SUNRISE TO SUNSET IN NUWARA ELIYA
Day Experiences in Nuwara Eliya
A curated romantic day out in the City of Lights
Sri Lanka’s hill station, Nuwara Eliya, is a quaint town and a popular romantic stop for couples journeying in Sri Lanka. Often called “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya has a charming colonial ambience, an intimate feel, and a host of fun couple activities. The sunrise to sunset series was created upon popular demand by the Honeymoon Guide and includes the best day experiences in Nuwara Eliya.
Start the Morning Chasing Waterfalls
Take your pick from several nearby waterfalls to kick-start your day. From the hidden gem of Bomburu Ella Falls with its 3 km enchanting forest trek to the more famous and closer-to-town Lovers Leap, doing this in the morning offers a chance to beat the crowds and have some extra time amidst Nature’s splendour.
Highlights
- Bomburu Ella is a 50m three tier fall in the Seetha Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve.
- Bomburu Ella is an enchanting 3 km each way trek to reach along forested paths and gurgling forest streams.
- Lovers Leap is just 3 km and the closest to Nuwara Eliya.
- A 30m fall, Lovers Leap is best viewed when the water flow peaks in the rainy season.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Seetha Eliya Temple
Located on the route back to Nuwara Eliya, the botanical gardens and temple are next to each other for a combined visit. A stroll in the botanical gardens is often referenced as one of the most romantic outings for couples in Nuwara Eliya. Seetha Eliya Kovil is steeped in legend and folklore intertwined with the Indian epic of Ramayana.
Main Highlights
- The Botanical Garden is situated at over 1740 metres and is a 28-acre paradise of flora.
- A sub-tropical climate ensures a host of popular attractions, including the rose garden, herbarium, rock garden, fernery, bulb and flower gardens.
- Seetha Eliya has ancient stories of legend, such as the last place Sita was held captive by King Ravana.
- The Kovil, built in 2000, is laden with golden statues of the Hindu pantheon and is a popular stop for exploration.
Lunch overlooking Victoria Park
Stop for a bite to eat at Victoria Park; Themparadu Café is a popular stop, but don’t fill up, as we have included the Grand Hotel High Tea in the itinerary for a decadent evening of sweets and pastries.
Lake Gregory
This enchanting city lake has tons of recreational activities for couples to do. Carved into three distinctive areas called Phases 1, 2 and 3, Lake Gregory is an enchanting excursion.
Highlights
- Summer Huts
- Boat Rides (Both Paddle boats and Motorboats)
- Pony Rides
- Cafes and restaurants
- Paved walkways
High Tea at the Grand Hotel
Around 3:30 each evening, Grand Hotel sets up a decadent High Tea on its garden terrace. Fit for a King and Queen, ensure that bookings are made early as this popular indulgence in Nuwara Eliya may get booked quickly. The garden setting is exquisite, and the sweet and savoury pastries, cakes, and desserts are mouthwatering.
Highlights of the Town
Explore the iconic sites of Nuwara Eliya, such as the Post Office, Holy Trinity Church and Victoria Park.
Highlights
- Holy Trinity Church was built to resemble the Church of Canterbury in England in 1845.
- The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is an iconic red-brick Tudor-era building in the city’s heart. It was built in 1894 and is one of the oldest buildings on the island.
- Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria and established to commemorate her 60th Jubilee coronation, is a pretty picture to engage in a romantic stroll amidst flowers and trees.
A Hill Country Dinner
Enjoy an aperitif and sit at a star-class restaurant for a romantic dinner. The Grand Hotel is a popular venue for both, with many options in our recommendations.
Our Recommendations
- The Library Pub at the Grand Hotel
- Cafe Noshers
- Pedro Barn at Little England Cottages
- The Hill Club
- The Grand Hotel has several options, including Magnolia for all-day dining, Indian, Thai and a Fusion Grill.
We undoubtedly left several other popular experiences in Nuwara Eliya, like a Tea Estate, a factory visit, and a Horton Plains trek. While this guide is the best to do in a day, Nuwara Eliya beckons a more extended stay!