Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is nicknamed “Little England” as it resembles many aspects of an English country with its cool climate and architecture. The latter was a result of the era of colonisation by the British, who made Nuwara Eliya a resort town to escape the heat of that, prevails upon the majority of the country. When you visit Nuwara Eliya, you will be able to experience some of this old colonial charm as most of the hotels and holiday bungalows in Nuwara Eliya such as the Oatland by Jetwing are designed and according to this style. Even some of the attractions here might lead you to believe that you are indeed in England. Take the beautiful Queen Victoria Park for example; what can sound more English than that!
27 acres of lush garden is what the Victoria Park is and to add more to its splendour the Nanu Oya River runs serenely through the park creating such lovely small lakes. The park is famous for its flowers which can best be admired during the month of April, when they are in full bloom. The park is also popular as a bird watching destination as it is home to a range of rare bird species like the Scaly Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin and the Pled Thrush. And if you’re travelling with the family and wondering if the kids will like it, there is a children’s playground situated at the far end of the park with a miniature ride able railway.
Let’s now see why the Victoria Park was thus named. The park was so called to commemorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in 1897. At first the park was used as the research field of the Hagkala Botanical Gardens which are 20 minutes away, so might want to check that out too. The Queen Victoria Park was established in the latter part of the 19th Century by the act of planting an Oak tree by a German Princess who visited the city of Nuwara Eliya.
So if you visit ‘Little England’ do make it a point to visit the lovely Victoria Park and take a leisurely stroll through its flower beds and waterways enjoying a little bit of England in the centre of an exotic island nation!
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media.
