Things to do in Nuwara Eliya District
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Top 10 attractions in Nuwara Eliya District
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is an important natural heritage of Sri Lanka and a national park that allows tourists to hike. The "plain" itself is a plateau about 2,000 meters above sea level, covered with virgin grasslands and dotted with several dense forests. 1. Scenic History Horton Plains was formerly known as MahaEliyaThena, which means "Great Plains". During the British colonial period, it was named after the British governor of Ceylon, Wilmert Houghton (also said to be his wife, Anne Houghton). It was not until 1969 that the Houghton Plain was designated as a wildlife reserve. Because of the biodiversity of Horton Plains, it was planned as a national park for tourists to visit in 1988. In July 2010, Sri Lanka's central highlands, including Horton Plains National Park, the summit wilderness reserve where Adam's Peak is located, and the Knuckles Mountains were inscribed on the World Heritage List. 2. Scenic features Horton Plains, if literally translated, are actually "Horton Plains", from which we can intuitively feel Horton's topographical features - flat and open, but not static. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable and Horton is notoriously windy. Hiking on the wide slopes of the Horton Plain, there are ups and downs along the way. In front of you are vast hills, small rivers and various tropical plants, and the blue sky and fresh air are more enjoyable. In addition to the attractive World's End cliffs, you can also see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elk and various birds while hiking in the Horton Plains National Park. The entire scenic spot is very primitive, please do not go to areas outside the prescribed route when hiking to avoid danger. On the way back you will pass Baker's Falls, which is not spectacular but adds to the fun of your hike. 3. The trekking route to Horton Plains National Park generally requires a chartered car. After arriving at the gate and purchasing the ticket, you can drive in for a while, and then start the hiking tour from the parking lot. There is a circular hiking route in the national park, with a total length of about 9.5 kilometers. Tourists can only walk within the specified range according to the road signs (it is strongly recommended to walk in a clockwise direction). It takes about 3-4 hours to walk the whole way. Walk from the entrance to the end of the world for about 4 kilometers, then walk 2 kilometers to a Baker Falls, and then walk 3.5 kilometers back to the entrance. 4. Wildlife Due to its location at the turning point of many rivers, the Horton Plain has very rich wildlife species, often leopards, deer and wild boars. Lanka's local "Purple-faced Vervet Monkeys" sometimes flicker through the forest along Ohiya Road, and sometimes peek in the woods near the end of the world. This area is also great for bird watching. Native Yellow-eared Nightingale, Fantail Warbler, Grey-headed Thrush, Lankan White-Eyed, Lankan Thrush, Lankan White-eyed Arrenga, Lankan Blue Magpie, Mountain Eagle, etc. 5. Natural Plants There is a grass called Chrysopogon that covers the grasslands on the plateau, while the swamp is a breeding ground for the rich species of Sphagnum. The white-flowered delphinium is the dominant vegetation in mountain forest areas. Dwarf trees and shrubs are joined by mosses and lichens. There is also Rhododendronzelanicum, which produces blood-red flowers. Strobilanthes with sharp leaves bloom every five years.Nuwara Eliya District · 18.1 km from downtown
Post Office Nuwara Eliya
The Pink Post Office is located in Nuwara Eliya. It was built in the 19th century. It is an English-style building left over from the British transformation of Nuwara Eliya. It attracts tourists with its unique pink appearance. As one of the very old post offices in Sri Lanka, it is not only a functional postal service point, but also a historical and cultural landmark. Visitors can send postcards here and experience the charm of traditional postal services. The architectural style of the Pink Post Office incorporates design elements from the British colonial period, and many original wooden structures and decorations are retained inside, giving people a feeling of going back in time. Visitors can visit the post office, admire its ancient architectural details, and buy souvenirs in the post office shop. The Pink Post Office is not only a postal service point, but also a window to understand the history and culture of Sri Lanka, providing tourists with a unique travel experience.Nuwara Eliya · 1.3 km from downtown
Lake Gregory
Gregory Lake is located about 1 km from the town, in the heart of Nuele Eliya, and is an artificial lake built by the then Governor Gregory in 1874. The entire lake covers an area of about 91 hectares and is obtained by introducing the water of the Nanuwarya River through a tunnel, with beautiful scenery. Nearby activities are on the way to the Lake District and there is a racecourse passing through Nuwara Eliya, where horses can be seen, and tourists can also ride horses here (Rs2500/hour). There are sidewalks around the lake (baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed), and there are various grades of boutique accommodation, dining and outdoor activities around the lake, strolling through the green spaces and river banks, and picnicking in a corner of the river, where there are picnic tables; or Boating on the lake (Rs1500/30 minutes for pedal boats, Rs2000/20 minutes for motor boats), enjoying the fresh air and the scenery of lakes and mountains, is very beautiful.Nuwara Eliya · 1.1 km from downtown
Gregory Park
Gregory Park is located in Nuwara Eliya, a hill town in central Sri Lanka, and is one of the area's main recreational attractions. The park is built around a lake, where lakeside lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, and on-lake activities come together to create a family-friendly destination. Visitors can stroll along the shore to admire the calm water and the surrounding rolling tea hills. Boat rentals, pony rides, slow-ride car tours, and cycling around the lake are also common. The green spaces include picnic areas, a children's playground, and stalls selling hot drinks and snacks, so visitors can relax during their free time. For travelers visiting Nuwara Eliya, it offers a nature-backed setting ideal for walking, unwinding, or spending time with family. It is not far from the town center and is easy to get to, making it a part of the hill town leisure experience.Nuwara Eliya · 992m from downtown
Victoria Park - Nuwara Eliya
Victoria Park in the center of the town can be said to be the most beautiful and well-maintained town park in South Asia. The park is not big, clean and peaceful, and it is very pleasant to walk around the park's well-built lawn. 1. History of the park Originally, this was the scientific research area of the Hakgala Botanical Garden. Later, the park was established due to the visit of the German prince. In 1897, it was renamed Victoria Park to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the throne. 2. Park tours March-May and August-September are the most suitable times to visit the park, with flowers in full bloom and full of vitality. It is also visited by many mountain birds, including the Kashmir fly, Indian pita and bullfinch. There is a small children's amusement park and a small train in the corner of the parkNuwara Eliya · 938m from downtown
Hakgala Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is located 16 kilometers southeast of Nuwara Eliya, close to the Hakgala Nature Reserve, at the foot of the Hakgala Mountain, which is more than 2,200 meters high. It is one of the three major botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The botanical garden has an average altitude of 1745 meters and covers an area of 28 hectares. It is surrounded by dense woods, and the average temperature is between 3-15 degrees Celsius, which is cool and pleasant. 1. History of development There is a record in the Indian epic "Ramayana". According to legend, this is the garden of the demon king Ravana, who kidnapped Rama's wife Sita and hid it here. During the British colonial period in 1861, it became an experimental base for planting cinchona (a kind of tree native to South America). Until 1884, the botanical garden became a plantation of some temperate plants. 2. Ornamental plants here are roses, ferns, etc. The planting period is from January to mid-to-late March each year. The most suitable season for visiting is from mid-March to the end of April. At this time, there are various roses, orchids in the garden. Flowers are blooming. Walking in the garden, the eyes are full of green, full of vitality, and it is very pleasant. In addition, there are plants from all over the world for viewing in the garden.Nuwara Eliya District · 6.5 km from downtown
Labookellie Tea Lounge
Nuwara Eliya District · 9.2 km from downtown
Ravana Ella Falls
Lavana Ella Falls is 5 kilometers from Ella, between the small town of Ella and Villa Walla, and you can see it on the way. It is part of the Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. Although the waterfall is not big, it is also a very famous small attraction in Eller. 1. The waterfall and surrounding waterfalls are 25 meters high and flow out from an oval concave rock on the top of the mountain. Many locals will play on the edge of the waterfall, and there will be some stalls selling snacks and souvenirs around, which is a dating destination for local Sri Lankans. 2. Allusions about waterfalls The allusions about Ravanael Falls are from the Indian epic "Ramayana". The small waterfalls above the big waterfalls are close to the Ravanael caves. It is said that this is where the devil once The place where Princess Sita was imprisoned, the protagonist of "Morayana".Badulla · 8 km from Nuwara Eliya District
Damro Tea
Nuwara Eliya District · 9.3 km from downtown
Seeta Amman Indian Kovil
Nuwara Eliya District · 5.1 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Nuwara Eliya District
Featured Cultural experiences in Nuwara Eliya District
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Featured Day tours in Nuwara Eliya District
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Free things to do in Nuwara Eliya District
Post Office Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya · 1.3 km from downtownLabookellie Tea Lounge
Nuwara Eliya District · 9.2 km from downtownRavana Ella Falls
Badulla · 8 km from Nuwara Eliya District
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Nuwara Eliya District · 16.2 km from downtown
Lover's Leap Waterfall
Nuwara Eliya · 2.7 km from downtown
Devon Falls
Nuwara Eliya District · 17 km from downtown
What travellers say about Nuwara Eliya District
虎公公September 20, 2025
5.0
It's definitely worth the trip. The natural scenery is stunning, and the pristine feeling is fantastic! I was in high spirits after the 10-kilometer walk. Although a little tired, I was very happy. The misty mountains, gravel roads, rushing waterfalls, and clear streams along the way were all incredibly beautiful. I felt like I had completed another challenge for myself. (The photos were taken with my phone, no filters at all)
Horton Plains National Park
nazmiyazidSeptember 17, 2023
5.0
write a postcard to your loved ones for only 59 cents!and see their historical post office in downtown nuwara Eliya.
Post Office Nuwara Eliya
赶景August 25, 2022
4.0
从康提一路火车过去，真的可以感受到从盛夏到深秋的神奇经历，火车开出去后气温逐步下降，沿途的茶园赏心悦目地展现在面前。火车很干净，乘客以本地人为主，车厢非常安静，时不时有小商小贩卖点当地的小吃，味道居然还不错，价格也就1,2块人民币的样子。整个城市也非常干净，住的民宿也很舒服，就是晚上实在太冷了，完全感受不到是在赤道附近的国家。很推荐去玩一下。
Lake Gregory
DEAR张小球June 1, 2020
5.0
The first impression of Victoria Park is green. There are lush green plants everywhere, large lawns, and beautiful green trees. There are many local students playing in the park, very innocent children.
Victoria Park - Nuwara Eliya
Hossain Hoq ProhorAugust 12, 2025
5.0
🌺 Hakgala Botanical Garden – A Floral Paradise in the Hills 🌿🌸Situated 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Garden is Sri Lanka’s second-largest botanical garden and a true haven for plant lovers. Set against the backdrop of the Hakgala Rock, it boasts over 10,000 species of plants, including roses, orchids, and ferns. The cool highland climate makes it perfect for leisurely strolls through themed sections like the rose garden, fernery, and arboretum. Legend ties the garden to the Ramayana, adding a touch of myth to its beauty. With vibrant blooms, exotic trees, and serene pathways, Hakgala is a must-visit for anyone seeking peace and natural splendor.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
泰宁根吴承恩May 3, 2020
5.0
Sri Lanka's black tea is world-famous, so visiting a tea factory is one of our itineraries. The garden is very large, and the entire tea factory is filled with the fragrance of tea. The taste of the tea is also super good. I bought a lot to bring back home.
Labookellie Tea Lounge
吴青芸April 18, 2024
3.0
@🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya
DAMRO Tea Plantation (Ceylon Black Tea Plantation)
The century-old tea factory can be taken to the tea plantation by the tea plantation guide. The Sri Lankan tour guide can speak Chinese fluently and gradually explained the process from picking tea leaves to roasting, sorting and grinding.
Before buying tea products, you will also taste them.
Chinese people usually buy whole leaf roasted (not ground) Full Leaf twisted black tea, also known as OP on the box
Damro Tea
