Nuwara Eliya: Discover Little England in Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s fascinating tea city, is perched 6000 feet above sea level. The hill country’s Little England is sometimes referred to as this polished conurbation with a British vibe. The colonial-era architecture, typified by half-timbered structures, steeply pitched gable roofs, and huge tea estates enwrapped in squalling chilly breeze, all give Nuwara Eliya an imperial England ambience. A stroll around Nuwara Eliya reveals the Scottish hedgerows, which provide a well-kept green patchwork throughout the city’s alleys.
Nuwara Eliya, which is teeming with exotic birds, plants, and animals, is an excellent place to unwind. Thus English conquerors of Sri Lanka’s tea business used to flee to this tea town. It’s a pleasure to be here, surrounded by a graminaceous landscape with breathtaking vistas. This natural village provides a variety of ways to relax, some of which include a visit to caves and waterfalls. There’s much to do in this historic town, from staying at a colonial hotel to playing a game of golf.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the colourful sanctuary of Seetha Amman Temple, and the dense Galway’s Land National Park are all located in this tranquil haven. Take a look at some of the interesting spots in Nuwara Eliya that will make you feel at home in this tea town. The century-old Post Office, Queen’s Cottage, Victoria Park, Seetha Amman Temple, Damro tea plantation and the General’s House were among the places I saw during the city tour.
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Damro Tea Plantation
During my visit with Sri Lanka Tourism Board, I strolled into the most exquisite Damro Tea Boutique near Nuwara Eliya, which has numerous rows of well-kept slopes. This gleaming Tea Boutique is one of Nuwara Eliya’s most popular, where you may take a tour to learn about the world-famous Ceylon tea producing process. You may pick some tea leaves yourself and interact with the local women that work here while on the trip.
During the Tea Factory tour, I was astounded to learn that a single tea tree shrub can produce black, green, and white tea leaves. Tea picking with estate employees and watching the tea producing process at the tea factory is part of the standard guided visit to the tea factory.
After the tour, you will be able to sample a choice of the finest Ceylon Teas in the tea room. In the tea room, I concluded my fantastic tour with a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea. This was undoubtedly one of the greatest teas in the world, and I had the opportunity of sampling everything from BOP to Pekon to Cinnamon to Silver to Golden Tea. This entire valley, without a doubt, leaves a lasting image of Sri Lanka’s hill countryside.
Nuwara Eliya Post Office
The Tudor-styled two-storey post office in Nuwara Eliya is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest. As a result, it seemed only right that I sent a few postcards home from here. The lower level of this red brick structure holds a post office, while the top storey is utilised for tourist lodging. As you can see in the photo above, the post office also has a clock spire.
Grab a Coffee at a Local Cafe
The weather in Nuwara Eliya is the sort that makes you want to get a cup of hot coffee from one of the market’s cafés. The coffee shop and bar in the main plaza has an extensive menu, however, it takes a long time for your order to be prepared. It’s definitely worth the wait because you’ll have plenty of time to experience this hill station’s cool weather. The nearby colonial-style buildings are a sight to behold. If you don’t want to drink coffee, there’s a juice bar right outside the coffee shop. The sloping roofs of the café and juice centre will transport you to the British period. It’s a real treat!
Seetha Amman Kovil
Seetha Amman Temple, on the other hand, is said to be the location where King Ravana took Sita hostage. Because it is located in the Seetha Eliya Village, this site is also known as Sita Eliya. If the Ramayana legend is to be believed, this is the precise site where Sita pleaded for King Ram to come and save her. Sunken landforms purported to represent Lord Hanuman’s footsteps may also be found in the shrine.
Lake Gregory
On my journey to Nanu Oya railway station the next morning, I passed by the lovely Gregory lake. Lake Gregory is a big manmade reservoir located amid Sri Lanka’s glorious tea hill city, Nuwara Eliya. It was built in 1873 by Sir William Gregory, the city governor at the time. This lake’s entire surrounding region is a lovely spot worth seeing. Our guide had a better plan for us, as much as I would have liked to spend more time here. He took us on a remarkable train excursion through Sri Lanka’s most beautiful countryside.
While the train ride from Nanu Oya to Haputale was beautiful, make time to relax by the lake and see the gorgeous St Clair’s, Lovers Leap, Devon, and Glen Waterfalls while in Nuwara Eliya. I’ve heard that the golf course is one of Asia’s best and most beautiful. The Holy Trinity Anglican Church is also peaceful.
