Captivating prettiness of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Captivating prettiness of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is located approx. 150 km away from Colombo in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka and it can be reached from Colombo via Kandy also, which is the gateway to the Central Highlands of the island.

Colombo-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya is the most picturesque highland motor road of Sri Lanka. Though the city of Nuwara Eliya has no Railway station, the highland railway line that winds past the city of Nanu Oya makes the journey by train one of the most picturesque and memorable experiences. The journey to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train as well as by car is equally remarkable. The alternative route to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is via Hatton which is located in the southern area of the Central Highlands.

Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. A favourite retreat of the British during colonial times, the town is dotted with English country style houses and half-timbered bungalows are one of virtuous fascination of this place. The Holy Trinity Church might have stepped out of any village in England, with its Gothic architecture and eclectic collection of memorials, while the “pink post office” features a clock tower.

Nuwara Eliya which is at an elevation of 1890 meters above the sea level is the highest city in Sri Lanka and it lies beneath the tallest peak of the island, Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro (2555 meters). For a picturesque stroll, stop by the well-maintained Victoria Park or head for Gregory’s Lake, which is located just south of the town. You can also hire boats here. Alternatively, for a bit of local colour, Bale Bazaar is where the locals head to stock up on warm clothing.

The salubrious climate has branded Nuwara Eliya into a sanatorium that attracts Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign travellers to the seasonal event during February to April. Golf tournaments, horse racing, motor cross, clay pigeon shooting and carnival features are some of the main festivities. The downside of the season is the accommodation rates that shoot up above all. With thousands of local tourists flocking to Nuwara Eliya filling up hotels and guest houses that provide budget accommodation in the season and narrowing the accommodation options, foreign tourists would find it necessary to have the hotel bookings sorted out well in advance. In April and May the town is crowded with Sri Lankans attending dressed in their finery for the Derby at the Turf Club; at other times of the year it’s much quieter, with apparently stray horses quietly wandering along the road.

The major attractions of Nuwara Eliya is , Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya, Race Course & Golf Course at Nuwara Eliya, Single Tree Mountain, Pedro and Labookelle Tea Estates at Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Botanical Gardens – Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake Nuwara Eliya

Soft adventure at Nuwara Eliya :-

Nuwara Eliya’s picturesque mountainous terrain provides visitors with numerous hiking possibilities. Mount Pedro or Pidurutalgala rising to a height of 2555meters above the sea level is a great place for hiking enthusiasts, although the summit isn’t open to the public Waterfalls around Nuwara Eliya make the hiking and trekking all the more pleasant: Ramboda Falls; Devon Falls; Lakshapna Falls are to name a few. The Turf Club is also located within the city and affords visitors horse riding and pony riding. Boating opportunities are made possible by the boat house at Lake Gregory.

Horton Plains:-

The Horton Plains National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage is perched on the edge of the Central Highlands midway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, another hill country retreat, which consists of the highest plateau of Sri Lanka at 2000 feet and a paradise of bird watchers, nature lovers and hikers.

 

 The precipice that falls vertically for over 1050 meters in the park at the southern edge of the highlands to the lowlands below, called World’s End, is an excursion that wouldn’t be missed at all by the holiday makers at Nuwara Eliya.

Since the grand view from the World’s End is clouded with mist from 10 am onwards, particularly during April to September, timing on arrival at the escarpment needs to be planned. Horton Plains can be reached from Haputale too. More details crs3@vittilhospitality.com ; www.VittilHospitality.com ; www.HolidaysToKerala.com ; www.YourTravelMyVision.com