Joanna James
Chilly Nuwara Eliya is the islands highest placed town; sitting at the base of Mount Piduruthalagala the tallest in Sri Lanka this town established by British colonist is similar to an English village
Nuwara Eliya was established by the British; leaving behind colonial style bungalows resplendent with huge welcoming fireplaces and colourful gardens. The Hill Club staunchly holds on to these loved traditions by going all out for its dinner sittings. Enjoy a five course set menu that pays tribute to traditional English fares such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. The meal served with loads of flair requires gentlemen to be dressed in tie and coat and ladies attired in formal wear. Well, the experience is well worth it for acting out your desire of a typical English aristocratic meal; amongst the mist laden hills of Nuwara Eliya.
The cold climate and misty hills of Nuwara Eliya have been highly conducive to the tea trade of Sri Lanka. Established by the British these tea estates which cover just about every hilltop in bluish green bushes are spread across town and its outskirts. Many established companies have opened up their factory doors to eager tourists. You can visit a tea factory and walk through the entire process from sorting leaves to drying and crushing and packing. The entire factory smells of fresh tea and feels warm and toasty especially on days that temperatures are quite low in Nuwara Eliya. Converting these factories into hotels like Heritance Tea Factory are catching on with many resorts offering guests a fine experience of local hospitality and a taste of Little England.
Lake Gregory dominates the town of Nuwara Eliya; the chilly environs of the lake are well structured with the addition of a park, food kiosks, zeppelin rides, pony rides and boat rides. Relax and chill out as you enjoy a bowl of fresh strawberries and cream or feel the invigorating nip of icy air as you race across the great expanse of the lake in a speed boat. Kids will love the pony rides while thrilling zeppelin lines are ideal for that adrenaline rush.
Sita Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Indian Princess Sita, wife of Prince Rama. According to ancient legend, the Princess Sita was kidnapped by King Ravana of Sri Lanka and hidden on the island. The site this kovil is located is believed to be where the princess was held captive until being rescued by Hanuman the Monkey God. Located in an area called 'Sita Eliya' the temple is easy to access from your hotel at Nuwara Eliya and is just 1km from the famous Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Discover colourful statues that depict Hindu Gods and a taste of culture and tradition.
The Horton Plains National Park is a must visit from Nuwara Eliya. Home to the famous Worlds End lookout point and Bakers Falls cascades this park is home to wide open plains, indigenous wildlife such as sambar and an eco-system that's quite unique to the area. Cloud forests and flora and fauna found in European environs thrive here beckoning hundreds of visitors to trek across and explore the verdant climes of Horton Plains.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
