Things To Do & Local Tips

• The race course opposite comes alive at Buddhist New Year in April but at other religious festivals in January and July there are also well attended meetings.  Indian and Arab race horses and serious gamblers are the focus.
   
• The golf course provides clubs and a caddy for interested golfers. A refreshing day out in beautiful lush green surroundings but not a testing course for regular golfers..
   
• Pedro Tea Estate has an open tea factory and museum pieces.  Pickers are used to visitors and willingly pose for photos.
   
• The "tea factory" located high in the mountains is a converted tea factory come hotel, rather commercial but an excellent lunch stop.  The lift shaft still runs through the centre of the building.  Head south before 4 pm as the heavy mist falls quickly.
   
• The Hill Club is another colonial members Club and Restaurant /Hotel.  The food is very disappointing but some enjoy the pompous nature of the ambience and dress code.
   
• Gregory's Lake and the surrounding gardens are very tranquil lending a good excuse to stroll around, justifying a day of reading books, fresh air and afternoon tea.
   
• Adams Peak is 1.5 hrs away and the early start for sunrise will require travelling to Hatton in the evening. Nuwara Eliya is actually an excellent venue to ease the weary limbs and blisters after the climb.
   
• Hatton and Worlds End are a walkers' dream. Good boots are needed but treks are not too demanding.
   
• Head South to the mid country such as Heputale, Badulla and Bandarawella to experience working monasteries (yet more tea and jam), temples, ayurvedic training schools and a pure climate.
   
• Or move southwest to explore the Sinharaja Rain forest or enjoy a spot of rafting on the River Kelani.

For recommendations on places of interest, restaurants, activities and local transport in the Hill country and Nuwara Eliya, click here.