Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Known as 'little England', Nuwara Eliya is famous for its architectural as well as natural worth. The city, usually well kept and clean with greenery, is a welcome escape from humid environs of Colombo.
Be an early riser to an English breakfast, something not to miss in the colonial environs of Nuwara Eliya. At Jetwing St Andrews, I find the ideal holiday destination amid high tea on well-mowed law and an eloquent sip of Brandy at night. Well, there is more on offer. A golf round and hiking the Horton Plains add an salubrious air to otherwise hectic lifestyle. This is where the cool climate is enjoyable more than anywhere else.
Close to King Fern Bungalow is a little waterfall. From the bungalow it takes about 45 minutes to walk to the waterfall. Walking in such a freezing climates does not mean I am crazy. I am just being creatively insane. The walk eases away the weight of my heavy breakfast. The walk comes with bonus features such as the sight of lovely birds as well as exotic plants. If you give this a thought, be a little cautious. When it's raining, the walk could be slippery. Well, that is nothing compared to icy waters amid much quietude.
This strawberry farm is situated on the way to Nuwara Eliya. Even more than the farm itself, what captivates me is the taste of Nuwara Eliya strawberries. That creamy taste in crepes is wonderful... Oh and I am sure you would not get such flavours anywhere else in the world. I could not help treating myself to some of such strawberries before taking a peek at where they grow. If you visit this part of the country, this is someplace you should not ignore.
Ever experienced a train journey before? Well it is not something like you would usually experience in the much hustle and bustle in the city. Nuwara Eliya does not have a train station. The closes station is in Nanu Oya which means eight kilometres from Nuwara Eliya. The seating is a bit difficult, but that is nothing with the rewarding sight of highlands amid thick mist. Getting back to Nuwara Eliya is not easy. Reach Badulla first, and take a bus to get to Nuwara Eliya. Buses are not a guaranteed transport mode with most in tattered state. All this means a day full of sightseeing. You get access to beautiful scenery and fresh air just for a song.
This is an old colonial bungalow which gives access to vivid imagery in the hill country. Despite its colonial traceability, the bungalow offers every modern facility which ensures a memorable holiday experience. It is built in the shape of an old Scottish country mansion. Walk in the mansion and breathe in the fresh air stemming from mountains and valleys.
En route to Nuwara Eliya is a place named Katulgala, where a small river falls from a mountain. You would find this in the road stretch between Nuwara Eliya and Negombo. A bath in this freezing water will give you a heartbeat or two. Take up rafting for a more terrific experience. It is just a matter of Rs 3000 for half an hour.
Well if you are depressed or feeling suicidal, this is not the ideal place. Don't go to there. But if your purpose is otherwise – say something like hiking – then this is the place. Lovers Leap derives its name mainly because of a certain couple who committed suicide because they could not unite in this life. Although the place is superb for hiking, it is not much advised or recommended as the place poses a great threat to life.
