Joanna James
It isn't hard to fathom why the charming town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka's central highlands is dubbed 'Little England.' Given its pleasing & welcoming surroundings, these are 10 reasons to be here.
Where better to commence one's journeys in Nuwara Eliya than inside the sublime surrounds of Victoria Park? Consisting of paved lawns that lead out to beautiful flower gardens where many a bird species can be caught sight of and heard, time spent here would afford the charms and cosy vibe that best represent that of an English village.
Natural spectacles and the gifts of Mother Nature are found aplenty here and the silent waters of Lake Gregory are one such example. It is ideal for family picnics, walks, boat rides, cycling and also pony rides along the banks of the lake which can also be made good use of to simply unwind and take in scenes of rolling, misty hills.
Spend time meandering down lanes and through the city itself which open out into the times of a bygone era. Move past colonial buildings, well-manicured gardens and pause by the city's famed pink post office to catch a glimpse of how life unfolds in this part of Sri Lanka. For the laidback voyager, a trip to the city centre will be quite the tonic one would need, especially during a chilly and foggy morning.
Being in the city will offer a number of sightseeing chances to some of the most sought after destinations in Nuwara Eliya. Visits to the Central Market must be included in one's itinerary and in turn, one will be able to snack on local fare, purchase woollen clothing and exchange pleasantries with eager sellers.
After a morning out exploring, do retire to the comfort of your choice of accommodation where you may treat yourself to a hot cuppa Ceylon Tea which is one of the favourite pastimes when holidaying in the country. Choices such as Araliya Red which is one of the Nuwara Eliya hotels in the area can be checked into for such experiences.
For valuable insights as to how tea is manufactured, why not head straight for the Pedro Tea Estate which is situated some 3 km from Nuwara Eliya? Once inside, you will be educated on the processing of tea which commenced at the local factory in 1885. What's more? As a souvenir, you can purchase your own tea but not before delighting in a cuppa yourself.
Sri Lanka's multicultural identity can also be viewed in Nuwara Eliya with religious shrines strewn in the immediate vicinity of the locale. Sites such as the Seetha Amman Temple located 7 km south of Nuwara Eliya which is a sacred shrine of the Hindus might be called upon and for those keen on remaining within the city, a trip to the local Buddhist temple can be scheduled where awe-inspiring and moving scenes await.
Passionate hikers and those seeking the wilds will do well to check out Horton Plains which is home to an array of popular landmarks to explore such as Baker's Falls and World's End. Further, take on the challenges of moving across deep ravines and for the more daring at heart, opportunities to go off the beaten path will be too much of a temptation.
Not to be outdone in terms of scenery and wildlife would be the Moon Plains, National Park. Herein, travellers can view Sri Lanka's tallest mountain which is Piduruthalagala and if lucky, species such as deer, elk and the elusive leopard may also come into focus.
It goes without saying that Nuwara Eliya does not boast of a nightlife culture on par with Colombo, but if you are more of a couch potato, then bring along board games, open up a can or two of beer or challenge your family and friends to a game of billiards before settling down for the night.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
