The small village of Seetha Eliya is home to a sturdy, riverside temple where the quiet murmur of prayers and the lighting of incense draw attention to the devotion of the Hindu community. As the only temple on the isle that is dedicated to Sita, who reigns over beauty and devotion in Hinduism, the Seetha Amman Kovil stands as a popular pilgrimage site that highlights the interplay between Indian and Sri Lankan folklore.

According to a Sanskrit epic known as the Ramayana, the goddess Sita was imprisoned in this temple by the demon king Ravana, who fell in love with her beauty. Even though she is soon freed by her husband, Rama, who slays Ravana and returns peace to the land, traces of her captivity remain on this sacred ground, evoking awe among pilgrims and travellers alike.

For instance, devout Hindus share the belief that the blackened soil on one end of the riverbank was caused by Hanuman, the monkey god, who scorched the area beneath his feet when he left to inform Rama of Sita’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, the yellow soil on the other end may represent how Hanuman spared Ashok Vatika (the place where Sita was held captive) from destruction.

There is also the giant footprint of Hanuman that has been etched on rock. This giant depression lies beside several smaller depressions, which may have been caused when Hanuman shrank in size to watch Sita from afar.

Please note that this temple does not charge an entry fee, but you must purchase a ticket at the entrance if you wish to observe its daily service rituals, which occur from 7AM to 1PM and from 2PM to 6.30PM. Moreover, all visitors are expected to comply with the temple dress code by concealing their bare arms and legs.

Touted as the only national park on the isle that can be toured on foot, Horton Plains doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends across a terrain of grasslands, marshlands, and cloud forests, and it transforms a seemingly ordinary hike into a slow-paced exploration of the region’s diverse landscapes.

Originally known as Maha Eliya Thenna (“Great Open Plain”), the terrain was discovered by British explorers in the 1820s, and it was soon renamed in honour of the former Governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Wilmot Horton. However, it was not until 1988 that the plains were declared a national park, and their popularity has grown ever since.

Despite its late discovery, the park has a longstanding history as the source of water for three of Sri Lanka’s major rivers—the Mahaweli, the Kelani, and the Walawe, which form a network amid the greenery to provide water to different sections of the terrain. It is also home to 24 mammal species and 87 bird varieties, including the endemic purple-faced langur, grizzled giant squirrel, yellow-eared bulbul, bush warbler, and many more.

Much of the park’s reputation as a tourist attraction comes from its natural landmarks. Both World’s End and Mini World’s End evoke awe and unease from travellers as they peer down the precipices where the world seemingly comes to an end. These two viewpoints offer spectacular views of the verdant plantations and the southern coastline from afar, as well as a sense of achievement in nearly completing the park’s 9.5-kilometre hiking trail.

There is also the famed Baker’s Falls, where water cascades down a height of 22 metres against a backdrop of lush greenery and sturdy rocks. The waterfall gets its name from a bloodthirsty British hunter by the name of Sir Samuel Baker, who single-handedly hunted many of the elephants that inhabited Horton Plains during the colonial rule of the British.

While this park is open all year round, Travellers Isle recommends a stroll through the plains as early as 6AM on a weekday for scenic views that can be enjoyed minus the crowds. Visits after 10AM are generally discouraged as the views from World’s End and Mini World’s End are obscured by heavy layers of mist by then.

Please note that this excursion may take up to 3 hours of your time, and that plastic disposables are not permitted inside. Moreover, since the hike can be attempted with children, visitors are expected to exercise caution at all times, especially at its viewpoints which do not have any safety guards.

With its exotic plants, manicured lawns, and greenhouses that teem with rare blooms, the Hakgala Botanical Garden stands as the second-largest of its kind on the isle, making it one of the must-sees of Nuwara Eliya. Nature enthusiasts may seize this opportunity to learn more about the vegetation in the region while connecting with the great outdoors across 28 hectares of land.

Historical records have revealed that the garden was established in 1861 for the sole purpose of experimentation by the British colonial powers. However, as they experimented with the growth of Cinchona trees, they soon realized that tea cultivation was a more profitable venture. Following this, the park was upgraded to a garden, and, as an ode to its colonial past, it continues to shelter over 1000 plant species from Sri Lanka and across the globe.

That being said, the garden also carries a hint of mystery as it is rumoured to be the famed Ashok Vatika of the Hindu legends, where Princess Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana. Although the precise location of the sacred site cannot be determined, most travellers recall this legend as they admire the many blooms that adorn this garden, and they may feel a sense of wonder as they consider the possibility that the gods once walked on this land.

Today, however, the garden is split into several sections that can be toured at your own pace. Travellers Isle recommends paying a visit to the Rose Garden, the Orchid House, the Fernery, and the Arboretum, which each boast a stunning collection of blooms. Among these sections, the Rose Garden remains the most popular, as it teems with roses from England and America that cannot be grown in any other part of the island.

Before you stop by, it is worth noting that the garden is open throughout the year, but the ideal time for a visit is in April, as this is when its flowers can be seen in full bloom. This tour is also best experienced on foot, but if the prospect of a long walk does not appeal to you, a golf buggy can be hired to drive you around.

Although Nuwara Eliya’s main attractions form the bulk of most tour itineraries in the region, a stroll through the town is an equally valuable experience that may set the scene for what you can expect during your stay. Of the many noteworthy stops that can be reached either on foot or by tuk-tuk, Travellers Isle recommends the Post Office, Gregory Lake, and Victoria Park as the must-sees of the region that will not take up much of your time.

At the forefront of these landmarks is the Nuwara Eliya Post Office—a fine example of medieval architecture that blends the looks of both cottage and manor homes. As the oldest post office on the island, its distinct red brick structure and clock tower are proof of the country’s colonial heritage, which can be traced back to 1894. Travellers usually stop by to purchase postcards and to enjoy the novelty of sending letters to their loved ones using the local postal service.

On the other hand, a visit to Gregory Lake is considered the best way to spend the mid-afternoon. Named in honour of the former Governor of Ceylon, Sir William Gregory, this reservoir was originally a site for recreational activities, and, at present, it has expanded its selection of water sports to include jet-skiing and windsurfing. Alternatively, travellers may enjoy a picnic and take a speedboat or paddle around on a swan boat for magnificent views of their surroundings.

Lastly, Victoria Park presents wanderers with an opportunity to breathe in the minty air of the hill country while they admire a sizable collection of exotic blooms that adorn each path. During the British colonial takeover of the island, the plants that were experimented on within the park premises would be replanted in Hakgala if their growth was deemed a success. Today, the park is also home to various tropical birds, and it is regarded as a birdwatcher’s paradise by many.

The scenic waterfalls of Nuwara Eliya run through the sloping hills, and lie hidden amid a tangle of emerald forests and rocky ledges that merge to form picture-perfect landscapes in the countryside. While there are plenty of waterfalls that can be viewed from afar, Travellers Isle’s top picks for the hill country include Ramboda Falls, Lover’s Leap, and St. Clair’s Falls, which collectively boast of an outstanding beauty that cannot be found elsewhere.

Ramboda Falls is a common stop enroute to Nuwara Eliya, as it introduces travellers to the dazzling views that define the region. This two-tiered waterfall cascades down a height of 100 metres, earning it the eleventh place among the highest waterfalls on the island while making it a spectacle to behold during your travels. Although it is generally viewed from the roadside, you may access a small viewpoint by walking down a flight of stairs from the main road.

Meanwhile, Lover’s Leap is enshrouded in legends that have fascinated locals and tourists alike for quite some time. Perhaps the most memorable of all would be the legend of a young prince and a commoner who leapt off the brink of the waterfall after his parents rejected their relationship. This has made it exceedingly popular among couples, and many choose to take the 20-minute hike to the top of the waterfall for vistas of the town.

There is also St. Clair’s Falls, which runs through a tea estate of the same name in the town of Talawakele. Regarded as one of the widest waterfalls on the island, this popular stop has also been dubbed the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”, and it is made up of two sections: the Maha Ella (“Greater Fall”) and the Kuda Ella (“Lesser Fall”). After admiring the waterfall from afar, travellers may stop by St. Clair’s Tea Centre for a hot cuppa and some delicious snacks.

Tucked away from the leafy plantations of the hill country lies a road less taken, on which cattle, farmland, and ryegrass fields mark a remarkable change of scenery, elevating the region’s old-world charm. This stretch of land is home to two of the largest dairy farms in Sri Lanka—the New Zealand Farm and the Ambewela Farm, which offer valuable insight into how milk is produced on the isle.

Unlike tea factories, dairy farms offer self-guided tours, and tourists are free to explore every station at their own pace. Of these many stations, the most noteworthy would be the milking parlour, the cheese factory, and the shelter which houses pregnant cows, calves, stud bulls, and goats. Each section is also marked with a description of the milk production process, thus allowing travellers to better understand how these local farms operate.

Generally, dairy farm tours conclude with a visit to the farm’s shop, where travellers may savour the taste of fresh yoghurt, milk, and cheese while admiring the Ayrshire and Holstein Friesian cattle from afar.

Before you stop by, you must keep in mind that these tours must be reserved in advance due to the possibility of these farms being closed to the public. This can be arranged by your travel agency or, if you are travelling solo, it can be scheduled over a phone call. However, please note that the ideal time to visit these farms is between 1PM and 4PM, as this is when the cows are milked.

Originally a sanitary landfill site for waste from the neighbouring cities, Moon Plains or Sandathenna stretches across 400 metres of land, forming a newer attraction that appeals to wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. With grasslands that shelter all kinds of flora and fauna, this valley provides travellers with an opportunity to experience Nuwara Eliya’s stunning landscapes by jeep.

Although it was only opened to the public in 2014, this lush valley is home to 105 species of birds, as well as plenty of wild boars, purple-faced langurs, elk, spotted deer, and various other animals too. However, several features set Moon Plains apart from most other attractions on the isle, such as the circular patterns on its plains that are said to resemble the craters on the moon, as well as its small assortment of landmarks.

For instance, the winding roads of Moon Plains lead to Mini World’s End where the land plunges downward, making it seem as though the world has truly come to an end. This viewpoint is considered a replica of the one in Horton Plains that shares the same name, and it evokes similar feelings of awe and dread when gazing down its precipice.

There is also the famed Agro Park which has earned a reputation for its fresh produce. The wooden bridges of this park lead to different sections where all kinds of crops are grown by the local community, and visitors may watch them tend to these crops as wild rabbits and ducks frolic amid the greenery.

A jeep safari in Moon Plains may take up to 2 hours of your time, and it remains open from 7AM to 4PM. However, it is best visited in the early mornings and the late afternoons for outstanding views of the surroundings. Moreover, it is a preferred activity among tourists who are unable to visit Horton Plains, as the terrain is somewhat similar in appearance with guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Please note that, apart from the standard entrance fee that is charged per head, you will have to rent a jeep to carry you across the plains for an extra sum.