18 Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka 2023

Nuwara Eliya, nestled among picturesque mountains and elevated hills in the central highlands with cool and gloomy weather, will undoubtedly steal your breath away. It is located 167.5 kilometers from the busy metropolis of Colombo; it may appear to be a long distance, but it is only a four-hour drive through rolling green hills and flowing waterfalls. Sir Samuel Baker founded it in 1846, making it one of the country's oldest formed districts to this day, and his legacy is still very much cherished in the twenty-first century. He pioneered the farming industry by introducing English vegetables, which are still widely consumed today. 

With English colonial houses strewn about town, the locals have called Nuwara Eliya 'Little England,' especially since the weather is usually crisp and cool. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its luxuriant tea plantations, which draw locals and foreigners to an atmosphere of calm surrounded by greenish hills and crisply fresh, clean air - a stark contrast to the highly polluted towns.

It's a beautiful change and diversion from reality. Several tea estates and companies generate massive volumes of tea for distribution throughout the island and export worldwide. Aside from the impressive mountains and hills in the area, several magnificent waterfalls are both majestic and stunning.

1. Lake Gregory

Governor William Gregory built Gregory Lake in the heart of Nuwara Eliya between 1872 and 1877 for British colonial inhabitants. You can ride horses here, take swan-shaped paddleboats onto the lake, or charter a jet ski for 20 minutes for a few hundred rupees. The chilly air is soothing, the views are breathtaking, and there is a park adjacent to the lake where you can roam.

2. St. Clair's Falls

The famed St. Clair's falls perfectly reflect Sri Lanka's natural beauty. St. Clair's waterfall, sometimes known as the Niagara of Sri Lanka, is located at 1198 meters. It is located in the Nuwara Eliya District's Talawakele town, and St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest in Sri Lanka. The fall's allure stems from the way the rock slopes at three distinct elevations, and waters glide past the incisions and fall into a pool of life.

3. Victoria Park

The largest park in Nuwara Eliya was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's 60th jubilee and is home to foreign trees and various flowers. It's the ideal area to explore nature; for the family, there's a small railway and a playground. During the day, many native birds swarm to the trees, attracting birdwatchers who come to witness them.

4. Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the second-largest of only five botanic gardens in Sri Lanka, are a famous attraction in Nuwara Eliya. Over 10,000 varieties of flora are showcased in various groomed gardens and woodlands for visitors to walk through. The cost of visiting Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of its drawbacks. Foreign visitors must pay a steep fee of 1,500 LKR to enter.

5. Bomburuella Waterfall

The Bomburu Ella Waterfall is located in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. The waterfall is in a distant and isolated location, surrounded by lush jungle and rocky hills. Visitors need to travel through the jungle, following a narrow and twisting trail, to reach the waterfall.

The trip to Bomburu Ella Waterfall can be difficult due to the steep and rocky terrain. The journey is worthwhile, though, for the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding jungle and the pleasure of bathing in the calm waters of the waterfall.

The waterfall is a tall, cascading waterfall with a natural lake at the bottom. The waterfall is very beautiful, falling down a succession of rocky ledges and surrounded by thick flora. Its natural beauty, secluded environment, and refreshing swimming hole make it a must-see for adventurers and nature lovers.

6. Pidurutalagala Mountain

Pidurutalagala Mountain, commonly known as Mount Pedro, is Sri Lanka's tallest mountain, standing at 2,524 meters (8,281 feet). The mountain is located in Sri Lanka's Central Province and is part of a larger mountain range known as the Central Highlands.

A military installation at the summit of the mountain is off-limits to the public. Visitors can still trek to the mountain's base and enjoy the views from there. The climb to the mountain's base is strenuous, and it is essential that you be in good physical condition and bring appropriate equipment, such as strong shoes and a backpack with water and snacks. Pidurutalagala Mountain is a must-see for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and everyone interested in trekking and hiking.

7. Ambewela Farm

Nuwara Eliya also has Sri Lanka's largest and most distinguished dairy farm. You'll find the rolling hills of Ambewela, where cows are free to roam and graze just a few miles outside of town. The milking stations and calves in the nursery are visible to visitors. The cows are appropriately cared for, and seeing them is a lovely way to spend a day. The farm is large, so there will be a lot of walking. Get a fresh glass of milk and some cheese to take home at the coffee station up the hill.

8. Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls is a stunning waterfall in Sri Lanka's Pussellawa area, near the city of Nuwara Eliya. The waterfall is 111 meters (364 feet) tall, making it the 11th highest in Sri Lanka. Ramboda Falls is a two-stage waterfall with water cascading down in two levels, creating a one-of-a-kind and breathtaking spectacle.

The waterfall is in a distant and lonely location, surrounded by beautiful green hills and tea plantations. The waterfall is accessible by a short walk through the jungle on a well-maintained track. The walk is excellent for all ages and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. Visitors can also join a guided tour of the area to learn about the local flora and wildlife, as well as the area's history and culture.

9. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

A Scottish officer designed the Golf club for British authorities stationed in Nuwara Eliya. The club is an 18-hole, 607-yard, par-70 layout located at the foot of the mountains Piduruthalagala (Mount Pedro), The Great Western, and Hakgala, surrounded by gorgeous tea gardens. Currently, the club has 2000 members. It is the only Course accessible by car and has all holes visible from the Clubhouse.

10. Moon Plains

Moon Plains, also known as Sandathanne, opened to the public in 2014 and has quickly become one of the most popular biodiversity destinations for visitors. It was previously a waste dump but has since been transformed into a park. Moon Plains is located 6 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya's main city.

11. Horton Plains National Park

Horton National Park, with attractions such as World's End and Baker's Falls, is one of the most famous National Parks in Sri Lanka and is a must-see. The park is home to a diverse range of Flora and Fauna, making it an appealing destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Early morning (6 AM to 10 AM) is the best time to visit because you will have a clear view of the surroundings, mountains, and valleys. Around Noon, it begins to become foggy, and you may not be able to see your surroundings. The best time to visit Horton National Park is between January and March.

12. Worlds End

World's End is a renowned tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, located in the Horton Plains National Park in the country's central hills. It gets its name from the breathtaking cliff edge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the valley below.

You can reach World's End with a hike through a well-maintained trail that runs through the national park. The hike is moderately challenging and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Along the trip, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors to World's End can enjoy amazing views of the valley below, which drops over 880 meters (2,887 feet). On a clear day, tourists may see Sri Lanka's southern coast from the viewpoint.

13. Devon Falls

Devon Falls is a breathtaking waterfall located near the town of Talawakele. The Kothmale River feeds the waterfall, which falls from a height of 97 meters (318 feet). Visitors can reach the waterfall by hiking through the jungle on a well-maintained track. The walk is suited for tourists of all ages, and along the journey, visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.

14. Baker's Falls

Baker's Falls is a waterfall located in Horton Plains National Park. It was named after Sir Samuel Baker, a British explorer who was among the first Europeans to visit the region in the nineteenth century.

The waterfall is a 20-meter (66 feet) in height and is surrounded by lush green slopes and dense forests and fed by the Belihul Oya River. The waterfall is a popular picnic and swimming spot, and visitors can get there by following a moderate walk. Along the way, visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

15. Lover's Leap Falls

The Lover's Leap is a lovely waterfall hidden among the tea plantation slopes. Because the waterfalls are nearby, tourists can visit this location when visiting the Pedro Tea Estate. The waterfall is surrounded by myths and stories, making it even more fascinating and appealing. 

Tourists must trek up the hill to reach the waterfalls, one of the lesser-known and less-visited tourist destinations in Nuwara Eliya so that they can explore the area at their leisure. It is around 3.5 kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation.

16. Dunsinane Falls

Dunsinane Falls is recognized for its magnificent beauty and pure waters and is located near the town of Hatton. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green hills and is a favorite picnic and swimming location. Visitors can reach the waterfall by hiking through the jungle on a well-maintained track. The walk is suited for tourists of all ages, and along the journey, visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.

The surrounding area is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, making Dunsinane Falls a popular place for bird-watching and wildlife photography. Visitors can enjoy the quiet and tranquillity of the natural surroundings by spending time at the waterfall.

17. Adma Agro Strawberry Farm

A trip to Nuwara Eliya would be incomplete without a stop at the Adma Agro Farm and plenty of strawberry eating. Strawberries need cooler temperatures. Therefore Nuwara Eliya is ideal for them. Eat them fresh off the plants, in a cafe with cream, condensed milk, or juice.

18. Laxapana Falls

Laxapana Falls, which is located near the town of Hatton, is one of the most popular in the country. The waterfall is supplied by the Maskeliya Oya river and falls 128 meters (420 feet).

Laxapana Falls is a famous picnic and swimming place surrounded by lush green hills. Because the surrounding region is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, the waterfall is also a popular place for bird-watching and wildlife photography.

You can reach the waterfall by taking a short stroll through the jungle on a well-maintained track. The walk is suited for visitors of all ages, and along the journey, visitors may enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.