As soon as you will land in Sri Lanka, you’ll realise that there is something splendid in the air. And if your next weekend getaway in the country is to the gorgeous Nuwara Eliya, then you’re up for possibly the freshest breath of air you’ve ever inhaled. Imagining a fun-packed weekend in the idyllic town is not too difficult: there’s the legendary Gregory Lake, the sprawling tea estates, the backdrop of hills, the Seetha Amman Temple, and the vast expanse of wild beyond the horizon.

Fact of the matter is, your fun weekend will begin even before you set foot in Nuwara Eliya. If you decide to get accommodation at Colombo or Uswetakeiyawa hotels and then venture into central Sri Lanka, there’s always the 5-hour journey filled with unimaginable waterfalls and lush forests via Hatton to look forward to. With that out of the way, and you being finally in Nuwara Eliya, here are four things to do for an exhilarating weekend at the lake town:

1. Take a morning walk by Gregory Lake

The town’s centre of attraction, Gregory Lake is a picturesque expanse of lush green rolling plains by tranquil, clean waters. Make it a point to stay at one of the many hotels in Nuwara Eliya near Gregory Lake, such as the Yoho Upper Lake Road, in order to have easy access to the beautiful lakeside. Once you explore the scenic pathway around the foggy lake in the morning, you’ll know why the town is referred to as Little England. Later in the day, you can always go for a picnic or take a lovely boat ride.  

2. Lunch at the Milano Restaurant and dinner at the Hill Club

Satiate your cravings for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine without having to empty your pockets at the Milano Restaurant. The sizzlers and mushroom buns are ones to die for. For the night, there’s no better place than the Hill Club, a throwback to the town’s British colonial past. Its international cuisine and a formal dinner dress code is a thrilling experience in itself.

3. Pay homage at the Seetha Amman Kovil

Legend has it that Sita from Ramayana was held captive by Lankan king Ravana at the Seetha Amman Kovil. Do you even need more reason to visit the remarkable Hindu temple? What’s more, there are preserved footprints at the temple that many believe belong to Lord Hanuman from Hindu mythology!

4. Visit the tea estates

Want to know the secret behind tea plucking and tea-making? Then you can avail your own masterclass amidst mazy tea bushes at one of the many plantations surrounding Nuwara Eliya. Some might even let you savour freshly-brewed local tea.