Nuwara Eliya

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Horton Plains National Park
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya District

Horton Plains National Park

4.8
4.5/5
211 reviews
Horton Plains National Park is an important natural heritage of Sri Lanka and a national park that allows tourists to hike. The "plain" itself is a plateau about 2,000 meters above sea level, covered with virgin grasslands and dotted with several dense forests. 1. Scenic History Horton Plains was formerly known as MahaEliyaThena, which means "Great Plains". During the British colonial period, it was named after the British governor of Ceylon, Wilmert Houghton (also said to be his wife, Anne Houghton). It was not until 1969 that the Houghton Plain was designated as a wildlife reserve. Because of the biodiversity of Horton Plains, it was planned as a national park for tourists to visit in 1988. In July 2010, Sri Lanka's central highlands, including Horton Plains National Park, the summit wilderness reserve where Adam's Peak is located, and the Knuckles Mountains were inscribed on the World Heritage List. 2. Scenic features Horton Plains, if literally translated, are actually "Horton Plains", from which we can intuitively feel Horton's topographical features - flat and open, but not static. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable and Horton is notoriously windy. Hiking on the wide slopes of the Horton Plain, there are ups and downs along the way. In front of you are vast hills, small rivers and various tropical plants, and the blue sky and fresh air are more enjoyable. In addition to the attractive World's End cliffs, you can also see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elk and various birds while hiking in the Horton Plains National Park. The entire scenic spot is very primitive, please do not go to areas outside the prescribed route when hiking to avoid danger. On the way back you will pass Baker's Falls, which is not spectacular but adds to the fun of your hike. 3. The trekking route to Horton Plains National Park generally requires a chartered car. After arriving at the gate and purchasing the ticket, you can drive in for a while, and then start the hiking tour from the parking lot. There is a circular hiking route in the national park, with a total length of about 9.5 kilometers. Tourists can only walk within the specified range according to the road signs (it is strongly recommended to walk in a clockwise direction). It takes about 3-4 hours to walk the whole way. Walk from the entrance to the end of the world for about 4 kilometers, then walk 2 kilometers to a Baker Falls, and then walk 3.5 kilometers back to the entrance. 4. Wildlife Due to its location at the turning point of many rivers, the Horton Plain has very rich wildlife species, often leopards, deer and wild boars. Lanka's local "Purple-faced Vervet Monkeys" sometimes flicker through the forest along Ohiya Road, and sometimes peek in the woods near the end of the world. This area is also great for bird watching. Native Yellow-eared Nightingale, Fantail Warbler, Grey-headed Thrush, Lankan White-Eyed, Lankan Thrush, Lankan White-eyed Arrenga, Lankan Blue Magpie, Mountain Eagle, etc. 5. Natural Plants There is a grass called Chrysopogon that covers the grasslands on the plateau, while the swamp is a breeding ground for the rich species of Sphagnum. The white-flowered delphinium is the dominant vegetation in mountain forest areas. Dwarf trees and shrubs are joined by mosses and lichens. There is also Rhododendronzelanicum, which produces blood-red flowers. Strobilanthes with sharp leaves bloom every five years.Nuwara Eliya District · 17.2 km from Nuwara Eliya

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Featured Culture & history in Nuwara Eliya

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Nuwara Eliya Tea Tour - Plucking, Tasting & Waterfall Hike
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 4.5–5 hrs
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Labookellie Tea Factory Tour, Tea Plucking & 6 Tea Tastings
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5.0/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 3–4.5 hrs
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Nuwara Eliya Labookellie Tea Factory Story of Ceylon Tea
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Horse Riding in Nuwara Eliya
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Duration: 1–4 hrs
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Colombo Private Car City Tour with Expert Local Guide
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Tea Plucker Day: Nuwara Eliya to Colombo Transfer
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Hatton: Guided E-Bike Tour of Ceylon Tea Country
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Nuwara Eliya

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Royal Afternoon Tea at the Grand Nuwara Eliya + Bubbly!
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Market Visit
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Kandy Village Cooking Class
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Ella Sri Lanka: Mom's Kitchen Cooking Class
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4.9/5
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Ella: Tea-Making Experience Tour with Tasting and Snacks
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From Galle: Yala Safari Wadiya Lunch & Nine Arch Bridge Tour
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Ella: Hands-On Tea Making Experience with Tasting
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Featured Day tours in Nuwara Eliya

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Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Private Day Tour
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4.9/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 6–10 hrs
English
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Nuwara Eliya Tuk-Tuk: Tea, Lover's Leap & Strawberries
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
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Horton Plains National Park Entry e-Ticket
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Nuwara Eliya: Cloud Forest Hike with Cliff Views
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What travelers say about Nuwara Eliya

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nazmiyazidSeptember 17, 2023
5.0
write a postcard to your loved ones for only 59 cents!and see their historical post office in downtown nuwara Eliya.

Post Office Nuwara Eliya

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赶景August 25, 2022
4.0
从康提一路火车过去,真的可以感受到从盛夏到深秋的神奇经历,火车开出去后气温逐步下降,沿途的茶园赏心悦目地展现在面前。火车很干净,乘客以本地人为主,车厢非常安静,时不时有小商小贩卖点当地的小吃,味道居然还不错,价格也就1,2块人民币的样子。整个城市也非常干净,住的民宿也很舒服,就是晚上实在太冷了,完全感受不到是在赤道附近的国家。很推荐去玩一下。

Lake Gregory

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DEAR张小球June 1, 2020
5.0
The first impression of Victoria Park is green. There are lush green plants everywhere, large lawns, and beautiful green trees. There are many local students playing in the park, very innocent children.

Victoria Park - Nuwara Eliya

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虎公公September 20, 2025
5.0
It's definitely worth the trip. The natural scenery is stunning, and the pristine feeling is fantastic! I was in high spirits after the 10-kilometer walk. Although a little tired, I was very happy. The misty mountains, gravel roads, rushing waterfalls, and clear streams along the way were all incredibly beautiful. I felt like I had completed another challenge for myself. (The photos were taken with my phone, no filters at all)

Horton Plains National Park

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Hossain Hoq ProhorAugust 12, 2025
5.0
🌺 Hakgala Botanical Garden – A Floral Paradise in the Hills 🌿🌸Situated 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Garden is Sri Lanka’s second-largest botanical garden and a true haven for plant lovers. Set against the backdrop of the Hakgala Rock, it boasts over 10,000 species of plants, including roses, orchids, and ferns. The cool highland climate makes it perfect for leisurely strolls through themed sections like the rose garden, fernery, and arboretum. Legend ties the garden to the Ramayana, adding a touch of myth to its beauty. With vibrant blooms, exotic trees, and serene pathways, Hakgala is a must-visit for anyone seeking peace and natural splendor.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

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泰宁根吴承恩May 3, 2020
5.0
Sri Lanka's black tea is world-famous, so visiting a tea factory is one of our itineraries. The garden is very large, and the entire tea factory is filled with the fragrance of tea. The taste of the tea is also super good. I bought a lot to bring back home.

Labookellie Tea Lounge

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E70***48June 17, 2021
4.0
Pretty place worth a visit

Ravana Ella Falls

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吴青芸April 18, 2024
3.0
@🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya DAMRO Tea Plantation (Ceylon Black Tea Plantation) The century-old tea factory can be taken to the tea plantation by the tea plantation guide. The Sri Lankan tour guide can speak Chinese fluently and gradually explained the process from picking tea leaves to roasting, sorting and grinding. Before buying tea products, you will also taste them. Chinese people usually buy whole leaf roasted (not ground) Full Leaf twisted black tea, also known as OP on the box

Damro Tea

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FancyHansiJune 18, 2025
5.0
A place that makes your wishes come true.

Seetha Amman Kovil

Trip Moments in Nuwara Eliya

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Nuwara Eliya?

Don't miss these attractions in Nuwara Eliya: Post Office Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory, and Gregory Park. If you like Culture & history, try Nuwara Eliya Tea Tour - Plucking, Tasting & Waterfall Hike. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Royal Afternoon Tea at the Grand Nuwara Eliya + Bubbly!.

You can give Royal Afternoon Tea at the Grand Nuwara Eliya + Bubbly! and Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Market Visit a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Private Day Tour, Nuwara Eliya Tuk-Tuk: Tea, Lover's Leap & Strawberries, and Horton Plains National Park Entry e-Ticket. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 1, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Nuwara Eliya is around NZD 26.91 – NZD 221.99. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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