Joanna James
Nuwara Eliya was considered the "heart of British Ceylon" as its similarity in climate to that of Britain, enchanted and attracted many settlers to the hill country. It became the location of a sanatorium for convalescing British soldiers and traces of the Britishness remains until today.
When you are visiting Nuwara Eliya one of the first things to do is to visit one of the tea factories. Pedro Tea Estate is a place where you can make your way through the tea covered hillsides as well as gain a deep insight into the process that goes into making your favourite brew.
Galway Heights is located close to Victoria Park which is an ornithologist's dream. Take a pair of field glasses with you when you go and try your hand at a little bird spotting even if you are a complete amateur. Try to see if you can spot the Indian Blue Robin, the Pied Thrush or the Kashmir Flycatcher. The park is also close to Galway Land Bird Sanctuary.
Gregory Lake was built by the British to create a water park for the settlers to enjoy. It has remained so even to date and you can take your children with you for a paddle aboard a swan boat, you could try a little jet skiing or simply take a walk along the wooden promenades.
Horton Plains National Park is the only montane grasslands that lead off to a sheer drop perfectly named World's End in the highlands of Nuwara Eliya. The park is a famous haunt of the Sri Lankan sambar deer and is also home to Baker's Falls a waterfall that is a popular attraction.
Whatever you omit from this list when you travel to Nuwara Eliya do not omit to get there or leaving there by train. Considered a part of what has been dubbed by most travellers as the most beautiful train ride in the world, the Kandy to Ella train ride which goes through Nanu Oya, the closest station to Nuwara Eliya town is a breathtaking meander through forests, tea estates and elegant mountainsides.
The Bale Bazaar is the only "winter" market in Sri Lanka. since the highlands can get relatively cold by tropical standards, this is a great place to shop for branded products that have been rejected from factories. Be careful though, you will need to have all your wits about you when haggling as the sellers are all well-versed in the art of swindling.
Nuwara Eliya is located amid many waterfalls. St. Clairs is one that is majestic and beautiful. Take a short hike through the tea fields and spend the day embracing nature.
Thanks to its similarity to Britain, the British lovingly named Nuwara Eliya "Little England." The remnants of British Ceylon are no more apparent than in the city from the post office to the bank or the local pubs in Nuwara Eliya. Spot the colonial architecture on a slow walk around the streets.
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 pas...
