Victoria Park
Nuwara Eliya, known for its relaxing ambiance, also boasts the delightful Victoria Park. A must-visit spot while exploring the area, this expansive and meticulously maintained park is a standout attraction, especially for families visiting Nuwara Eliya. Regarded as the finest-maintained park in South Asia, it charms visitors with its sprawling lawns, vibrant flowers, and recreational amenities such as ferries and swings. Victoria Park promises a serene and enjoyable experience, making it a top choice among the attractions in Nuwara Eliya, especially for families with children.
Pedro Tea Estate
Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its abundance of tea estates, creating a captivating landscape of lush greenery and fragrant air. These plantations stand as among the prime attractions to explore in Nuwara Eliya. Witnessing the intricate process of tea production, an art that transforms leaves into the beloved beverage, offers an enjoyable and educational experience, especially for children. Visitors can explore the plantation sites, immersing themselves in the delightful aroma and scenic beauty. Accessible via local buses or rickshaws, these estates provide a delightful and insightful excursion into the world of tea production, a quintessential part of Sri Lanka's heritage.
Gregory Lake
Located just a short distance from Nuwara Eliya's heart, Gregory Lake stands as a picturesque gem in the area. This captivating spot offers visitors the chance to partake in leisurely activities like rowing or simply reveling in the serene natural surroundings. With additional recreational options tailored for children, it becomes an ideal destination for families seeking a peaceful getaway. Many visitors frequent this site to unwind, engage in small picnics, and bask in the cheerful ambiance that Gregory Lake exudes, making it a delightful spot for a rejuvenating day out.
Bale Bazaar
If you are a true shopaholic, then stop by this unique market for shopping in Nuwara Eliya. Bale Bazaar is popularly known as the winter market and one of the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya town. Although the weather in Sri Lanka is never very cold yet Nuwara Eliya is cold and travelers may like to buy something as a memory. It is a cheap market and has a huge variety of winter wear which is fun to buy or to just roam around. It is one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka.
Highlights: The market houses a majority of products that are winter-related, in case you’re interested.
Strawberry Fields
To get mesmerized, visit the enchanting fields of the strawberry on your trip to Nuwara Eliya. These fields are a great backdrop for photographers who are trying to capture the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Make sure to visit here during the strawberry season. The visitors can go around the plantation and pick up their own strawberries.
Ambewela Farm
Ambewela Farm, often likened to Little New Zealand for its expansive green landscapes, stands as a renowned attraction in Nuwara Eliya. Spanning across a vast area, this farm offers a delightful experience as travelers walk barefoot on its soft grass, enjoying the serene surroundings. Visitors can observe cows and various cattle while touring the farm and might even witness the milking process if luck favors them. Additionally, the farm allows visitors to purchase fresh dairy products, providing an opportunity to taste dairy delights straight from the source. This unique experience adds to the allure of Ambewela Farm, making it a must-visit destination in Nuwara Eliya.
Moon Plains
Moon Plains, nestled amidst tea estates, forest reserves, and mountains, offers an expansive landscape adorned with verdant grasslands. It stands as a serene retreat and a notable destination in Nuwara Eliya, ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed buffer day amid their travels. The breathtaking views and the tranquil ambiance provide a refreshing escape, allowing visitors to unwind, inhale the crisp, invigorating air, and find joy in the simplicity often lost in bustling city lives. Moon Plains is cherished as one of the most popular attractions in Nuwara Eliya, offering a serene respite to all who visit.
Entry to Moon Plains is free, allowing travelers to enjoy its beauty without any charge. A notable feature is its history as, until the late 1990s, it was a 400-meter long and 30-40 meter deep valley, once part of a catchment area.
Seetha Amman Kovil
Seetha Amman Kovil is a Temple near the Hakgala Botanical Garden is a must-visit among the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It is must must-visit as it has a lot of Mythological importance. It is believed that after Ravana captured Sita, she used to come here to pray to Rama regularly. Rama was her husband and was also supposed to be one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. Anyone who loves mythology will love this place.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
This expansive 28-acre garden in Nuwara Eliya is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Bursting with vibrant hues and diverse shades, this botanical haven boasts an impressive array of flowers and exotic plants. Divided into distinct sub-gardens including the Upper Flower Garden, Fernery, Rock Garden, Arboretum, Rose Garden, and Glass House, it stands out as a top attraction among the must-visit places in Nuwara Eliya.
Admission to this mesmerizing garden is priced at LKR 850 per person. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the second-largest garden in Sri Lanka, offering visitors a splendid opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of nature's bounty.
Nuwara Eliya Restaurants
When exploring a new place, indulging in its traditional cuisine is a must-do experience. In Nuwara Eliya, there's an array of restaurants offering authentic Sri Lankan dishes alongside Western and Chinese options.
De Silva Food Centre: Offering a blend of Western, Chinese, and Sri Lankan cuisine, this eatery stands out. While the Western and Chinese dishes may not be entirely authentic, they're delicious. Don't miss their Vegetable Chopsy—it's a definite highlight.
Milano Restaurant: Situated just a short distance from the previous restaurant, Milano offers a simple yet delightful menu. Their baked dishes and Sri Lankan rice and curry are highly recommended. It's a great spot to savor authentic local flavors.
Galway’s Land National Park
Among the many national parks in Sri Lanka, Galway's Land National Park stands out as one of the city's smaller yet notable reserves. Despite its size, this park boasts a rich variety of exotic birds and wildlife, contributing to its diverse ecosystem. For nature enthusiasts, it ranks high among the must-visit places in Nuwara Eliya. Covering a modest 27 acres, the park hosts approximately 20 rare migrant bird species along with 30 native species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife admirers alike.
Lover’s Leap
Known for its romantic folklore, Lover’s Leap makes as one of the top places to visit in Nuwara Eliya for couples. You will have to hike through a tea estate and follow the path down the dirt road to arrive at the enchanting fall. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya, the cascading waterfall drops from a height of 30 km. This is where lovers take a leap to death in the name of love but you should go there to enjoy views.
Ramboda Falls
Exploring the top attractions in Nuwara Eliya wouldn't be complete without a trip to the stunning Ramboda Falls. Situated in the picturesque Pussellawa district, nestled between the city of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, this area boasts breathtaking landscapes featuring highlands, ridges, plains, and flowing streams. The highlight of this scenic beauty is the mesmerizing Ramboda Falls, an enchanting natural wonder that stands as a must-see along the road connecting Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
St. Clair’s Falls
Considered the pinnacle of Sri Lanka's natural beauty, this waterfall stands as an emblem of scenic magnificence in Nuwara Eliya. Often dubbed the 'Niagara of Sri Lanka,' this captivating marvel sits proudly at an elevation of 1198 meters in the town of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya. To behold its grandeur, a short hike is necessary. Ensure to conclude your visit before sunset, basking in the wonders of nature's finest creation.
Laxapana Falls
Nestled within the town of Hatton in Nuwara Eliya, Laxapana Falls reigns as the eighth tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It tumbles gracefully amid vibrant green surroundings, forming a serene natural pool below. As one of Nuwara Eliya's renowned tourist destinations, it promises a delightful experience for families, friends, and solo travelers alike.
Kudahagala – 4th Tallest Mountain
Kudahagala, also recognized as Agrabopat Hills, is a mesmerizing spot for sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya. Rising to a majestic height of 2320 meters, it claims the title of the fourth tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Set against a backdrop of verdant mountain ranges, this colossal peak commands the landscape. Scaling Kudahagala rewards visitors with an awe-inspiring panoramic view
Thotupola Peak – 3rd Highest Mountain
Situated within the Horton Plains National Park, Thotupola Peak is the third-highest peak in Sri Lanka and it will make your trip plan to Nuwara Eliya a wonderful experience. This 2,357-meter-high mountain in the Nuwara Eliya region is also known as Thotupola Kanda in the local language. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Nuwara Eliya.
Apart from the natural beauty of this place, the mythological belief associated with it also attracts tourists. In the context of the ancient Indian epic – Ramayana, it is believed that this was this peak was the landing site of Ravana when he had kidnapped Goddess Sita.
Pidurutalagala – The Tallest Mountain
This mountain holds a distinct place among Sri Lanka's peaks. Standing tall at an elevation of 2,524 meters, Pidurutalagala reigns as the highest summit in Sri Lanka, often referred to as Mount Pedro. This majestic peak graces the landscapes of Central Province, Nuwara Eliya, with its towering presence. Regrettably, public access for climbing this peak is restricted as it serves as a military base for the Sri Lankan army.
Aberdeen Falls – Nature’s Wonder
Aberdeen Falls stands as one of the most breathtaking sights in Nuwara Eliya. This majestic waterfall, reaching a height of 89 meters, graces the Kehelgamu Oya, a notable tributary of the Kelani River. Its name draws inspiration from Scotland's third-largest city. The waterfall's rocky descent forms a striking plunge pool, enveloped by lush, verdant surroundings, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature's beauty.
Bomburu Ella Falls – Widest Fall In Sri Lanka
Bomburu Ella Falls, also recognized as Perawella Falls, stands as a remarkable day trip destination within Nuwara Eliya. Among the plethora of waterfalls in Sri Lanka, this one stands out as the widest in the country. Nestled approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, Bomburu Ella is ensconced within the lush environs of the Sita Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve. This captivating cascade is not a singular fall but comprises a collection of ten smaller waterfalls, contributing to its unique and captivating allure amidst the verdant landscape.
Devon Falls – Veil Of The Valley
Devon Falls, nestled in the charming expanse of Dimbula Village within Nuwara Eliya, stands as an enchanting getaway spot, especially for couples seeking scenic marvels. Revered as the 'Veil of the Valley,' this picturesque waterfall is among Sri Lanka's renowned natural attractions. Plummeting from a towering height of 318 feet, Devon Falls boasts the distinction of being one of the world's highest waterfalls, offering a mesmerizing and romantic experience for visitors exploring Nuwara Eliya.
Horton Plains National Park – A UNESCO Heritage Site
Horton Plains National Park stands out as an awe-inspiring destination among Nuwara Eliya's tourist hotspots, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park sprawls across the peaks of Kirigalpotta and Totapola, comprising diverse ecosystems and captivating landscapes.
Location: Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Highlight: UNESCO World Heritage Site