Being an island nation, Sri Lanka no doubt is known world over for its golden sandy beaches. However the highlands of Sri Lanka too are truly breath taking. Most who visit Sri Lanka often do not fail to make their way up to the hills from the beaches. Among the towns in the hills Nuwara Eliya has been a popular choice among local as well as overseas visitors. The town has its own colonial feel and is surrounded by lush green tea plantations. There are many tour operators who organise hill country tour in Sri Lanka. One of the highly recommended ones among them is Aitken Spence Travels. Considered as one of the pioneers in the field of organised tours, they ensure maximum comfort and make certain that their guests make the most of their time while in Sri Lanka.
One of the key attractions at the centre of the town is the Gregory Lake. Named after the governor general at the time of the construction the lake has since gone through various redevelopment works and there are various recreational activities that have been introduced in the recent past. Paddle boat rides offered on the lake and it is used as landing waters for air taxis. There are various eateries and restaurants located around the lake. Most of the holiday cottages are on the hills surrounding and overlooking the lake.
Apart from the lake there are various other attractions in Nuwara Eliya such as the Victoria Park which again is a Colonial park opened in 1896. Strolls in this park can be relaxing. Those interested in the flora, another place worth checking out while in Nuwara Eliya would be the Hakgala Gardens which is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya is an ideal spot to go on day trips to various other places in the hill country such as the Hortain Plains, Kandy, tea plantation tours as well as various other places.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
