Nestled in the misty hills of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is the perfect holiday destination if you’re trying to escape the heat or just simply want to relax amidst a beautiful backdrop of majestic green mountains. While in Nuwara Eliya you will find that there is much to see and do. Here’s our suggestion of 10 places to visit in and around Nuwara Eliya.
1. Ramboda Falls
If you’re approaching Nuwara Eliya through Kurunagala town rather than through the Kandy road as is common, which we recommend you should due to the heavy traffic found on the Kandy road, you will come across this gorgeous waterfall. Stopping here is a real treat because just nearby you can find a coffee shop and a 5 foot natural spring that you can relax in.
2. Lake Gregory
While in Nuwara Eliya a visit to the peaceful Lake Gregory is highly recommended. Visitors have the opportunity to go horseback riding, jet skiing, take a relaxing boat ride or swan boat ride on the lake, walk around the gardens or simply sit back and enjoy the cool climate and the beautiful view.
3. The Hill Club
An exclusive hotel with membership facilities, the Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya offers a fine dining experience in the hills of Sri Lanka. Temporary memberships can be obtained at Rs 100 if you’re dropping in for lunch or dinner. We recommend that you do. They are very particular about the dress code however and if you’re dropping in for dinner, a coat or blazer is a must. If you haven’t got a coat or blazer you can rent one from the club.
4. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Set at an altitude of over 6000 feet, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Courses are some of the most beautiful in Asia. If you’re a fan of golf we highly recommend a few rounds of golf set amid beautiful mist hills and greenery.
5. World’s End
Just an hour’s drive from Nuwara Eliya Town, visiting world’s end is best attempted in the morning with a packed breakfast. Gazing down at the gorgeous untouched plains while you have your breakfast is an experience not to be missed.
6. New Zealand Farm
19 KM out of Nuwara Eliya Town, New Zealand farm is surrounded by gorgeous scenary. Spend some time with the animals or take a tour of the factory and learn about the process of manufacturing milk, cheese, butter and other dairy products. At the end of your tour you can also purchase some dairy products to take home.
7. Franciscan Sisters Convent
A convent run entirely by nuns, Franciscan Sisters Convent produces delicious homemade wine, jams, chutneys and other little treats that you can take back with you after your holiday in Nuwara Eliya.
8. Mackwoods Tea Factory
Nuwara Eliya produces some of the world’s best tea. See how Ceylon tea is plucked expertly and even join in and try your hand plucking tea before learning the whole process of how this fine tea is made. At the end of the tour, enjoy a warm cup of Ceylon Tea as you gaze out at the lush green fields of tea.
9. Devon Falls
Visiting Devon Falls would be ideal on the way back after your holiday. 97 meters high, the waterfall has been named after a pioneer English coffee planter and is an ideal location to stop, relax and take a few pictures before leaving Nuwara Eliya behind.
10. Kithulgala
The suspended bridge from the successful 1957 movie “Bridge on the River Kwai” can be found here. You can also try your hand at some exciting activities such as white water rafting, waterfall trekking and the confidence jump.