The charming city of Nuwara Eliya is home to a number of incredible wonders. Tudor-style hotels, hedgerows, colonial-era bungalows and beautiful gardens give a British-country-village like feel to this place. It is a perfect cool-climate escape for city dwellers who want to spend some time away from the mad rush of the metropolitan life. Whatever your goal, here are a few places in Nuwara Eliya to get started:
Gregory Lake: Set in a picturesque environment, Gregory Lake is the most acclaimed attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by Governor William Gregory between 1872 and 1877 and was then used for leisure and adventure purposes. Over the years, it has got a complete makeover by the government and is now a hub of recreational activities. You can see tourists enjoying leisure activities such as boat rides, pony rides along the shore, windsurfing, jet skis, etc. A leisurely stroll through the perfectly manicured parks is also a great way to unwind and relax here. The best time to visit this area is around April-May.
Victoria Park: This ornate park is said to be named after Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee Coronation. Its serene atmosphere is just perfect to soak in the fresh mountain air and relax in the warmth of nature. Spread over 27 acres, the park is a hotspot for bird-watching enthusiasts and is home to a number of rare birds, including grey tit, Kashmir flycatcher and Indian pitta. It also has a special kid’s play zone where kids can enjoy miniature train rides. The best time to adore the flora and fauna of this well-maintained park is from March to May. It is easily accessible and lies in close proximity to some of the top Nuwara Eliya rest houses.
Tea estates: Just drive a few minutes away from Nuwara Eliya, amidst the picturesque hills to enjoy spectacular views of the tea estates. Tea factories and plantations here will be more than happy to take you on a round tour and explain in detail about the tea plucking and tea-making processes. Some tea centres also organise tea plucking and tasting competitions for the local as well as international visitors. While exploring these tea estates, do taste some of the freshly brewed tea varieties for a true Sri Lankan experience.
