How to plan a fulfilling trip to Nuwara Eliya with your family – enjoy Little England to its fullest

So the time has dawned for that much looked forward to a family holiday to Nuwara Eliya. Situated in Sri Lanka’s scenic central highlands and home to cool climes and elements of the English countryside, the town of Nuwara Eliya is perfectly positioned for a vacation. Here is how you can go about organising one.

Start off at Victoria Park

Bathed in shades of peace and serenity is the wonderfully appointed Victoria Park, nestled a mere 3 km from the town’s centre. With a plethora of plants, flowers and beautiful ponds to call by and take pleasure in, Victoria Park also accommodates a separate children’s play area together with a list of enjoyable rides to while away the hours. Thus, whether you desire a morning walk, a picnic in the afternoon or a photography session come evening, few would afford the value and variety on show within the pleasing environs of Victoria Park.

Spend time on and along Lake Gregory

A misty Evening near by Gregory Lake,Nuwara Eliya | Image via Wikimedia Commons

A popular stopover for recreation when in Nuwara Eliya, the splendid setting of Lake Gregory cannot be forgotten when contemplating items to include on your bucket list. For starters, the attraction is located a mere 1 km from the town centre and a stone’s throw from Araliya Red which is one of the best hotels in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka. 

Named after Sir William Gregory in the year 1873, the green stretches that hug the boundaries of Lake Gregory offer ample space in which to picnic, go bicycling and ride a horse. However, whenever you are here, never ignore the prospect of renting out a boat and exploring the waters of the Lake and its immediate vicinity that include mist-shrouded mountains and lush green jungle that seem to go on for miles on end.

Have a cuppa Ceylon Tea

The consumption of tea amongst Sri Lankans far exceeds that of habitual practice for it is treated as an obsession with there being no perfect time for a cuppa. In Nuwara Eliya, tea plantations are a common sight and for those families enthused about the ‘ins and outs’ of tea production and the workings of a local tea factory, a day trip to the Pedro Tea Estate should be scheduled. Nestled some 3.5 km from Nuwara Eliya, the visitor will be greeted by well-manicured terraces that lead up to the Pidurutalagala Mountain on which tea is cultivated. 

Better yet, you can join the locals and try your hand at plucking tea before pausing by the outdoor café where you can savour a flavour that has successfully transcended generations.

Stroll through the Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Incorporated under the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve during the times of the British in 1861, the green patches that encompass the Hakgala Botanical Gardens are a nature lover’s dream come true given the pageantry on show. Divided according to the numerous plant species that call Hakgala home, travellers will encounter a vast amount of roses, orchids, cacti and ferns during their time here. Of notable importance is the fact that these Gardens are found on elevated ground and boast a climate that ranges from moderately hot to cool for the majority of the year. 

Being the 2nd largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka, Hakgala can be accessed within 5 km from Nuwara Eliya along the winding road to Badulla.

Venture towards Aberdeen Falls

Dotted by the wilderness that engulfs this section of the island nation and with jaw-dropping vistas to embrace and fall in love with, the Aberdeen Falls spells incredible with a capital ‘I.’ Before heading out, it is recommended that you wear your trusty hiking boots as the trek to the bottom of the Falls and back will demand having on adequate footwear so that you avoid the risk of injury. Stunning views of emerald will be your constant companion as you make your way towards a site that is well worth the journey and time. 

Before dusk settles and the weather takes a turn for the worse, it is an absolute must that you go in for a dip at the natural pool at the foot of the Falls where you can savour all things ‘spectacular’ and ‘serene.’