Nuwara Eliya is a city in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its cool climate and scenic tea plantations. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens here feature roses, tree ferns, and animals like monkeys and blue magpies. Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu site, is nearby. Galway’s Land National Park is a small forest area that protects local and migratory birds. Gregory Lake, built in the 1800s, is popular for boating and horse riding.
To the north is Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, surrounded by a forest reserve. The nearby countryside has many waterfalls, including the beautiful St. Clair’s Falls. To the southwest is Adam’s Peak, a mountain sacred to several religions and visited by pilgrims. Horton Plains National Park lies further south, offering grassy plains, wildlife like sambar deer and leopards, and the famous cliff viewpoint called World’s End, which overlooks the distant lowlands.
Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains is a highland national park in central Sri Lanka, sitting between 6,900 and 7,500 feet above sea level. It features grassy plains and misty cloud forests. The area is home to many rare plants and animals that are found only in this region. It’s also the starting point for three of Sri Lanka’s major rivers: the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe.
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is a tall mountain in central Sri Lanka, reaching 2,243 meters. It’s famous for a large footprint-shaped mark at the top, which Buddhists believe was left by the Buddha. The peak is a sacred site and a popular pilgrimage destination, especially during the climbing season.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
Hakgala Botanical Garden is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. It’s located near Nuwara Eliya and is one of five main botanical gardens in the country. The garden is known for its wide range of plants and flowers, especially orchids and roses.
Devon Falls
Devon Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near the town of Talawakele in the Nuwara Eliya District. It’s named after an English coffee planter named Devon. The waterfall is also called the “Veil of the Valley” and can be seen from the A7 highway.
Pidurutalagala
Pidurutalagala, also known as Mount Pedro, is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at 2,524 meters. It’s located near Nuwara Eliya and can be seen from many parts of the Central Province. The mountain is an important spot for communication towers and is part of a protected area.
Seetha Amman Temple
Seetha Amman Temple is a small Hindu temple near Hakgala Botanical Garden, about 5 km from Nuwara Eliya. According to legend, this is where Sita from the Hindu epic Ramayana was held captive by King Ravana. The temple is decorated with colorful statues and carvings.
St. Clair’s Falls
St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, often called the “Little Niagara.” It flows through a tea estate and drops in three stages into a large pool. The waterfall gets its name from the nearby tea estate it flows through.
Galway’s Land National Park
Galway’s Land is a small national park in Nuwara Eliya, covering 27 hectares. It’s a dense forest that is home to a variety of bird species, including rare migratory and native birds. The park also has many interesting plant species from both Sri Lanka and other countries.
Aberdeen Falls
Aberdeen Falls is a tall waterfall, standing at 98 meters, located near the town of Ginigathena in the Nuwara Eliya District. It flows along the Kehelgamu Oya, a major stream that feeds the Kelani River. The waterfall is named after the Scottish city of Aberdeen.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a public park in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, next to the town’s post office. It was originally part of the Hakgala Botanical Garden’s research area. The park has a small river, the Nanu Oya, that flows through it, forming little lakes. Many rare birds can be seen here, making it a peaceful place for a nature walk.
Best time to visit Nuwara Eliya
The ideal time to visit Nuwara Eliya is between February and April. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, with clear skies and blooming flowers making the scenery even more beautiful. It’s also a great time for outdoor activities like sightseeing, hiking, and visiting tea plantations. This season is perfect for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this hill country town.
