09 Places to see in Nuwara eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. The naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway's Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species, including bulbuls and flycatchers
The town of Nuwara Eliya is mostly famous for the tea production in Sri Lanka. Apart from the tea plantations; Horton Plains National Park, Gregory Lake, and Sita Temple are some of the popular places to see in the town
Nuwara eliya is located in the Central province of Srilanka and 160 km from Katunayake international airport - 4 hours drive
Srilanka's highest mountain peak "pidurutalagala" is located in N'eliya. this area is the highest elevated land area in srilanka. the climate is very cold and you dont believe that you are in a tropical country.
The average temperature of N'eliya city is bellow 15 C. The season of Nuwara eliya starts from January and ends in April.
Nuwara eliya is called as Little England. it is for a reason, come and find out whether it is true or not.
01. Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.
Horton plains is a UNESCO world heritage site together with central highlands and knuckles mountain range.
Note to remember
Try to go at earliest possible in the morning (at least 5.30 am) there will be a que in the ticketing counter. If you can enter to the park before the first light, you can see more wild animals and birds on your trip
If possible hire a Site guide to get the maximum output of the journey.
02. Baker's Falls
Baker’s Falls is situated inside the Horton Plains National Park. This waterfall originates from Belihul Oya. It is not a tall waterfall, but has a considerable width. An observation platform at the base of the waterfall & a stairway from the main trail have been constructed a few years ago, hence the difficulty in reaching the waterfall is now minimal.
Note to remember
This water fall can be seen when you go to Horton plains. Do not Swim, there is a nice platform built nearby to the water fall, you can sit there and enjoy the view.
Swimming is not recommended
03. Ambewela Farm
Ambewela is a village, and a hill station, located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. The area is also sometimes called “Little New Zealand”. The town is situated approximately 17 km (11 mi) south-east of the district capital Nuwara Eliya. Ambewela is also a service center to the New Galway tea planting district.
Note to remember
Famous live stock farm in Srilanka.
There is a restaurant in front of the farm where you can taste a fresh cup of milk.
04. Ohiya ( A Rural Village)
Ohiya is a rural village located in Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. It is much closer to the Horton Plains National Park. The picturesque Colombo -Badulla Railyway runs through Ohiya. Ohiya is in the Welimada Divisional Secretariat Division and the Grama Niladhari Division number is 62A.
Ohiya is one of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka. On a clear day the view from the Ohiya Gap/Dondra Watch extends up to the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Note to remember
You don’t believe that you are in a Tropical country.
Try to stay at least 24 hours here. There are nice small hotels.
You can get a different srilankan winter village experience here.
05. Devon water fall
Nuwara Eliya district has many magnificent waterfalls, and Devon Waterfall is one of them. Devon Falls is located closer to Thalawakele town, and you can get here by taxi or tuk tuk.
Although you can get a clear view of Devon Falls from Hatton – Nuwara Eliya’s main road – you also have the option to walk about 1 km through the woods to get a closer look. The falls reach a height of 97 meters and are part of the Kotmale River.
Note to remember
Do NOT swim or bath here. After enjoy the waterfall don’t forget to have a fresh Ceylon cup of tea at Mlesna tea castle https://goo.gl/maps/MZw4seU7pGSu74Be7 with the view of Devon water fall.
You can purchase pure Ceylon Tea as well
06. Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is an ideal spot to go for a walk in the evening to enjoy Nuwara Eliya’s cooler weather. The scenery at the lake is simply breathtaking, although it can get pretty crowded during April. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun here, and it is an excellent place to relax idly.
Note to remember
You can do cycling, pony rides, Jet-ski, swan boating and many more. Pay separately per activity
You need to buy tickets to enter the premises.
07. Hakgala Botanical Garden
If you want to explore rare plant and flower varieties, Hakgala Botanic Gardens is the place to go. There’s quite a lot to see here, so allocate a few hours to enjoy the site fully.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens was established in 1861 and was initially a place of cultivation to experiment with crops like tea. The Gardens are famous for their eye-catchy collections of orchids and roses that are best enjoyed during the spring season (March – April) in Nuwara Eliya.
Note to remember
Hire a Golf cart by paying an additional charge if you feel uncomfortable to walk but still want to see all the special places inside the garden.
You need to buy tickets to enter the garden
08. Thotupola Kanda
Thotupola Kanda is the third-largest summit in Sri Lanka, with a soaring height of 2357 meters. It is situated within Horton Plains National Park, but many overlook it as a worthy place to visit in Nuwara Eliya.
There’s a long trail leading to the top of the mountain that’s ideal for moderate to beginner hikers. It is a great experience for children as well!
Note to remember
The trek takes around 40 minutes to complete.
Difficulty level – moderated
Use trekking shoes, bring a water bottle
09. Seetha Amman Kovil
Seetha Amman Temple, or the Sita Temple, is one of the popular points of interest in Nuwara Eliya that you shouldn’t miss. Situated at the top of a hill, 1 km away from the Hakgala Gardens, is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama’s’s wife, Sita. Hindu devotees believe this is where Sita was held captive by King Ravana.
Note to remember
This is a Hindu Temple be caution about your dress. Study about Ramayana Tale before you visit the place.
Open from 7.000 am to 5.00 pm
Call and check before you visit the place, if it is a special holiday
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