Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, most famous hill resort in Sri Lanka, is located at the altitude of 2000 metres.Today a busy town and trading centre for vegetable produce, Nuwara Eliya attracts tourists to its cool heights for a number of reasons- chiefly, its tea. 

A visit to a tea factory set amidst acres of rolling tea-carpeted hills is a must for any visitor. Being the world's most famous tea producer, Sri Lanka's mountain country can offer visitors a cuppa of the best brews in the world.

Horton Plains, a plateau National Park at 7000 feet where sambhur and leopard are frequent sights is best visited Monday to Friday, avoiding the weekend. An hours' hike through the stunted windswept jungles and grassy plains of the National Park one comes to a stunning view point "the worlds end" where the mountain gives way to a 4000-foot drop into a tea estate far below.

For those culturally inclined Nuwara Eliya has the world's only temple dedicated to Goddess Sita, consort of the Hindu God Rama, who was kidnapped by the Lankan King Ravana in mythical times. The temple stands at the location Sita had bathed while captive of Ravana. A clear spring still flows by the large colourful temple by the road close to Hakgala Botanical Garden, six kilometres off Nuwara Eliya town.

The town has its own golf course which is described as a finest course in South Asia. And also its well knows for its colonial architectures, and for this its even has a name as "Little England".

Places of Interest

Horton Plains

Horton Plains, the highest plateau in the island, has been designated a National Park. The park consists of grassland interspersed with patches of forest. Some of the vegetation is unusual high altitude type. Touring the Horton Plains you enter a beautiful, silent, strange world providing some very good strolls. Species found in Horton Plains National Parks include Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Langur. Endemic highland birds include Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Yellow-eared Bulbul. One must-see visit place here is the World's End. The Horton Plains shockingly ends here and drops off to nearly 700 metres, a thrilling sight. Trekkers love to visit this place.

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

This garden was established in 1861 under the patronage of the British. It is located under the Hakgala Peak. Lying in the bracket of 5000-6000 feet in elevation, it is the highest set Botanic Gardens in the world. It has trees like English Oak, Himalayan Pines, Japanese Cedars and Cypress trees from California.

Gregory's Lake

British Governor Sir William Gregory built this lake in 1873. Visitors can go for boating and rowing.

Laksapana Falls

Origination from the Laksapana estate Laksapana Falls dives into the Maskeliya Oya. Camp down at Upper Glencairn, Dick Oya for viewing this fall.

Devon Falls

Devon Falls, named after a pioneer coffe planter, are known for sharply dropping 97 metres. It is located 6 Km west of Thalawakelle. Vintage point is located at the 20th mile post and parking facility is also there.

Victoria Park & Turf Club

Victoria Park, located within the town, is good for refreshing saunters and birdwatching. Pony and Horse riding is available at the turf club.

Golf Club

Nuwara Eliya, developed in 1891, is at walking distance from the town center. The club offers 18 hole golf course for a green fee of about Rs 1500. You can rent equipments here.

Oliphant Estate

First tea plant sent from China to Sri Lanka were planted here by Lawrence Oliphant which made his tea acreage soar to 100 acres. This fact alone makes travel to Oliphant Estate significant.

Adam's Peak - The Pilgrim Path

Story of the old Pilgrim Path is carved on two rocks near the 28th milestone on the Nawalapitiya - Ambagamuwa road. The inscription dates back to around 1100AD.

Nuwara Eliya ion Sri LankaLover's Leap

The point of Lover's Leap is located off the Nuwara Eliya - Kandapola Road. The waters are used to brew the famous Nuwara Eliya Beer. A story is associated with the place. It tells about a boy and girl who ended their life here when they were not allowed by their families to marry.

Trekking and Hiking

Nuwara Eliya offers right basics for thrilling games like trekking and hiking. Pidurutalagala (2550m), highest mountain peak of Sri Lanka, is located just north of the town. Hiking is allowed to the altitude of 7000ft. One can enjoy several waterfalls along the track.

Sri Pada Trail

Sri Pada is not only a trail but a pilgrimage to a summit considered sacrosanct the Sri Lankan people. This most popular hill trail in Sri Lanka to 2200m above sea level. On way you can enjoy panoramic views. You are advised to visit the summit between December and April.

Ceylon Breweries

Sir Samuel Baker commenced the brewing of beer in Nuwara Eliya in 1881. Continuously in business since 1884, Ceylon Breweries is one of the finest in the island.

Tea Trails

Ceylon Tea Trails, located in the hills of in Central Sri Lanka, is more than 4000 feet above sea level. Four colonial era bungalows, built for the British tea estate managers, still boastfully exist there.

Shopping

One can shop for souvenirs like silk, batiks, masks, figurines and tea. One can also buy local music tapes and textile items. In April, temporary shops mushroom tetween the bus stand and the racecourse. If you are good in bartering good deals you can enjoy shopping here.

Festivals

Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, falling in April, are celebrated in Nuwara Eliya with plenty of zeal. All modes of accommodation are booked in advance during this period. Variety of bands participate publicly on this occasion. Motor racing and horse racing events are organised during this period. Other Sri Lankan festivals, both national and religious, are also celebrated with enthusiasm.

Climate

Nuwara Eliya, becaue of its high altitude, has cool climate with mean annual temperature of 16C. In night in can be quite cold in winters. However as the tropical sun climbs in the sky it fast becomes warm.

Nuwara Eliya Travel History

The British developed Nuwara Eliya as a hill retreat during the colonial era. The English cooled themselves here and enjoyed games like polo, cricket and fox hunting. Native Sinhalese travellers also frequently visited the site.

The town was founded by Samuel Baker as a hill retreat for the British during the colonial era, where typical English pastimes including fox hunting, polo and cricket were played. Several buildings and parks here retain features from colonial period.

Transportation

Reaching Nuwara Eliya
From Colombo you can reach Nuwara Eliya via Kandy or Hatton. Though both the roads are narrow and bumpy you have lovely scenic views. Most public buses take Kandy route. You could also travel by train but it takes longer time than bus. However, then you would not have to face bumpy roads. The train would go to Nanu Oya and then you would have to take a taxi or bus.

Getting Around

Everything in Nuwara Eliya falls in walking distance. However, you can also use three-wheelers for getting around.

Travelling To Neighborhood

You can rent a car or take bus. You can find taxis parked on the left side of road from the temple to the market area.

Distance to Major Cities

Colombo     180 Km
Kandy     76 Km

Accommodation

Plenty of hotels and guest houses are located in Nuwara Eliya. However in the peak season of March to May you are advised to book in advance.