In the morning, after breakfast, this city tour will start with the drive to Nuwara Eliya. You will get to firstly view the iconic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia from outside and then proceed to town. Once in town, you will be shown one of Sri Lankas oldest post offices. A typical Tudor styled colonial building that stands proud with its red brick exterior. You will then be taken to see other traditional colonial buildings that reflect the British influence during their colonial years. Such buildings would be the HNB Bank, Nuwara Eliya Police Station, St. Xavier’s Church and Nuwara Eliya’s pride, the prestigious colonial masterpiece of the Grand Hotel with its gorgeous manicured lawns from outside.
Then you will be taken to Victoria Park, a beautiful park named after Queen Victoria’s commemoration. Take the time to walk around the park and enjoy the ambience and gorgeous views of its landscapes with stunning trees and lawns. This will be followed by a visit to the Nuwara Eliya Race Course, another colonial beauty stemming from the British era. It is the only horse racing course in Sri Lanka and is renowned for the annual events held around April which are reminiscent of the Ascot Races.
Then you will visit Lake Gregory, a man made marvel of colonial days. It was initially built for the purpose of electricity and is now used for recreation and leisure. This beautiful lake is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains in the distance. You will have time to take part in the activities provided on site. Such as paddle boats and other water sports.
Take a break for lunch at 12:30 pm.
After lunch, we would drive to Sita Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Gardens. These two sites comprise the former ‘Ashoka Vatika’. Sita Amman Temple is uniquely dedicated to Sitadevi, wife of Lord Rama with Hakgala Botanical Gardens being the 2nd largest botanical garden of Sri Lanka. It comprises of beautiful gardens divided into separate sections of different flowers such as roses and orchids.
Upon your journey back to the city, you will stop at a strawberry farm. Be sure to indulge in the popular strawberries and cream, waffles or strawberry cheesecake or anything else that takes your fancy. After returning back to the city in the evening, you will be given taken to the Bale Bazaar, a local flea market popular for winter wear at bargain prices.
