12 Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya

Are you planning to visit Sri Lanka? Let us help you plan your trip. Sri Lanka, a country known since ancient times, is a beautiful gateway to peace and paradise. You will get to see a lot of Sri Lanka tour details on our website. But here are the 12 places to visit in Nuwaraeliya.

Apart from the cultural heritage, the natural beauty of Sri Lanka is worth watching. You might have heard that this country is home to Buddhism, stupas, Dutch and Portuguese ports, etc.

Well, all of this is definitely true.

Nuwara Eliya is a location that takes you to another part of the world. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is a calm place. People refer to it as “Little England”. This hill station has a lot of greenery and cool weather. And oh, not to miss- the colonial architecture.

1. Victoria Park

Victoria Park was a part of the research field, but in 1897 it received its own title. This was done to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The first tree planted here was an oak tree. The park now has many beautiful plants and trees.

There are a number of small lakes created due to a passing stream called Nanu Oya. These lakes are now sites to watch rare bird species. A mini railway ride in the park makes it easy for people to take a round of the entire park. The park also has a children’s playground.

Visit here between March and May for the best experience. August and September are also great months for the visit.

Visiting Hours- Every day, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Fees- LKR 300.

2. Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake belongs to the British period. It was a reservoir built by Governor William Gregory in 1873. In the present scenario, the lake is a hub of water sports and activities. If you want a relaxing retreat, go to Lake Gregory.

The lake-side has huts for people to avoid the sun and relax. Have you read any of the cottage fairy novels? If yes, you must have imagined a lake, green grass, ponnies around it, and a family having a picnic. That same scene you can witness here. This place looks just like a fairy tale.

There are food stalls available, so you need not worry about food. You can get local snacks here.

Visiting Hours- Every day, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Fees- LKR 20 (But you need to pay extra money if you want to rent a bicycle or want a motor boat ride).

3. Strawberry garden

It is the cold weather at Nuwara Eliya that supports strawberry growth. You can pick your own strawberries here directly from the plant.

You will have to book a cab as the garden is on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya. The bus rides are also available.

There are many private stores inside the garden. You can buy fresh strawberries from these stores. You can stop at the farm on your way to Hakgala or Ambewala. There are nearby temples and waterfalls that you can cover along the way.

Visiting Hours- 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Fees- LKR 100.

4. Ambewala Farm

Sri Lanka’s “little New Zealand”, Ambewala Farm, is popular for dairy farming. You can book a guided tour here to understand the details. The cows here are the main attraction for the people. If you enjoy learning about cattle and farming, this is a great place.

A cafeteria here offers organic and freshly made items. The dairy items are worth trying, especially the milkshakes.

You can book a cab to visit here.

Visiting Hours- 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Entry Fees- LKR 250.

5. Seetha Amman Kovil

Sri Lanka has a deep connection with Hinduism because of the incidents in the Ramayana. Seetha Amman Kovil is a religious place. It is believed that Ravana captured Seetha here. It is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Rama’s wife, Seetha.

This place depicts the story of love and devotion. According to mythology, the black soil here shows that Lord Hanuman burned the area before leaving the country. The temple now has statues of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Seetha, and Hanuman.

Visiting Hours- 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Entry Fees- Free for all but you need to buy the ticket to perform any religious activity.

6. Hakgala Botanical Garden

The Hakgala Botanical Garden dates back to the 19th century. It belongs to the British colonial period. Here, you will find countless species of ferns and flowers. The varieties of roses and orchids are very attractive.

A lotus pond here attracts most eyes. The Japanese Cedars are also a treat to the eyes. Being surrounded by flowers is in itself so magical. You can click the best photos here. This is also a great place to propose to your partner if you wish to.

Inside the Hakgala Botanical Garden, you will find many sites. You can visit the national herbarium, fernery, and different flower gardens. There is also a bulb garden. All of these together will take you 2-3 hours inside the garden.

The climate is cool, so you need not worry about going here during the day.

Visiting Hours- Everyday- 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entry Fees- LKR 3000 for adults and LKR 1500 for children.

7. Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls is the 11th tallest waterfall in the country. The fall from 109 meters gives a breath-taking view to its viewers. It is also one of the 1,000 tallest waterfalls in the world. If you are going there for photoshoot, visit before 9:30 a.m. Post that the waterfall attracts a lot of tourists.

If you want to watch the beautiful waterfall for a longer time, book your stay at the Ramboda Falls Hotel. While going to the Ramboda Falls, you will come across various landscapes. These include plains, ridges, and highlands. Streams and mountains make this place more pretty.

You will have to take the A5 highway to visit Ramboda Falls. You can book a private cab to take a trip here. Avoid visiting here in the rainy season. The days around January to April are best to visit here. There are many species of trees that you will find only in the forest around Ramboda Falls. Tea plantations are obviously there.

Visiting Hours- Open 24 hours.

Entry Fees- Free of charge.

8. St. Clair’s Falls

Sri Lanka is full of natural wonders. The ocean view and greenery are not the only attractions. There are various waterfalls that you cannot miss. One of them is St. Clair’s Falls. It is popular as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”.

There is a unique sight here. The two falls merge into one downstream. Maha Ella, or the greater fall, and Kuda Ella, or the lesser fall, come together to make St. Clair’s Falls. To get closer to these falls, you will have to trek a little. But you can also enjoy the view from St. Clair’s tea center.

The waterfall is too wide and is the 20th highest fall in Sri Lanka. You can see the falls if you are visiting via the A7 highway. You can also book a private vehicle if you are out and about just to see this one.

Visiting Hours- always open.

Entry Fees- Free of cost.

9. Devon Falls

Britishers left the country years ago, but there are still places on their names. One such place is Devon Falls. It is named after Sir Devon. He was a pioneer in coffee plantations. The Devon Falls are popular for their beauty. It drops from a height of 97 meters. This makes it the 19th highest waterfall in the country.

Locals know this falls as “the veil of the valley”. It is no less than the bridal veil, though. The best time to see the waterfall is between December and May. You can have a little trekking time here. The nearby tea plantations are also good to watch.

The tea plantations and the waterfall together create a beautiful scenic view. You will find it mid-way if you are traveling along the A7 highway. If you want to visit here specifically, take a cab ride.

Visiting Hours- Open 24 hours.

Entry Fees- Free of cost.

10. Horton Plains National Park

The hill-station of Nuwara Eliya has many natural wonders, but one of those is the unique ecosystem. Horton Plains National Park has cloud forests and high grasslands. Here you will spot various wildlife species, like deer and leopards.

Some endemic birds also pay a visit to this national park. You will get to see flora that is rare and beautiful. One end of the park has a deep cliff. It is called “the world’s end”. The other side has a scenic waterfall known as Baker’s Falls.

A walk through this lush green forest adds to the adventure. A cliff, a waterfall, and wild animals, all at one place. No less than a National Geographic moment, right? This park is great for trekking lovers.

Fun fact: The park has been open since 1988.

Visiting Hours- Opens every day 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Entry Fees- Between LKR 500- 1000 (VAT to be paid additionally).

11. Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

Along with Buddhism, Hinduism is another prominent religion in Sri Lanka. You can witness it at Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. Hanuman is believed to have visited Sri Lanka from India for his lord, Rama. The Hindu epic “Ramayana” says so.

The temple is on the top of a hill and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. The architecture is colorful and eye-catching. You will find a restaurant on the premises. Hence, there is no need to worry about an empty stomach.

The greenery and open space around the temple are the best places to relax and meditate. You will need up to 30 minutes to take a look at the temple. You can spend your time visiting the temple bookshop and coffee shop.

Visiting Hours- 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (opens everyday).

Entry Fees- No fee.

12. Grand Hotel

What if you get a chance to stay at the British Governor’s residence? Well, you can avail of this chance by visiting the Grand Hotel. This building of the colonial era was once the residence of British Governor Sor Edward Barnes.

The well-maintained gardens, a golf course, high-class luxurious design, and colonial architecture are beautiful. There is also a museum that you can visit. Everything here will remind you of the colonial era.

There is a swimming pool and restaurant, and you can enjoy luxurious accommodation here. The prices may be high for some people, but you can definitely have a great dining experience here. The hotel is a bit at a higher elevation, and so the views from here are stunning.

The Grand Hotel is at the center, so all the other tourist places are closer to it. It will save you time, and you will get to enjoy a day or two at a colonial building.

Visiting Hours- Restaurant timings are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and then 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Entry Fees- Free of cost.

Nuwara Eliya is a hill-station in central Sri Lanka. Its cold climate and greenery take you away from the country’s heat. A day at Nuwara Eliya will allow you to explore another side of this nation. It is calm and peaceful.

If you visit Sri Lanka, you must explore Nuwara Eliya. Away from the crowds of the city, this place has a lot in store for you. A walk amidst garden greenery will help you relax. Plucking strawberries will add to a sweet experience for you.

Sri Lanka is home to multiple cultures. A blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sinhala culture gives you proof of unity in diversity. Experience the most of it at Nuwara Eliya.