Nuwara Eliya is a charming little city in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The landscape is quite impressive with hills carpeted by tea plantations for as far as the eye can see and the colonial era architecture that defines the city. This quaint city offers a number of offbeat things to do. The hilly terrain is great for taking a hike and some locations are made for great trekking routes. Additionally, some organizers can arrange other mountain sports like rock climbing or even white river rafting. On the leisure side of the trip there are quite a few old hotels whose architecture is as exquisite as its food and that’s something one just must experience. Here is a list of things to do when you are at Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s major tea manufacturers. The tea grown here is known around the world for its quality and its unique flavour. You will find many tea estates throughout the region. Some of them organise formal tours which include a guided tour of the estates, the factories and a tea tasting at the end. There are some estates that you can visit free of cost too. In most places you will be able to purchase tea leaves at shops within the estates.

Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful place to trek. Where the hills are not draped by extensive tea estates, you will find forests, lakes and rivers. The slopes are gentle and are perfect for beginners. Most people enjoy trekking through the tea estates. Adrift with the fragrance of fresh tea, these routes are other worldly and offer an experience for all your senses, especially the olfactory. The view of the plantations along with workers picking away at the leaves is quite an experience too, hence we suggest you trek through tea gardens. 

The Victoria Park is a large stretch of land that is home to many different species of flora and fauna. The park was originally intended to be a botanical garden and so you will find trees over 100 years old and gardens full of beautiful flowering plants. The park has some very rare birds as well, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.

One of the best things to do here is to take a hike through the many scenic routes that wind about the hills. There are many waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya and nothing can be more fun than to hike to them. Some of the popular waterfalls that are hike-worthy and should be on your list include Lover’s Leap, Aberdeen Falls and St. Clair’s Falls. If you are the leisurely-relaxer kind, there is always a good spot nearby for you to open a picnic basket and just chill.

When the British were developing Nuwara Eliya to make the perfect summer retreat, they also constructed a large lake to supply the town with electricity. The lake is set amidst a serene landscape and is a great place to go for a stroll. You can also go paddle boating around the lake for a small fee.

Nuwara Eliya has the most beautiful, not to mention one of the oldest, golf course in Sri Lanka. The Golf course covers a large area, large enough to accommodate 18 holes that it prides. The natural ups and downs of the terrain make for extra challenges and this is something most golfers are excited by. In addition, the golf course is located right in the centre of the city and hence is easily accessible.

The Grand Hotel is among the oldest buildings in the town. The ancient colonial architecture is brilliant and the building is well maintained. If possible, a stay here would transport you back in time, but if you are short on time then you should definitely stop here for their ‘high tea’. An unlimited amount of tea is served here along with yummy sandwiches and cakes in the elegant gardens of the hotel.