Nuwara Eliya is a town situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka. It is located 100 km from Kandy, at an altitude over 1,800 metres. This charmingly-English town attracts tourists curious to discover its gentle surroundings as well as Sri Lankans who come for the various cultural events.
Nuwara Eliya was founded in the 19thcentury by English colonists and has kept its typical British charm ever since. During your visit you will see English architecture while still being surrounded by amazing natural landscapes.
NUWARA ELIYA, A LITTLE PIECE OF ENGLAND IN SRI LANKA
Nuwara Eliya was founded by explorer Samuel Baker at the beginning of the 19thcentury. In 1827 Ceylon was a British colony, and the British wanted to build a mountain resort in order to get away from the coastal regions in the hot season. They came to rest and carry on with their favourite pastimes such as polo, hunting or cricket, which is now the main sport in Sri Lanka.
There are still British-stylebuildings in the streets of Nuwara Eliya. Other typical English elements include red telephone boxes and well-tendered hedgerows. Climate-wise, the weather is cooler than on the coast, with temperatures around 17°C and frequent rain, adding to the British feel.
NUWARA ELIYA’S IMPORTANT NATURAL HERITAGE
The town’s high altitude affords visitors breath-taking vistas over the valleys, grasslands and mountains. Many tourists come through the town on their way to hike up incredible peaks such as Adam’s Peak (Sri Prada). You will also see lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. This is truly a haven of peace in a natural setting.
Today Nuwara Eliya is also one of the biggest tea plantations areas on the island. Here the hills are blanketed with tea fields that you can visit and where you can see tea pickers at work. Tea-picking is mostly done manually and most of the workers are women; the tea leaves are then sent to the factory to be processed.
WHAT TO DO IN NUWARA ELIYA
The town of Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s sightseeing highlights, yet the entire region offers many more sites to visit and activities to do. For instance you can go boating on Gregory Lake, go wildlife watching in Horton Plains National Park, discover many bird species in Victoria Park or enjoy the beautiful flora of Hakgala Botanic Gardens, which are among the best on the island.
Moreover, festival-goers can enjoy a number of events, especially in April. The Tamil and Sinhalese New Year is celebrated in April and features many horse racing and motor racing events. There are also flower festivals in this season. A stay at this time will be highly memorable.
Boasting an incredible flora and fauna and an important cultural heritage , Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s highlights. The town’s blend of British charm and preserved nature will ensure that you enjoy a truly relaxing and authentic stay.
Whether it’s for a family holiday or a romantic getaway, Sri Lanka is a destination full of wonderful discoveries.
