Perched at an elevation of 6,000ft, Nuwara Eliya lies at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, from where prized Ceylon tea originates. Established during British colonial times by pioneering tea planters, the city still bears vestiges of the period in its architecture and landscape. Thus Nuwara Eliya is fondly referred to as Little England. The cool climes of Nuwara Eliya with its cypress scented air, offer a welcome change from the warm, humid conditions of the coastal lowlands.

Although now a bustling market town, its colonial past is still very evident. Nothing exhibits this better than its iconic Victorian style post office, perched on a hillock at the town centre. The Hill Club, a somber, Tudoresque establishment, once a retreat of the planting community’s elite is now open to all but certain codes of conduct are still expected within its wood panelled walls.

Points of Interest

The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, lies in the centre of town and is a most picturesque course styled on the lines of the famed St. Andrew’s in Scotland. Just opposite the golf club, Victoria Park perfectly exhibits the English love of gardens with well manicured lawns, terraced landscaping and beds of colourful roses being the order of the day. On the outskirts of the city, Lake Gregory is a popular promenade and the Boat Club on its shores offers paddle boats for rent.

Based on the Hindu epic Ramayana Trails, Nuwara Eliya is thought to have been Ashok Vatika. Two places of interest where lady Seetha stayed during her time in Sri Lanka are Seetha Amman Temple and Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

An early morning trek at Horton Plain’s National park is one of the best outdoor activities to be done in Nuwara Eliya. The 10km long easy trek covers the view points of Great World’s end drop and Mini worlds end, and Baker’s falls.

In April every year, Nuwara Eliya comes alive when local tourists flock here to escape the heat of the lowlands. The city takes on a party atmosphere, with annual events that herald the season including car races and horse racing.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass