Joanna James
Best known for its old-world charm and ambience of a rich colonial past, Nuwara Eliya is fondly referred to as Little England by locals. Read on to discover five key historic landmarks to take in that will illustrate the rich heritage of this must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Named in honour of Queen Victoria's 60th jubilee, Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya was built and landscaped in the year 1897. Spread over a whopping 27 acres, the park is one of the must-visit landmarks in the town. Here one can stroll through beautifully tended lawns bursting with colourful and fragrant blooms, rest under the shade of magnificent trees or enjoy a delicious picnic lunch which you can with your friends and loved ones. The best time to visit Victoria Park is during the months of March, April, and May. The park is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 7 am to 6 pm on weekends. Entry tickets are priced at LKR 300.
Gregory Lake lies at the heart of Nuwara Eliya and is the spot where a lot of the town's residents and visitors alike congregate around to rest, relax and enjoy other recreational activities. The attraction was constructed in the year 1873 during the period of British Governor - Sir William Gregory and was named in his honour. Upon visiting one can enjoy boat rides on a swan or dinky boat, walk or bike around the promenade or even enjoy a picnic on the grounds. If you are keen to enjoy some delicious Sri Lankan Street food, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of fast-food stalls located near the lake which you can check out for a snack. Do note that there is plenty of parking space by Gregory Lake and can be reached easily from hotels in Nuwara Eliya the likes of Heritance Tea Factory with complete ease.
Established in the year 1861, Haggala Botanic Garden was created to experiment with and to improve the Cinchona culmination on the island. Located at an elevation of 1745 above sea level, the famous Haggala Botanic Gardens is spread over 28 hectares. The gardens take the shape of several platforms and offer panoramic views of the Namunukula and Madulsima mountain range. Here one can take in subtropical environs which are cool and fresh and quite similar to an alpine climate. The gardens are open to the public from 8 am to 5.30 pm.
Housed within a beautiful Tudor mansion, replete with a clock tower and spires, the Nuwara Eliya Post is easily distinguishable from its bright orange roofs and red-bricked walls complemented by perfectly pruned hedges and meticulously manicured lawns. Built in 1894, this century-old post office happens to be one of the oldest buildings in Nuwara Eliya.
No trip to Nuwara Eliya is complete without taking time to visit a tea estate to discover where the world's best tea comes from. To do so why not visit Pedro Tea Estate, one of the oldest and most successful estates here? Established in 1885, the factory still proudly showcases its machinery from the 19th century.
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.
