Sri Lanka
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 Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada in the local language or Al Rohun in Arabic is a mountain located in the central hills of Nuwareliya. This place is also call Samanala Kanda or “butterfly mountain” because of the large swarms of butterfly that fly towards the mountain during the summer. The place is prominent for the footprint on the summit of the mountain. All the four faiths (i.e. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims & Christians) believe that place is significant for their own beliefs; Buddhists believe that it is the footprint of the Buddha, the Hindus believe that it is the footprint of Siva, Muslims believe that it is the footprint of Adam and the Christians believe that it is the footprint of St. Thomas. Despite the religious inclination, the mountain doesn’t fail to awe the tourists who climb to the summit. If you’re with your friends and looking forward to hike, this is one of the best hikes you will ever have.
Ambewela is a small town located in the Nuwara Eliya district. The town is famous for its two dairy farms, “Ambewela farm” and “New Zealand Farm”. The place is also called “Little New Zealand” for its climate and ambience of the grasslands. The grassland is a misty place with temperatures usually below 20 degrees celsius making it an excellent place for dairy farming. Ambewela Farm was initiated by the British in the 1940s and has been since the only large scale dairy factory in the island. The New Zealand farm is a funded farm by the government of New Zealand and has also been managed by the Ambewela Farms. The farm has various breeds of animals, their main farm animal being the Ayrshire and Friesian cows, apart from these they also rare pigs, rabbits and goats. The entrance fee for non-nationals is ___. Take your children and enjoy the day out. If you are planning on visiting the factory, make sure you call them upfront for permission, the factory can also be closed arbitrarily. You can also buy them fresh dairy products in the sales outlet run by the farm.
The Devon waterfall is famous because of the clear view from the A7 highway. The waterfall is between the road from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya. The exquisite location with the breeze from the waterfall will leave you mesmerized. You will get the best view of the waterfall at Dimbula, where you can have some fresh tea from the roadside. A best place to rest while your journey from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in Sri Lanka. This 18 hole golf club was constructed in the year 1889 by the British for their servicemen stationed in Nuwara Eliya. Since then, it has reflected the colonial past of the place. The place is located in a 100 acre land close to the Nuwara Eliya town, but the club has always been different from the world outside it. The Nuwara Eliya golf club also provides accommodation for guests to stay in; with a mixture of cottage and room type accommodation. The cottage is an cozy place for group travelers, it provides accommodation upto 8 guests to stay in with amenities like fireplace, private entrance etc. Even if you are not staying in, you should definitely visit the place filled with colonial aura.
Lake Gregory is located in the central hills of Sri Lanka in the Nuwara Eliya District. The name “Gregory Lake” comes from the British governor Sir William Gregory who constructed the lake in 1873. Currently, the lake has been transformed into a lake park with many recreational activities and local businesses within the area. Visitors can enjoy a swan boat ride, a pony ride along the shore, water walking balls, jetskis, windsurfing and more. The place is ideal for both adventures and relaxation.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is the second largest national botanical garden in Sri Lanka, after Peradeniya Botanical Garden. It is located in the hill country district of Nuwara Eliya. The place is located about 5,500 above sea level which gives it a climate of around 20℃ average throughout the year. Hindu mythology of Ramayana has it that, this place was given to Sita by Ravana as a pleasure garden. The place which is mentioned in the Ramayana is known as Ashok Vatika. Not far from Hakgala Botanical Gardens is the Sita Eliya temple built for Queen Sita. The place is a definite visit for the flora and the fauna, the place is also famous for orchid and rose species. Foreigners are to pay special prices for the entrance; check with you tour operator before your visit.
Horton Plains is a national park and a protected area in the hill country of Sri Lanka. The place is a plateau and is famous for its climate and the rich biodiversity. Most species found in the region are endemic to the plateau. Horton Plains is a popular destination amongst tourists for the World’s End located at the southern boundary of the reserve, the cliff is a 870m drop from the top. The plains also has a mini world's end which is 270m drop from the cliff. You can also visit the Baker’s fall which is formed by the Belihul Oya river. The fall is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a hunter and explorer. There is a long hike to reach the World’s end, but it is worth the picturesque view at the top.
The name Lover’s Leap comes from the story of a price and damsel who self immolated themselves for the sake of their love. The waterfall is tributary of the flowing streams of the Piduruthalagala Mountain - which is the largest mountain in Sri Lanka. Standing at 30m in height, the place is best for adventure seekers, because of the 500m steep hike to the waterfall. Adventure seeks shouldn’t miss this place on their visit to Sri Lanka.
Moon Plains is a quite similar destination to the Horton Plains, except this has a mini-world’s end. The place is close to the Sita Eliya temple and few kilometers from the Nuwara Eliya town limits. The place is rich in faunas such as Buffalos, Elk’s, Deers, Leapords and many types of bird’s residing in the region. The plain is open all 7 days. The ticket for a foreigner costs about $1.5. Get ready with your hiking boots for the trip.
Seetha Amman Temple is a temple dedicated to Sita, where she was held captive by King Ravana. According to Hindu mythology, this place is believed to be a the place which she prayed for Rama to come and rescue her. The place is located 5 km from the town limits of Nuwara Eliya. This is a must visit if you are visiting the Hakgala Gardens which is around 1 km from the temple.
St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Although not as wide or close to Niagara, it is called the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. This is a tributary of the longest Mahaweli river in Sri Lanka. Located in the Talawakkele-Hatton highway, the fall is located around 3 km from the Talawakkele town. It is a difficult road to reach the waterfall, but it definitely would make you chill after the hike.
Strawberry Farms are located all around Nuwara Eliya. The special ones being the one located in Ambewela and Nanu Oya road. The places use different techniques to grow the strawberries, each giving different yeilds for the season. The farm in the Ambewala also provides tours for visitors on a trailer which is pulled by a tractor, which would otherwise be a difficult undertaking. You can also enjoy the strawberry treats shop close to the Gregory lake. This place gives you all strawberry flavored foods ranging from ice creams, milkshakes and strawberry pizzas. The items will never fail to hit the taste buds.
Victoria Park is a public park located within the town limits of the Nuwara Eliya district. The park was named after Queen Victoria in 1897 on the diamond jubilee. The park was previously used by the research department of Hakgala gardens, now it has been turned into a full public garden. The Nanu Oya also runs through the public garden forming small lakes along the way.
