Nuwara Eliya is ranked among Sri Lanka's top holiday hotspots, and the getaways here are usually associated with chasing waterfalls and touring tea plantations. While these activities are some of the best things to do in the hill station, there's so much more to Nuwara Eliya than its tea estates and stunning cascades. From exploring national parks to touring local farms, here are some unusual activities to add to your Nuwara Eliya travel plans.

While most tourists may be aware of the many botanical gardens occupying Nuwara Eliya, they may not know that it is also one of Sri Lanka's best fruit-producing regions. Strawberries and other fruits that must be cultivated at high altitudes are only found in the hills of the island and there are three famous strawberry farms in the city. In addition to providing tourists with the chance to wine and dine on strawberry shakes and cheesecakes, all three of these venues offer tours and strawberry-picking opportunities. So make sure to call ahead and let Jagro Strawberry, Adma Agro or Ramya Horticulture know that you're popping by.

Resembling the Scottish Highlands in every respect, the Horton Plains National Park is not only the highest altitude wildlife sanctuary in the country but one of the best reasons to holiday in Nuwara Eliya. Experience the beauty and diversity of nature at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking destination boasts the iconic World's End precipice and is inhabited by a variety of magnificent creatures, including deer, mongooses, and wild boar, amidst its lush and windy terrain. Hikers will marvel at the misty landscapes of this vast nature reserve where a large number of medicinal plants are also found. Make sure to schedule your tour of Horton Plains National Park in the daylight hours as the sanctuary is challenging to explore during the evening or late afternoon.

Boat tours of Gregory Lake | Image via Wikimedia Commons

Despite its central location, Gregory Lake often goes unnoticed by tourists. This manmade mammoth body of water is not only one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing boat ride but also the only location in Nuwara Eliya where one can sign up for a jet ski adventure. Travelers who are based at Araliya Green City or similar hotels in the area can also pack a picnic and head to the lake after sundown.

Golfing fanatics will also be pleased to hear that Nuwara Eliya is where some of Sri Lanka's most breathtaking courses are found. Plan to spend a day at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club where even non-members can enjoy a round of golf for an affordable daily rate that includes a caddy and rental fees.

To fully experience the cultural richness of Nuwara Eliya, exploring the Seetha Amman Temple is an absolute must. It is widely regarded as one of the places to see in Nuwara Eliya. This active Hindu place of worship is believed to have been built on the holy site where Princess Sita, Rama's consort, was kept by her kidnapper Ravana. Intimately connected with the key characters of the Hindu epic poem the Ramayana, this sacred temple is open to visitors from 8 am to 1 pm and then once again from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.

Considered among Nuwara Eliya's best-kept secrets, Moon Plains is a charming hiking hotspot for those who love to spend time in nature. Having been converted to its current splendor after the area was once used to store garbage, the lush lawns and wide open spaces of the Moon Plains make it an Instagram-worthy attraction to visit for all. Tourists can not only walk and hike through this parkland but also rent a bike and cycle around the area that's known to be inhabited by elks and other wildlife.