Overview
1. Start Early – En Route
Depart Negombo early (ideally before dawn) to beat the traffic and soak in the scenic highlands on your way to Nuwara Eliya.
2. Explore a Tea Plantation & Factory Visit
- Visit Damro Tea Estate (~16 km from town) for a guided tour and free tea tasting
- Alternatively, try Pedro Tea Estate or Bluefield Tea Factory—both well-regarded and offer informative short tours with complimentary tea
3. Chase Waterfalls
Include at least one of the region’s stunning cascades:
- Lover’s Leap, right opposite Pedro Estate—pretty waterfall with a lovely countryside trail (~40 min walk)
- Devon Falls and St. Clair’s Falls—both photogenic and relatively close by; perfect for a scenic drive and viewpoints
- Bomburu Ella Falls—one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, great to combine with Moon Plains if you have extra time
4. Stroll Through Victoria Park & See the Tudor Post Office
A peaceful and lush retreat next to the iconic red-brick Post Office. Ideal for a leisurely stroll amidst blooms and birdlife
5. Gregory Lake – Optional Boat Ride
Head to Gregory Lake for a charming lakeside walk or even a paddleboat ride
6. Seetha Amman Temple & Hakgala Botanical Garden
- Visit the Seetha Amman Temple, steeped in Ramayana lore—believed to be where Sita was held captive, with footprints said to be left by Hanuman nearby
- Adjacent is Hakgala Botanical Garden, a delightful garden with orchids, roses, and a rich colonial history, perfect for a tranquil close to your day
7. (Optional) Horton Plains – If Time Permits
For nature lovers, Horton Plains National Park, with its dramatic World’s End viewpoint and Baker’s Falls, is a great choice—but it’s best started very early and may require more travel time
Suggested Schedule (Approximate)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Depart from Negombo |
| 9:00 AM | Tea Estate tour & tasting (Damro or Pedro) |
| 10:30 AM | Walk to Lover’s Leap or visit other falls |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch break in town |
| 1:00 PM | Victoria Park stroll & Post Office photo stop |
| 2:00 PM | Gregory Lake walk or Seetha Amman Temple visit |
| 3:00 PM | Hakgala Botanical Garden |
| 4:30–5:00 PM | Begin return journey to Negombo |