Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the “City of Light” – once governed by English and Scottish planters – is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and past redbrick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

Hop into a rattling train, smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls and dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.

Haggala Botanical Garden is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other four are Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Mirijjawila Botanical Garden and Seetawaka Botanical Garden. It is the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla main road, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya and extents for about 28 hectares. The garden has a cool temperate climate because of altitude is 5,400 feet above sea level. The mean annual temperature ranges between 16 °C to 30 °C during the course of a year. From December to February, it has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.

Victoria Park is a public park located in Nuwara Eliya, next to the Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The park was established with the planting of its first tree, an Oak, by a visiting German Princess. The Nanu Oya runs through the park, creating a number of small lakes. A number of rare bird species can be found in the park. At the far end of the park is a small children’s playground and miniature ridable railway.

Lake Gregory sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in the heart of the tea country hill city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was created during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.The area was originally a swampy bog at the foot of the small hills that border the town. In 1873 Sir William Gregory authorised the damming of the Thalagala stream, which originates from Mount Pidurutalagala in order to make more land available for the expansion of the town. In 1881 the lake was stocked with trout by C. J. R. Le Mesurier (Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya). In 1913 the waters of the lake were directed into a tunnel which flows to a hydro power station at ‘Blackpool’ between the town and Nanu Oya. The power station continues to supply electricity to the town to this day. In British times Lake Gregory was used for water sports and recreational activities.

Tthe Ambewela Farm, lovingly known as “Little New Zealand”, invites visitors to indulge in its idyllic charm amidst breathtaking landscapes and verdant hills. This picturesque farm offers a serene retreat where guests can immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility and partake in a unique agricultural adventure. As you approach Ambewela Farm, you’ll be greeted by the sight of cows and cattle peacefully grazing in the expansive grasslands, creating a serene ambiance that is both calming and invigorating. Visitors can engage with the farm animals, creating cherished memories for families and animal enthusiasts alike. For those fortunate enough, witnessing the milking process firsthand provides a fascinating glimpse into dairy production. Ambewela Farm takes pride in producing premium-quality dairy products, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase farm-fresh milk, cheese, and other delectable treats to relish and savor.

Along the journey to Ambewela, travelers will encounter Kande Ela, a serene destination renowned for its cool and tranquil ambiance. The peaceful surroundings of Kande Ela offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature’s embrace. Ambewela boasts two renowned dairy farms: Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm, situated at an elevation of 6,064 feet above sea level. This charming town enjoys a temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 23°C, ideal for dairy farming.

Stay in Nuwara Eliya.