Nuwara Eliya nestled in Sri Lanka’s central mountains at an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level under the shadow of Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro, Sri Lanka’s highest mountain and surrounded by lush, green tea gardens. This hill station was established by the colonial rulers of the country as a retreat and so strong was the British influence that Nuwara Eliya was christened ‘Little England’. Colonial architecture is very evident and some examples are the red brick post office, Queen’s Cottage, General’s House and St. Andrew’s Hotel. Some Colonial Bungalows have been turned into hotels and guest houses. Attractions in Nuwara Eliya include flower shows, horse racing, golfing, boating on Lake Gregory and trekking. If you are looking to stay in Nuwara Eliya in cosy comfort amidst colonial ambience then Jetwing Oatlands would be a suitable choice.
Trekking in Nuwara Eliya is popular. Trekking to Single Tree Mountain is worthwhile for the panoramic views it offers. A memorable trek would be to the holy mountain Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) through the Peak Wilderness. This trek is generally done in the evening and the trek to the summit starts at Nallathanniya. If the trek starts at around 6.30 p.m. from Nallathanniya, the summit can be reached around 1.00 a.m. The Ira Sevaya or the spectacular sunrise is a major draw for trekkers. Two other popular treks are to Piduruthalagala and Kirigalpoththa. .Piduruthalagala is the highest mountain in the island but trekking is allowed only up to about 7,000 feet. The Kirigalpoththa trek is through lush green mountains. Treks to waterfalls in and around Nuwara Eliya can be interesting and 03 popular waterfalls are Lover’ Leap, Devon and Ramboda Falls. Horton Plains with the sheer drop at World’s End and Baker’s Falls is exciting as there is a chance of spotting sambar, leopard and some endemic birds. Laxapana is another waterfall that can be accessed on a trek from Nuwara Eliya. A trek to Seetha Eliya of Ramayana fame is also a possibility from Nuwara Eliya. Delightful treks among the tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya will be unforgettable.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+
