Nuwara Eliya is a city located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the misty mountains of the hill country. Nuwara Eliya is a district with many popular attractions including majestic mountains and wonderful waterfalls.
Aadishakti Seetha Amman Temple
Aadishakti Seetha Amman Temple, also known as Seetha Matha Temple, is a Hindu temple which is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Seetha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya. It is a popular Hindu temple in the area where many devotees from around Nuwara Eliya come to worship and perform religious rituals. The temple is located in a scenic environment which provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations.
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in Ramboda of the Nuwara Eliya district. It is a popular Hindu temple in the Nuwara Eliya district where many devotees from Nuwara Eliya and across Sri Lanka come to worship and pay homage to God Hanuman, the deity of the temple. The temple consists of a 5 m tall statue of Hanuman which is known to be the tallest statue of Hanuman in the country. Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple was constructed in 1999.
Sirimadura Ganapathy Kovil
Sirimadura Ganapathy Kovil is a Hindu temple which is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. It is located in a serene environment which gives the temple a very calm and peaceful surrounding. It is the ideal place for meditation. Local Hindu devotees from the surrounding area come to the temple to perform religious rituals.
Sri Kathiresan Temple
Sri Kathiresan Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated along the Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway in Nuwara Eliya. It is located in a beautiful environment surrounded by the mountains and tea plantations. A fair crowd of Hindu devotees from the surrounding area visit the temple to perform religious rituals.
Sumana Saman Dewalaya
Sumana Saman Dewalaya is a Buddhist temple which is situated along Kalukelle Road in Nuwara Eliya. The temple is situated at a very scenic location providing amazing views of the Sri Pada Holy Mountain. The temple sees many devotees who come from in and around Nuwara Eliya.
Sri Wardhanarama Viharaya
Sri Wardhanarama Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple which is situated in Nanuoya of the Nuwara Eliya district. It is the second most ancient Buddhist temple of the Nuwara Eliya district. The temple is believed to be over 100 years old and stands in good condition on this day. Many Buddhist devotees from all over Nuwara Eliya come to this temple.
Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya
Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple which is situated in Single Tree Hill Road, Nuwara Eliya. It is located close to the Single Tree Hill and is also known as “Single Tree Hill Temple”. It is a popular Buddhist temple in Nuwara Eliya. The temple is surrounded by scenic views which attracts tourists apart from the regular devotees who come to conduct religious rituals.
Sri Muththumari Amman Kovil
Sri Muththumari Amman Kovil is a Hindu temple which is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district. It was built in the late 1800s and is regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Nuwara Eliya town. The temple is dedicated to goddess Muththumari Amman who is believed to bless couples with fertility. This is a reason why many wedding ceremonies are held at this temple.
Thiruvetkattu Sri Muthu Mariyamman
Thiruvetkattu Sri Muthu Mariyamman Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district. It is a very beautiful temple located amidst a scenic environment surrounding tea plantations. Many Hindu devotees from the surrounding area come to visit this temple to worship and perform religious rituals.
Sri Vishuddharama Temple
Sri Vishuddharama Temple is a Buddhist temple which is situated along the Nuwara Eliya-Udapussellawa Road in Nuwara Eliya. The temple is surrounded by the scenic beauty of a tea estate which provides a very relaxing and calm environment to it. It conducts many religious festivities annually which are attended by a large number of devotees from the surrounding area and across Nuwara Eliya.
St. Paul the Hermit Church
St. Paul the Hermit Church is situated along the Nuwara Eliya-Udapussellawa Road in the Nuwara Eliya district. It is a popular church in the area. Many devotees from the surrounding area come to this church to seek blessings of the Lord. It is a beautiful church located amidst a scenic environment.
Gayathri Temple
Gayathri Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated in Nuwara Eliya. It is a very important and holy site in Nuwara Eliya. It is regarded as the first temple in Sri Lanka which was built for Gayathri Amman. The Shiva Lingam in this temple was said to have been brought from the holy river Narmada in India. This historic temple is visited by a large number of Hindu devotees every year.
Ashokaramaya is a Buddhist temple
Ashokaramaya is a Buddhist temple which is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. It is located amidst a picturesque surrounding which makes the temple area a very calm and peaceful environment. The setting is ideal for meditation and many Buddhist devotees from Nuwara Eliya come to this temple to perform religious rituals.
Babu Sivan Kovil
Babu Sivan Kovil is a Hindu temple which is situated along Unique View Road in Nuwara Eliya. It is a small temple which is mostly visited by the locals living in the surrounding area. A few Hindu religious festivities are celebrated at the temple during different time periods within the year.
God Muneeswaran Temple
God Muneeswaran Temple is a Hindu temple which is situated along Lover’s Leap Fall Road in Nuwara Eliya. It is located in a scenic environment close to the Lover’s Leap waterfall. Many Hindu devotees from the surrounding area come to visit this temple. It is dedicated to god Muneeswaran and sees a fair amount of devotees attending its feasts every year.
Galway’s Land National Park
Galway’s Land National Park is a small national park situated in Nuwara Eliya. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 27 May 1938 and was elevated to the national park status on 18 May 2006. It is governed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka. There are about 20 rare migrant bird species and 30 native species of birds at Galway’s Land National Park.
Galway’s Land National Park
Galway’s Land National Park is a small national park situated in Nuwara Eliya. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary on 27 May 1938 and was elevated to the national park status on 18 May 2006. It is governed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka. There are about 20 rare migrant bird species and 30 native species of birds at Galway’s Land National Park.\
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The botanical garden is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway and is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka. It is situated 5400 feet above the sea level and has a considerably cool climate. The garden was created in 1861 and is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens has a cool climate from December to February and a considerably warmer climate from April to August, every year. According to folklore, King Ravana had kept Sita hidden here after abducting her and the garden was offered to her for pleasure.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is a protected region in the central province of the country. It is rich in bio diversity including many plants which are endemic not only to Sri Lanka but to the plains itself. The plains are the source of three major rivers in Sri Lanka, namely Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe. The Sri Lankan sambar deer is a typically featured mammal in this region along with many species of birds endemic to the Horton Plains. Popular tourist attractions of the area are Great World’s End Drop and Baker’s Falls waterfall. The region was given the status of a national park in 1988.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a beautiful nature park situated in Nuwara Eliya. It was originally the research field of the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The park was opened with the planting of an oak tree by a German Princess who was visiting the country at the time. The park consists of a variety of flora, fauna and a number of rare species of birds. The Nanu Oya River flows through the park creating a number of small lakes. There is also a children’s play area at the far end of the park.
Ambewela New Zealand Farm
Ambewela New Zealand Farm is situated along New Zealand Farms Road in Nuwara Eliya. The quaint village of Ambewela is famous for its two dairy farms, “Ambewela Farm” and “New Zealand Farm”. Only the latter is open for the public and it has become a popular attraction in the Nuwara Eliya district, among both adults and children.
History of Ambewela New Zealand Farm
The Ambewela Farm was started in the early 1940s by the British while the New Zealand Farm was started in 1960 with the help of the New Zealand government while being managed by the Ambewela Farm. The farm spreads in an area of more than 1500 acres. Visitors can see the cows in the meadows and also learn about the automated process in producing milk, at the farm.
Damro Labookellie Tea Centre
Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, formerly known as Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre, is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. It is a large tea estate covering over 27,000 acres of tea and rubber plantation with a long history to it. It was initially started in 1841 by Captain William Mackwood and is recognised as the second oldest mercantile firm in Sri Lanka. The tea factory is located in a scenic natural setting over 2000 m above sea level. Visitors can take a tour around the factory to learn about the tea making process and even purchase a wide variety of flavoured tea.
Hope Natural Pool
Hope Natural Pool is situated in Nuwara Eliya. It is a beautiful place to relax and have a swim. The water is crystal clear and the area remains clean and unpolluted. Many locals and tourists come to the area to relax and bathe due to the availability of facilities to change and have meals. The water in this natural pool is reported to be extremely cold.
Ramboda Falls
Ramboda Falls is situated in Pussellawa in the Nuwara Eliya district. It is 109 meters high and is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is the 729th highest waterfall in the world. This is also known as “Puna Ella”. It is formed by a tributary on the Kotmale River, namely Panna Oya. Ramboda Falls is situated at an altitude of 945 m above sea level. Ramboda Falls is a spectacular tiered type of waterfall which falls in to a large basin pool. This natural pool is a popular area for swimming. Ramboda Falls stands among some of the top most beautiful waterfalls of Sri Lanka. The waterfall is surrounded by amazing landscapes which consist of hills, highlands, plains and ridges.
Kande Ela Reservoir
Kande Ela Reservoir is situated along the Blackpool-Ambewela-Pattipola-Horton Plain Road in Nuwara Eliya. It is also known as the Meepilimana Reservoir and is a popular stop on the way to Horton Plains National Park. The reservoir was built between 1947 and 1949 while finally being declared open in 1950 by the then prime minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. D.S. Senanayake. It covers an area of approximately 4.5 square km. The main purpose of this reservoir is to supply drinking water to the residents of the area.
Mandaram Nuwara
Mandaram Nuwara is a small village situated at the foot of the Piduruthalagala Mountain in the district of Nuwara Eliya. This beautiful village is surrounded by misty mountains and waterfalls with a history which runs down to the era of King Ravana. The village is bounded from the west by Piduruthalagala and from the east by the Balagolla mountain ranges. It is a popular hiking area among both locals and foreigners. Mandaram Nuwara is also known as the “Misty City” because it is surrounded by mountain ranges and is shrouded in mist for most part of the day. The beautiful “Kolapathana Ella” waterfall is also situated in this village. Wrapped up in cold mist with turquoise water, green forests and grasslands, Mandaram Nuwara is a heavenly location. Due to its geographic location, the village receives rainfall for most part of the year.
Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in the heart of Nuwara Eliya city. This artificial lake offers boat rides and various water related activities for visitors of Nuwara Eliya. It is also known as Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir and is an iconic attractions in Nuwara Eliya. Lake Gregory was constructed by the British Governor, Sir William Gregory in 1873.
Nanuoya Waterfall
Nanuoya Waterfall is situated in Nanuoya of the Nuwara Eliya district. It is 60 meters high and cascades down a sequence of 25 steps. The fall joins the Kotmale and Mahaweli rivers and creates a very scenic view of nature.The water of Nanuoya Waterfall flows through the Udaradella and Bambarakelle areas, starting from the Nanu Oya (River) and going up to the fall. Nanuoya Waterfall can be seen from the main road and is a beautiful waterfall among the waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Mandaram Nuwara
Mandaram Nuwara is a small village situated at the foot of the Piduruthalagala Mountain in the district of Nuwara Eliya. This beautiful village is surrounded by misty mountains and waterfalls with a history which runs down to the era of King Ravana. The village is bounded from the west by Piduruthalagala and from the east by the Balagolla mountain ranges. It is a popular hiking area among both locals and foreigners. Mandaram Nuwara is also known as the “Misty City” because it is surrounded by mountain ranges and is shrouded in mist for most part of the day. The beautiful “Kolapathana Ella” waterfall is also situated in this village. Wrapped up in cold mist with turquoise water, green forests and grasslands, Mandaram Nuwara is a heavenly location. Due to its geographic location, the village receives rainfall for most part of the year.
Mlesna Tea Castle St. Claire
Mlesna Tea Castle St. Claire is a tea shop which is situated along the Avissawella – Nuwara Eliya Highway in Nuwara Eliya. It is claimed as the largest tea shop in the world. The tea centre has a wide array of aromatic flavoured Ceylon tea. It also has a play area for children. Visitors to the tea centre are able to get a good view of St. Claire waterfall and Devon Falls.
Mahakandura Ella Fall
Mahakandura Ella Fall is situated in Padiyapelella of the Nuwara Eliya district. It stands at a height of 120 meters and falls over several cascades into the depths of its base pool. The waters of the fall spread over the rocks like a big piece of white tulle during the rainy season.
Lover’s Leap Waterfall is situated in Nuwara Eliya, a few away from the Nuwara Eliya town. It is 30 meters high and offers mind blowing views of tea plantations. The fall begins from the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala Mountain.
Moon Plains
Moon Plains, also known as Sandathenna, is situated along Ranhawadigama Road in Nuwara Eliya. The vast slopes of the Moon Plains offer stunning panoramic views of the mountains and the surrounding area. This includes 9 prominent peaks of the central highlands which are the Pidurutalagala Mountain, Great Western Mountain, Thotupola Mountain, Kirigalpoththa Mountain, Kikiliyamana Mountain, Conical Hill, Single Tree Hill, Namunukula Mountain and Hakgala Mountain.
Pattipola Railway Station
Pattipola Railway Station is situated along World’s End Road in Pattipola in the Nuwara Eliya district. It is located 1897.5 m above sea level and is known as the highest railway station in Sri Lanka. The picturesque Pattipola Railway Station has one platform with a second rail track as a siding loop.
Pedro Tea Estate
Pedro Tea Estate is situated along the Nuwara Eliya – Udapussellawa Road in Nuwara Eliya. Visitors have the opportunity to walk around the tea factory and estate to learn more about the process of growing and selecting the best tea leaves for the perfect cup of tea. This process includes drying and processing of tea leaves and packing the final product for export. There is a small cafe to sip a cup of tea or even purchase high-quality tea to take back home to friends and family.
Kurundu Oya Ella Fall
Kurundu Oya Ella Fall is situated in Nuwara Eliya close to the town of Walapane. It stands at a height of 189 meters being the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It starts from the Kurundu River and falls on to the Mahaweli River. It is also called “Maturata Ella” and is located in a scenic environment surrounded by tea estates.Kurundu Oya Ella Fall is the highest waterfall in the Nuwara Eliya district and the highest waterfall which falls on to the Mahaweli River. The waterfall is situated about 100 meters down a tea plantation, a route which needs to be taken by foot. Due to its remote location, the Kurundu Oya Ella Fall is a lesser known tourist attraction.
Pidurutalagala
Pidurutalagala is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka and is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district. Standing at a majestic height of 2524 m, it is also known as “Mount Pedro”. It was named as “Pedro” because the British found it difficult to pronounce the word “Pidurutalagala”. The peak of Pidurutalagala is designated as a high security zone and is out of bounds for the general public. The mountain is surrounded by lush greenery because of the forest around it.
Randenigala Dam
Randenigala Dam is hydroelectric dam which is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The dam along with the power stations was officially opened in 1986. It is located 19 km from the popular Victoria Dam and 2.8 km upstream of the Rantambe Dam. The dam is made mostly of rocks and consists of a core made of clay. Randenigala Dam created the Randenigala Reservoir which is one of the largest reservoirs in Sri Lanka.
Strawberry Farm, Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is popular for its fresh produce of Sri Lankan strawberries. There are many companies producing strawberring in this part of the island. Visitors can tour the strawberry farm to get to know the process of producing strabwerries. They also get to indulge in fresh strawberries and various other sweet delicacies made using strawberries. It is a unique kind of experience which anyone travelling to Nuwara Eliya should experience.
St. Clair (Minor) Falls
St. Clair (Minor) Falls is situated in Talawakelle. It is 50 meters high and is also known as “Kuda Ella”. Located on the Kotmale River, the fall has been affected by the hydro power plant project and authorities are taking necessary action for this.
St. Clair (Major) waterfall
St. Clair (Major) waterfall is situated in Talawakelle. It is commonly known as “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. It is 80 meters high and 50 meters wide and is also known as “Maha Ella” or “Greater Fall”. It is the 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Andawala Ella Fall
Andawala Ella Fall is situated in the Andawala village of the Nuwara Eliya district. It is 40 meters high and falls from the Nayameruhinna mountain range.From Nuwara Eliya travel along the Nuwara Eliya-Udapussellawa Road passing Kandapola, Ragala, Harasbedda and Walapane up to Andawala to reach the Andawala Ella Fall.
Laxapana Fall
Laxapana Fall is situated in Maskeliya town of the Nuwara Eliya district. Standing at a massive height of 126 meters, it is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 625th highest waterfall in the world. According to folk tales this is the place where Lord Buddha mended his saffron robe when visiting Sri Pada. The name of the fall is derived from the words “Laxa” which means hundred thousand and “Pahana” which means rock. It is a reference to how that many lamps could be lighted from the power generated using the water from this waterfall. Laxapana waterfall is situated along the Maskeliya-Norton Bridge Road in a village named Kiriwan Eliya. It gives its name to two hydroelectric power stations namely Old Laxapana Power Station and New Laxapana Power Station. The Laxapana Waterfall is formed by the Maskeliya Oya which is a tributary to the Kelani River. It is quite a difficult waterfall to hike and caution should be taken when taking a dip in the natural pools in the area due to the flow of the water.
Kolapathana Ella Waterfall
Kolapathana Ella Waterfall is situated in a small ancient village named Mandaram Nuwara in Nuwara Eliya. Its exact height is unknown but is believed to be not less than 50 meters. This beautiful waterfall is fed by a stream originating from the Pidurutalagala Mountain.Mandaram Nuwara is a small ancient village in the Nuwara Eliya district lying at the foot of the Pidurutalagala Mountain at an altitude of 1250 meters above sea level. Kolapathana Ella is one of the largest waterfalls situated in Mandaram Nuwara.
Baker’s Falls
Baker’s Falls is situated in Horton Plains National Park on an affluent of the Belihul Oya. It stands at a height of 20 meters. The waterfall has been named after Sir Samuel Baker who was a famous explorer at the time and who also happened to discover Nuwara Eliya.
Hakgala Ella Fall
Hakgala Ella Fall is situated close to the famous Hakgala Botanical Gardens in Nuwara Eliya. It stands at a height of 5 meters with a small cascade. It is a popular stop of those visiting the Hakgala gardens due to its close proximity to the garden.
Glen Falls
Glen Falls is situated in Nuwara Eliya. It is 10 meters high and is very popular for hiking. Due to illegal clearing at the top of the Single Tree Hill, it has turned in to a seasonal waterfall. The falls can be observed during and immediately after heavy rains in Nuwara Eliya.
Dunsinnen Falls
Dunsinnen Falls is situated in Pundaluoya village of the Nuwara Eliya district. It stands at an impressive height of 100 meters. It is a good place to bathe with a temple nearby. It is also called “Dunsinane Falls” or “Pandalu Oya Ella”. The waterfall stands in the middle of two tea estates namely “Dunsinan Estate” and “Sheen Estate”.
Devon falls
Devon falls is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district. It has been named after a pioneer English tea planter named Devon. His plantation was situated near this waterfall. This striking waterfall 97 meters in height, is situated on the Kotmale Oya River. Devon fall stands at an altitude of 1140 m above sea level.
Bomburuella Waterfall
Bomburuella Waterfall is situated in Perawella near the border of the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts. It is 50 meters high and is also known as “Perawalla Falls”. It is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka and consists of many small waterfalls grouped together.
The source of the Bomburuella Waterfall is a lake located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is the ideal location to rest, have a picnic and take a bath as you wish. Camping at this site is prohibited by the government of Sri Lanka. The Waters of Bomburuella waterfall has been diverted to a powerhouse in the area and also for use in cultivation.
Getting to Bomburuella Waterfall
From Nuwara Eliya travel along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway and the Rendapola-Galahagama-Ambagasdowa Road passing Katumana, Seetha Eliya and Hakgala up to Bomburuella to reach the Bomburuella Waterfall which is situated along Bomburuella Road in Uduhawara.
AOA Zip Line
AOA Zip Line is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Kalukelle, Nuwara Eliya. It is a popular spot in Nuwara Eliya to experience a great zip-lining adventure. It is the only adventure of the kind to be found within the Nuwara Eliya town.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. Established in 1889, it is known to be one of the oldest golf clubs in the Asian region. It was built for recreational purposes back in the day when the British were in the central highlands among the tea plantations. The golf course consists of 18 holes while the club has over 2000 members in it.
Nuwara Eliya Racecourse
Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is situated along Ambulance Track in Nuwara Eliya. It is the only remaining venue for horse in the country. The circumference of the track is 1800 m at an elevation of 1868 m above sea level making it one of the highest race courses in the world.
History Nuwara Eliya Racecourse
Horse racing was introduced to Sri Lanka by John Baker, the brother of Samuel Baker who was the British explorer credited for discovering Nuwara Eliya. Established in 1875, the racecourse hosts notable races such as the Governor’s Cup, Queen’s Cup, Independence Cup and RTC Magic Million Cup.
Chariot Path
Chariot Path is a plain on a mountain range which is situated in Nuwara Eliya district. It is believed to be the place where King Ravana brought Sita to show the beauty of Lanka. Until this day no vegetation grown on the plain and it only consists of grass. Chariot Path opens up to beautiful scenery of the central highlands including amazing views of the Sri Pada Holy Mountain. There is also a pond along this route which is believed to have formed by the tears shed by Sita which does not dry up even during severe droughts. The hike is at an average difficulty level and takes approximately 2- 3 hours to complete..
Great Western Mountain
Great Western Mountain is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district. Standing at a height of approximately 2212 m it is the 7th highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Great Western Mountain is difficult hike due to its steep slope and unclear footpath. It is located right behind the Great Western station which is known to be one of the most beautiful railway stations in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, standing approximately 1464 m above sea level. The summit of the mountain provides spectacular views of the surrounding area with glimpses of Pidurutalagala, Sri Pada Holy Mountain and the Seven Virgin Hills. There is also an old Hindu kovil hidden in the forest at this location.
Kirigalpoththa Mountain
Kirigalpoththa Mountain is situated in the district of Nuwara Eliya. Standing at a massive height of 2388 m, it is the second tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. The mountain gets its name “Kirigalpoththa”, which translates to the words milk, rock, bark, mainly due to the fact that it has a large number of trees with blotched white bark. The summit of the mountain could be reached via a trail in the Horton Plains National Park. It is the highest mountain peak which can be accessed by the general public because the highest point of the tallest mountain in the country, Pidurutalagala Mountain, is used as a military base and cannot be accessed by the public.
Mahakudagala
Mahakudagala is a mountain which is situated along the Nuwara Eliya – Udapussellawa Road in the district of Nuwara Eliya. Standing at a height of 2100 m, it shares the 10th position for the tallest mountains in Sri Lanka along with Single Tree Hill in Nuwara Eliya. Mahakudagala Mountain forms part of the Narangala mountain range. It is also one of the eastern spurs of this range.
Peacock Hill
Peacock Hill is a mountain which is situated near the Pussellawa town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It stands at a height of approximately 1518 m and provides an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The top of the mountain provides stunning views of the Pussellawa town, Kotmale Reservoir, Kabaragala Mountain, Ramboda Falls, Ambuluwawa, Pidurutalagala, Bible Rock, Dolosbage, Gampola town, Nawalapitiya town and Nuwara Eliya town. Hike to Peacock Hill is a relatively easy one. Peacock Hill is also known as “Monara Gala Mountain”.
Peacock Hill stands only 200 m above Pussellawa town. It is the highest peak in Pussellawa and is easily accessible via the road going through the surrounding villages.
Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, is situated in the southern part of the central highlands in the Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura districts of Sri Lanka. It stands at a height of 2243 m and is regarded as a holy site by the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The Buddhists believe that the 1.8 m rock formation near the summit of Sri Pada is the footprint of Lord Buddha while the Hindus believe it is the footprint of Lord Shiva or Hanuman. The Muslims and Christians are in the same belief that it is the footprint of Adam.
Hiking Sri Pada Mountain
Sri Pada Mountain is surrounded by lush greenery of the forest around it. It consists of a wide variety of wildlife species including leopards and elephants out of which some are endemic to Sri Lanka. Sri Pada is a popular hiking area with the Nallathanni and Palabaddala trail being most favoured by hikers. The Kuruwita-Erathna trail is also used, although much less than the other. The Sri Pada pilgrimage season begins on the full moon poya of December and ends on the full moon poya on April.
Getting to Sri Pada
From Nuwara Eliya travel along the Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway and the Hatton – Maskeliya – Dalhousie Road passing Nanuoya, Talawakelle, Hatton and Dickoya up to Maskeliya. Then travel along the Sri Pada Road up to Nallathanniya to reach the Sri Pada Mountain.
Indikatupana
Indikatupana is located in Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) Mountain which is situated bordering the Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya districts. It is a tradition of first time hikers of Sri Pada to hang a needle and white thread at this location. Also known as Geththampana, the needles and threads are there for those who need it in case they encounter thorny bushes on their way up and need to stitch their clothes. It is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha stitched a tear on his sacred yellow robe on his way up the mountain. Doing this task is also believed to adorn blessings for a safe journey up the mountain.
Kotmale Raja Pihilla
Kotmale Raja Pihilla is situated in village of Kotmale in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is known as the royal bathing site which was used by one of the greatest kings of Sri Lanka, Dutugemunu. Dutugemunu, as a prince had fled from the Ruhunu kingdom after angering his father, King Kavantissa. The prince had come to Kotmale and lived there for 17 years. This royal bathing site or ‘raja pihilla’ is located close to a paddy field named ‘Mahawela’. The remains of this place are visible as a basin and pillar made of stone. Many of the Kandyan kings are believed to have bathed at this lcoation, whenever they preferred to bathe out of their palaces.
Nuwara Eliya Post Office
Nuwara Eliya Post Office is an iconic building which is situated at the center of the Nuwara Eliya town. This two-storey red brick building built to Tudor Revival architectural style is one of the oldest post offices in the country. In 2012 the upper floor of the building, which was the living quarters of the post master, was transformed into a tourist accommodation spot.
Victoria Museum
Victoria Museum is a small museum which is situated along the Nuwara Eliya – Udapussellawa Road in Nuwara Eliya. The museum mostly consists of photographs from the colonial historical period of Sri Lanka. The museum is located adjacent to the famous Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya. The museum also has many photographs depicting the history of the park.
Mackwoods Museum
Mackwoods Museum is situated in Queen Elizabeth Drive, Nuwara Eliya. It is a tea museum inclusive of a tour regarding the tea making process and a chance to indulge in a tasty cup of tea selected from a a wide variety of flavours. Visitors also get to purchase various flavours of tea available here.
Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest
Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest is situated along the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. Also known as Pedro Forest, it is located surrounding the Pidurutalagala Mountain which is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The forest area is rich in biodiversity and consists of endemic species as well. The road leading to the mountain is a picturesque with some amazing views of the surrounding area.
