest tea. We warmly welcome you to Sri Lanka’s “Little England” to embrace this serene and picturesque beauty of nature, where you’d experience a range of new activities throughout the day that will make you want to settle down near a campfire later for a locally grown and brewed cup of Sri Lankan tea and you could take the privilege of sipping Ceylon tea at the land of the city where this tea is grown while feeling the chills of the hills that are covered with the waves of lush green tea plantations.
Nuwara Eliya also known as Sri Lanka’s “Little England” and also the “City of Lights” enchants a gorgeously pleasant and cooler climate will make you want to relax but if you love adventure I guarantee that it is still one of the top destinations in Sri Lanka for all you adventure lovers. Let me give you a little visionary sense of how visiting Nuwara Eliya would be like; imagine yourself taking a walk through the paths in the breathtaking landscapes of deep valleys with rose gardens surrounded by mist-covered mountains and exotic waterfalls gushing down, giving you the soft chills of the cold breeze which strangely makes you feel that it gives the remarkable countryside feeling with a hint of British air. The Gorgeous old world charm that comes from the picturesque “Little England”, as you let your eyes get a feast of the architectural beauty of the bungalows from the colonial era and the graceful gardens filled in blossoms and lush greenery, will make you feel as if time has slowed down. The time stopping, mind relaxing and soul cleansing City of Lights is located in the center of this mesmerizing island in hill country. The pinnacle of natural splendor is Nuwara Eliya and stepping foot at this wondrous scenic land is like a picture from a postcard had been brought to life.
Did you know that Sri Lanka is one of the top tea exporters in the world? There are several tea factories and tea plantations around Sri Lanka but Nuwara Eliya owns the best of them. The amazingly cool climate with the finest tea leaves and the rolling waves of lush greenery from the terrains will leave you in awe if you visit this tea paradise. Wouldn’t it be the most amusing experience to drink a cup of the ready mate tea at the site from its freshly grown fine tea leaves which are dried and brewed at that moment?
You can experience and watch the process of tea making by taking a little tea tour at either Pedro Estate Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya Estate tea factory or Heritance tea factory and experience the process of tea production from plucking the tea leaves to drying them while you visit our tea factories here. It will be a wonderful experience to try plucking tea leaves while hanging the basket behind yourself too, as the locals would warmly welcome you and guide you through the process and it would be a sweet experience in the midst of the fragrance of the tea leaves.
Ever heard of World’s End in Nuwara Eliya? Well take a chance to witness the Horton plains that is renowned as World’s End, which at dawn would be misty but turn much more scenic as the golden rays of the sun touches the plains revealing the lush greenery and wildlife such as birds, sambar deers and leopards.
For someone who loves nature, wildlife and adventure, it would be an amazing hike which wouldn't be too tiring thanks to the well preserved paths. Wildlife and nature photographers have an amazing chance in capturing many picturesque scenes within and even beyond the plains. Feeling a bit tired after a long hike? Camp at the campgrounds consisting of comfy cabins.
Not to forget the Mini World’s End which is the Moon Plains at Nuwara Eliya that portrays a backdrop of gray and valleys that look gorgeously green like they were brought to life from a painting along with the diverse wildlife. At Moon Plains, you will be able to witness hundreds of different bird species along with deers and buffalos in this serene landscape. You may have heard of the Sri Lankan leopards, and if you have not, it is time you know about these spotted beasts which are regularly observed in this terrain so if you're hoping to see them well this is your chance! Watch out for it! The Mini World’s end has a sharp descending so it is better to watch your step, but I promise that it will give you a magnificent view of the farmland valley below it.
Fun fact! We have a “Little New Zealand” within our “Little England”. It is none other than the Ambewela Farm at Nuwara Eliya situated in the hilly area which is famous for having its own dairy products served all around Sri Lanka. This serene farmland is an inviting place for a wander away from the hustle and bustle of the city because the sky is nearly always a brilliant blue, and cows graze freely on the farm's lush green fields with wind turbines surrounding the landscape in the background.
Another lovable site to visit, especially if you are travelling with your little kids, would be the strawberry farms here at this beautiful “City of Lights”. The strawberry farms are in fact among the city's most blissfully lovely farms that are pretty gorgeous. A lot of visitors stop by these farms in order to observe the harvest of these delicious fruits and to adore how they are blooming. Vast meadows and greenhouses are where strawberry cultivation is done and at some farms, visitors are welcome to pluck fresh strawberries so wouldn't it be a delightful experience? Take a stroll in a strawberry farm with your little ones or with your loved one as a leisure activity. You could visit these farms within Ambewela farms and also at other areas of Nuwara Eliya. The little ones would love the freshly gathered strawberries sold at several shops and cafés that also serve strawberry beverages, ice cream pancakes, etc.
Embrace the mesmerizing charmer of Nuwara Eliya’s gushing waterfalls, where nature's symphony blends with the serene scenic beauty of the hill country. You would definitely be enchanted as you take a stroll through this magical wonderland where you would witness the majesty and grace of the marvels of nature. Feel the refreshingly drizzling dew that would land on your skin and listen to the gush of water that flows over moss-covered rocks, which will carry you away to a calm haven. From the extraordinary Devon Falls to the elegant Ramboda Falls, every one of the waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya has its own unique glamor. These waterfalls would be the excellent backdrop for an amazing photo which would portray a soul connection with nature.
A spectacular top attraction in Nuwara Eliya is the Lover's Leap Waterfall where its name is said to have been inspired by two sad lovers who jumped over this beautiful waterfall to have a tragic passing. The Lover's Leap waterfall gives a spectacular point of view of Nuwara Eliya town, which is surrounded by lush greenery. Climbing to the summit is a great way to unwind in the afternoon but you can also hire a bike and ride while taking in the refreshing air.
Save time to visit the Lake Gregory named after Sir William Gregory in 1873 which will be an amusing experience especially for families as the kids and even adults could have a fun pony ride around the lake while taking a chance to go on a boat ride as well. Have a leisurely walk around the paved paths with your loved ones while enjoying the pristine scenery and having a little snack which is served at the fast food stalls.
Take yourself on an adventure into the wonders of watersports at the shimmering waters of Lake Gregory. Take a thrilling jet ski ride for a rush of adrenaline or feel the chilly breeze as you ride through the waves with your windsurfing board. Like it at your own pace? Well then grab a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the soothing waters while enjoying a feast of the lush green mountains and fragrant blossom gardens around the lake.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is the splendor of nature portrayed in a dazzling kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and scents where you can indulge yourself in the fantasy of a floral land. This mesmerizing land invites you to embrace the peaceful atmosphere it holds and to let it enchant you with its alluring beauty. Roam through the neatly maintained footpaths that pass through verdant greens, colorful beds of flowers and soaring woodlands. Take time to admire the exquisite petals of the eye-catching flowers, savor their appealing fragrance, and enjoy the cold air that rustles the leaves.
You can take a tuk tuk ride or go cycling to Hakgala Botanical Garden which is about 7 km away from Lake Gregory. Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the 5 main botanical gardens of Sri Lanka which is known as an awe-inspiring heavenly paradise of 1000 different species of exotic blossoms with rare roses and orchids which catches the eyes of both locals and foreigners. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens are at their most beautiful in April, when nearly all flora is in full bloom.
Discover the religious and spiritual tranquility at Seetha Amman Temple, a holy place rooted in folklore and mythology, hidden amongst the splendid scenery at Nuwara Eliya. Hindu mythology plays an immense amount of importance on this place of spiritual comfort as it is rumored that the Hindu goddess Seetha searched for sanctuary in this sacred place while she was held captive.
As you observe followers chanting pleas and illuminating oil lamps, you will feel an emotional connection to the traditions of the ancient times as their dedication to these prayers fills the atmosphere with an impression of awe. Wander at the monastery's landscape where tranquil meadows and a sparkling stream offers you a sense of peacefulness.
Take a stroll to Seetha Amman Temple or the much renowned Sita Amman Kovil which is only 1km away from Hakgala. The Seetha Amman Temple/Kovil at Nuwara Eliya is one of a kind and is known to be the only temple of this kind in the world. It was built according to South Indian architecture. According to the legends, Sita was hidden at this sacred place to ensure her safety as the Ramayana portrays it. There is a waterway with very clear water that flows nearby which is said to be the water that Sita bathed in and the rock besides it is known to be the place where she had engaged in her prayers. The Temple has several other names such as Sita Amman kovil, Sita Amman Temple, Hanuman Kovil, Hanuman Temple and Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Kovil.
The City of Lights is such a vibrant, colorful and eye-catching city with flower showers at festive times of the year. If you love festivals, then I present to you the annual festivals and celebrations at Nuwara Eliya such as the Nuwara Eliya Flower Festival and the horse races, carnivals, and cultural performances which you can witness in the April Season. Celebrations and fun parties would be held both indoor and outdoor. If you love adventure you do already know now that you could go on hikes. Take a chance on witnessing the motor racing and horse racing events in Nuwara Eliya Race course, Radella Hill Climbs and Mahagastota. You would definitely love a mind relaxing Golf Tournament at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. The best 18-hole golf course of Asia is known to be found in Sri Lanka at Nuwara Eliya.
Whether you want a peaceful atmosphere still filled with awe-inspiring experiences which would become a core memory or an adventurous and fun experience which would not be tiring and make you want more, you will have the most mind relaxing, breathtaking and stunning experience when you step into “Little England” of Sri Lanka. Visit this top travel destination in Sri Lanka and enjoy the beauty of the City of Lights while you capture enough pictures to add to your travel gallery so that you could cherish the memory of visiting these wonderful places.