EMBRACE AND EXPLORE THE CITY OF LIGHTS AND BEYOND

A Honeymoon Couples Ultimate Guide to Nuwara Eliya

A Curated List of the 13 Best Experiences

Nuwara Eliya, nestled nearly 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, is Sri Lanka’s highest city, offering breathtaking views that will captivate you even on the scenic drive to this hill station. This enchanting destination is a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway, with its picturesque landscapes, including a gorgeous lake, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. The Honeymoon Guide’s 13 best experiences is our ultimate guide to Nuwara Eliya, featuring the best the City of Lights offers. The city's colonial charm and emerald landscapes create a perfect setting for lovebirds and honeymooners. In Nuwara Eliya, the list of things to do is as impressive as the scenery. Whether you enjoy nature walks, exploring the colonial-style city, or indulging in fun activities with some adventure, there's something here for every couple. Discover our guide to the 13 best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and its surroundings, and immerse yourselves in a relaxing, stress-free trip that celebrates your love amidst the beauty of Sri Lanka’s countryside.

Victoria Park

A serene oasis in the heart of Nuwara Eliya perfectly complements the city’s relaxing atmosphere. When exploring Nuwara Eliya, visit this expansive, well-maintained park, renowned as South Asia's best-maintained park. Perfect for couples to take a romantic walk, Victoria Park features gorgeous flowers, swings, and ferries that add a playful touch to its natural beauty.

Entry Fee: LKR 300
Location: PBC Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Lake Gregory

Just a few kilometres from the town centre, Gregory Lake is one of Nuwara Eliya's most picturesque spots, perfect for couples seeking a romantic day with fun activities. Here, you can enjoy rowing on the serene waters or bask in the natural beauty surrounding you. The lake's charming atmosphere makes it an ideal location for a leisurely picnic or a relaxing stroll.

There are several delightful ways to explore Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya, each offering a unique experience:

On Foot: Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Gregory by taking a peaceful walk along the beautiful trails that surround the lake. It's a lovely way to spend an hour or so.

Hire a Speed Boat: Rent a speed boat for a more thrilling experience. Various boats are available for hire along the lake's edge, averaging around 4,000 LKR for a 30-minute ride.

Swan Paddleboat: For a charming and romantic outing, rent a swan-shaped paddle boat for 2,000 LKR per 30 minutes.

Go Horseback Riding: Enjoy a guided ride along the lake for 2,000 LKR, adding a touch of adventure to your visit.

Entry Fee: LKR 200 (The fee includes a ticket valid for the entire day, so be sure to hold onto it if you plan to return later.)

Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Strawberry Field Visit

Visit the captivating strawberry fields for a truly magical experience in Nuwara Eliya. These picturesque fields provide a stunning backdrop for photographers aiming to capture the area's scenic beauty. The best time to visit is during the strawberry season, when you can wander through the plantations and pick fresh strawberries. Just 20 minutes away from the centre, this delightful activity is a must-do on your Nuwara Eliya itinerary.

There are two leading strawberry farms for visitors: Ramya and Jagro’s Simply Strawberries. Both farms offer unique experiences for strawberry lovers. At Ramya, you can enjoy a farm visit for just 100 LKR per person, allowing you to walk through the strawberry greenhouse.

Both farms feature charming cafés where you can enjoy various drinks, including refreshing strawberry juices and milkshakes. Jagro stands out with its full dessert menu, and its brownie with ice cream and strawberries is delicious. If you must choose just one farm to visit, make it Jagro for its delightful desserts and overall experience.

Highlights:

Ramya: Farm visit for 100 LKR per person
Jagro: Full dessert menu with a must-try brownie with ice cream and strawberries
Location: Ramya is at 156 Kande Ella Nuwara Eliya and Jagro at Pattipola - Kirindiela Rd, Kande Ela, Nuwara Eliya.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset

Afternoon High Tea at the Grand Hotel

One of the most intimate and delightful experiences in Nuwara Eliya is the afternoon High Tea at the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel offers decadent high tea daily from 3:30 to 6 pm.

Choose from three distinct high tea experiences: Grand, Royal, and Sparkling High Tea. Each features an extensive selection of teas, artisanal pastries, and culinary delights, all served in an elegant ambience with the guidance of tea sommeliers.

For 1500 LKR per person, you can relax in their beautiful restaurant or outdoor patio, savouring a variety of teas and delectable snacks. This elegant experience is a must-do for couples seeking a romantic and sophisticated afternoon in Nuwara Eliya.

Location: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Hakgala Botanical Garden

A trip to Hakgala Botanical Gardens is a must for couples visiting Nuwara Eliya. As the second largest of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, Hakgala is a popular attraction. Located just a 10-minute drive from Nuwara Eliya, this 28-acre garden is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, featuring over 10,000 flora in beautifully manicured gardens and forests.

Stroll hand-in-hand through various sub-gardens, including the Upper Flower Garden, Fernery, Rock Garden, Arboretum, Rose Garden, and Glass House. Each area offers a unique and vibrant display of exotic plants and flowers, perfect for a romantic day out.

Entry Fee: Approximately LKR 1500
Timings: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Galway’s Land National Park

Galway is one of many parks in Nuwara Eliya and probably the smallest. Despite its size, it boasts a rich biodiversity, featuring many exotic birds and animals. Spread across 27 acres, the park is home to about 20 rare migrant bird species and 30 native species, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Galway’s Land National Park, located within the city limits of Nuwara Eliya, was established to preserve the area's unique ecosystem. Despite its small size, it is a popular destination for bird watchers, allowing them to spot over 20 rare bird species. This park provides a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts looking to explore Nuwara Eliya's natural beauty.

Entry Fee: Approximately LKR 1,500.
Highlights: For an immersive nature experience, consider staying overnight at the nearby Galway Forest Lodge.
Location: Havelock Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

A trip to Bomburu Ella Waterfall is a must for couples visiting Nuwara Eliya. Located just 30 minutes from the city, this stunning waterfall is the largest and most beautiful in the area. If you only have time to visit one waterfall, make it Bomburu Ella.

To fully enjoy the serene beauty of the falls, plan to visit early in the morning or afternoon when it's less crowded. This will allow you to experience the waterfall in a peaceful, intimate setting, perfect for a romantic outing.

Seetha Amman Kovil

Seetha Amman Kovil

Just 1 km from the Hakgala Botanical Gardens lies the Seetha Amman Kovil, a unique and enchanting destination for couples. This temple, built in the style of South Indian architecture, is the only one of its kind in the world. According to the epic Ramayana, this site is where Seetha was held captive and hidden by King Rama to protect her from the demon king Ravana.

The nearby stream is believed to be where Seetha bathed, with a rock beside it where she prayed. Across the stream, circular depressions in the rock are said to be the footprints of Ravana’s elephant.

It is a site steeped in myth and history, combining a visit to the serene Hakgala Botanical Gardens with the mystical Seetha Amman Kovil.

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Built in 1894, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a striking example of Tudor-era architecture, reflecting the colonial style prevalent in the town. With its red brick exterior and distinctive clock tower, this building offers a charming glimpse into old-world Ceylon. One of the country’s oldest post offices, it is a heritage attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It is a must-visit for those interested in the area's historical colonial heritage and architecture.

Trek to Single Tree Hill

Couples visiting Nuwara Eliya should consider trekking to Single Tree Hill for a memorable and fun activity. Just 4 km from town and known for its breathtaking sunrise views, this mountain stands 6,890 feet above sea level and offers a 90-minute hike to the top. Single Tree Hill is the perfect vantage point from which to marvel at the beauty of Nuwara Eliya and the Hakgala Mountain range.

As you trek through picturesque tea plantations, you’ll reach the summit marked by a solitary tree. From this seventh-highest mountain in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy panoramic views of Nuwara Eliya town, including the Piduruthalagala and Hakgala mountains. Arrive between 5:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. for the best cloud formations and stunning mountain reflections on Gregory Lake.

On clear days, you can see landmarks such as Lovers Leap Falls, Lake Gregory, and the urban areas of Nuwara Eliya in the northern valley, as well as Adam’s Peak, Seven Virgin Hills, Conical Hill, and Uda Radella mountains in the southern valley. This trek is a fantastic way for couples to experience the natural beauty and tranquillity of Nuwara Eliya together.

Holy Trinity Church in Nuwara Eliya

Located about 5 km from Nuwara Eliya town, The Holy Trinity Church is a site of historical and spiritual relevance, constructed by the British in 1833 and completed in 1843. Officially declared open on February 24, 1852, this "Church of England" establishment showcases British architectural techniques and features a distinctive pipe organ.

The church's British character is evident in its intricate stained-glass windows, grand pipe organ, and the two old lych gates in the garden. Historically, planters would ride up on horseback, dismount at these gates, and tether their horses before entering the church compound, evoking a sense of Old England.

Holy Trinity Church, with its well-maintained garden and graveyard, retains a solemn air of sanctity and is a poignant reminder of Nuwara Eliya's colonial past. Enjoy a touch of the old world here amidst landscaped gardens.

Pedro Tea Plantation and Factory Tour

For a charming and insightful experience, couples visiting Nuwara Eliya should explore the Pedro Tea Estate and take a tea factory tour. Located about 3.5 km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola, this visit offers a delightful way to see where and how your morning cup of tea originates.

Take a 20-minute guided tour of the factory, built in 1885 and still featuring 19th-century engineering. Although processing occurs at night due to the type of light tea produced, the historical machinery and processes are fascinating to observe.

After the tour, relax together in the pleasant teahouse overlooking the lush tea plantations.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

For a truly romantic experience in Nuwara Eliya, visit the enchanting Lovers Leap Waterfall. Located about 7 km from Nuwara Eliya, near the Pedro Tea estate, a scenic drive from town offers breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape. The waterfall is steeped in local folklore, telling the tale of a prince and his beloved who, forbidden to be together, leapt to their deaths from the falls, hand in hand.

You'll journey through a tea factory and along a dirt road to the tea manager’s bungalow to reach it. Follow the signs and arrive at a rock face and a Shiva shrine. Just beyond the shrine, you'll find the cascading waterfall.

This destination combines natural beauty with a poignant love story, making it a perfect spot for couples seeking a memorable and romantic outing in Nuwara Eliya.

Conclusion

Nuwara Eliya, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming colonial architecture, and serene tea plantations, offers a romantic retreat for couples. Whether exploring the lush greenery of tea estates, indulging in the picturesque views from Lover’s Leap, or enjoying a peaceful boat ride, this guide about the 13 best places in Nuwara Eliya caters to all romantic desires, ensuring an idyllic and memorable getaway for couples.

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