Nuwara Eliya is a renowned town of Sri Lanka, located in an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft). The town came into existence during the 19th century. It was under the British Colonial Era. The word 'Nuwara Eliya' literally means "City on the Plain" or "City of Light". Nuwara Eliya boasts of its neat as well as green environment. Apart from that, the visitors love to visit the town for its wonderful climatic conditions, splendid view of valleys, meadows and mountains. It is only 180 km away from Colombo. Nuwara Eliya is also important for Sri Lanka for its production of tea.
Tourist Attractions in Nuwara Eliya
Oliphant Estate
Oliphant Estate is popular among visitors, because it was the first tea plant sent from China to Sri Lanka by Lawrence Oliphant. In fact, this historical information alone makes Oliphant Estate an important tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya.
Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak, which is a pilgrim path in Sri Lanka, is famous for its historical significance. It is believed that the cave in the mountainside, in which King Keerthi Sri Nissanka buried a great treasure. While visiting Adam's Peak, it is only after one passes this cave to enter in the forest, one comes to the Sita Gangula, which is a holy river of flowing ice cold water.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains is known for its beautiful and silent atmosphere. It has been selected as a National Park of Sri Lanka. Horton Plains is home to a wide variety of species of wildlife, including Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Langur and Endemic highland birds. The World's End is one of the must-visit places in Horton Plains.
Haggala Botanical Garden
Haggala Botanical Garden is situated in Haggala Peak. Established in 1861, the garden consists of trees such as Japanese Cedars, Cypress trees from California, English Oak and Himalayan Pines. Haggala Botanical Garden is as much as 5000-6000 feet above sea level.
Gregory's Lake
Gregory's Lake was built by British Governor Sir William Gregory, way back in 1873. It is considered as one of the best tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya, especially for boating and rowing lovers.
Other Attractions
Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is located at a walking distance from the town center. The Golf Club contains 18 hole golf course for a green fee of about Rs 1500. Rent equipments are also available in the club.
Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails is located in the hills of Central Sri Lanka. It is more than 4000 feet above sea level. It is also known for its four colonial era bungalows that were built for the British tea estate managers.
Victoria Park & Turf Club
Victoria Park is considered best for spending an evening during a laid-back vacation in Nuwara Eliya. It is best suited for bird watching too. A large number of rare bird species can be found in the Victoria Park. A turf club is included in the park, where tourists can enjoy pony and horse riding.
