Nuwara Eliya is located 150 km away from Colombo in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
Reaching Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya can be reached from Colombo via Kandy, which is the gateway to the Central Highlands of the island. Colombo-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya is the most scenic highland motor road of Sri Lanka. Though the city of Nuwara Eliya has no railway station, the highland railway line that winds past the city of Nanu Oya makes the journey by train one of the most scenic and memorable experiences. The journey to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train as well as by car is equally spectacular. The alternative route to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is via Hatton, which is located in the southern area of the Central Highlands.
The Climate, Terrain and Vegetation of Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, which is at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level, is the highest city in Sri Lanka and it lies beneath the tallest peak of the island, Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro (2555 meters).
Spring in Nuwara Eliya
The salubrious climate has branded Nuwara Eliya into a sanatorium that attracts Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign travelers to the seasonal event during February to April. Golf tournaments, horse racing, motocross, clay pigeon shooting, and carnival features are some of the main festivities. The downside of the season is the accommodation rates that shoot up. With thousands of local tourists flocking to Nuwara Eliya, filling up hotels and guesthouses that provide budget accommodation, foreign tourists would find it necessary to have their hotel bookings sorted out well in advance.
The Establishment of the City of Nuwara Eliya
Though Nuwara Eliya had been inhabited during the early period of the Kingdom of Kandy, the existence of the spectacular "Eliya" valley set amidst the wooded green mountains wasn't known to the Colonial British until the accidental discovery by the civil servant John Davy in 1819. However, it took another decade for the British to realize the potential of the city as a whole.
Governor Edward Barnes converted Nuwara Eliya into a commercial and coffee planting center during the 1830s. In 1847, the colonial explorer Samuel Baker introduced the gardening of English vegetables in Nuwara Eliya. To date, Nuwara Eliya is the leading producer of European vegetables in Sri Lanka and distributes them across the island.
Following the Coffee Blight in Sri Lanka during the 1870s, the plantation of tea was introduced by Sir James Taylor, resulting in the development of the Nuwara Eliya district as the heart of the tea-growing region of the central highlands. The first experimental plantation was established in 1867 at the Loolecondera Estate. In 1885, the highland railway track was extended to Nanu Oya, a town 5 km south of Nuwara Eliya.
Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya
In the center of the town is the Central Market. South of the market is Victoria Park, spreading over 27 acres with well-maintained shrubs and trees. The cluster of exceedingly tall eucalyptus trees is a main feature. Despite being close to the city center, Victoria Park is an ornithological hotspot where bird lovers spend long hours. River Nanu Oya that runs through the park and a number of lakes within it support endemic and migrant birds. Among the birds are Kashmir flycatcher, Indian blue robin, Pied thrush, Dull-blue flycatcher, and yellow-eared bulbul.
Race Course and Golf Course at Nuwara Eliya
To the south of Victoria Park is the Racecourse, and behind it is Lake Gregory. Nuwara Eliya's finest golf course is located opposite Victoria Park. Built in 1891 by the British colonialists, this 18-hole golf course is well maintained by the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. The club rents golf equipment and charges a fee for playing.
Single Tree Mountain
A path from the Racecourse leads to Single Tree Mountain, which offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding hills. Single Tree Mountain reveals the spectacular scenery of the entire town of Nuwara Eliya, including Pidurutalagala Mountain, Hakgala Mountain, Lake Gregory, and the northern section of Horton Plains.
Pedro and Labookelle Tea Estates at Nuwara Eliya
Pedro and Labookelle tea estates offer on-site knowledge regarding the tea industry of Sri Lanka. Located 3 km east of Nuwara Eliya, beneath a flank of Mount Pedro, is the Pedro Tea Estate. A resident guide explains the process of growing and manufacturing Ceylon Tea. Labookelle Tea Estate, located 20 km north of Nuwara Eliya at 2000 meters elevation, offers full tours. Its café is a great place to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea with a slice of cake.
Soft Adventure at Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya's scenic mountainous terrain provides numerous hiking opportunities. Mount Pedro or Pidurutalagala, rising to 2555 meters, is great for hiking, although the summit isn't open to the public. Nearby waterfalls such as Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Lakshapana Falls make hiking even more enjoyable. The Turf Club also offers horse and pony riding. Boating is available at Lake Gregory's boathouse.
Horton Plains
The Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perched on the edge of the Central Highlands midway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. It consists of the highest plateau in Sri Lanka and is a paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers, and hikers. World's End, a 1050-meter drop, is a popular excursion. Since the view from World's End is often covered in mist after 10 am, especially from April to September, early arrival is recommended. Horton Plains is also accessible from Haputale.
Nuwara Eliya Highlights Tea Country
Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest tea exporters. Since tea was introduced in the mid-19th century, Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. Miles of tea plantations surround the area. Many factories are open for visitors and include sales outlets for purchasing tea.
Tea Factory
An old tea factory turned into a fine hotel is located 30-45 minutes away at Kandapola. Managed by a major hotel chain, it offers excellent food and accommodation.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Located within walking distance of the town center, the club, built in 1891, features an 18-hole golf course. Clubs, shoes, and old balls are available for rent or purchase.
Nuwara Eliya is located 150 km away from Colombo in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
Reaching Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya can be reached from Colombo via Kandy, which is the gateway to the Central Highlands of the island. Colombo-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya is the most scenic highland motor road of Sri Lanka. Though the city of Nuwara Eliya has no railway station, the highland railway line that winds past the city of Nanu Oya makes the journey by train one of the most scenic and memorable experiences. The journey to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train as well as by car is equally spectacular. The alternative route to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo is via Hatton, which is located in the southern area of the Central Highlands.
The Climate, Terrain and Vegetation of Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, which is at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level, is the highest city in Sri Lanka and it lies beneath the tallest peak of the island, Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro (2555 meters).
Spring in Nuwara Eliya
The salubrious climate has branded Nuwara Eliya into a sanatorium that attracts Sri Lankan tourists as well as foreign travelers to the seasonal event during February to April. Golf tournaments, horse racing, motocross, clay pigeon shooting, and carnival features are some of the main festivities. The downside of the season is the accommodation rates that shoot up. With thousands of local tourists flocking to Nuwara Eliya, filling up hotels and guesthouses that provide budget accommodation, foreign tourists would find it necessary to have their hotel bookings sorted out well in advance.
The Establishment of the City of Nuwara Eliya
Though Nuwara Eliya had been inhabited during the early period of the Kingdom of Kandy, the existence of the spectacular "Eliya" valley set amidst the wooded green mountains wasn't known to the Colonial British until the accidental discovery by the civil servant John Davy in 1819. However, it took another decade for the British to realize the potential of the city as a whole.
Governor Edward Barnes converted Nuwara Eliya into a commercial and coffee planting center during the 1830s. In 1847, the colonial explorer Samuel Baker introduced the gardening of English vegetables in Nuwara Eliya. To date, Nuwara Eliya is the leading producer of European vegetables in Sri Lanka and distributes them across the island.
Following the Coffee Blight in Sri Lanka during the 1870s, the plantation of tea was introduced by Sir James Taylor, resulting in the development of the Nuwara Eliya district as the heart of the tea-growing region of the central highlands. The first experimental plantation was established in 1867 at the Loolecondera Estate. In 1885, the highland railway track was extended to Nanu Oya, a town 5 km south of Nuwara Eliya.
Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya
In the center of the town is the Central Market. South of the market is Victoria Park, spreading over 27 acres with well-maintained shrubs and trees. The cluster of exceedingly tall eucalyptus trees is a main feature. Despite being close to the city center, Victoria Park is an ornithological hotspot where bird lovers spend long hours. River Nanu Oya that runs through the park and a number of lakes within it support endemic and migrant birds. Among the birds are Kashmir flycatcher, Indian blue robin, Pied thrush, Dull-blue flycatcher, and yellow-eared bulbul.
Race Course and Golf Course at Nuwara Eliya
To the south of Victoria Park is the Racecourse, and behind it is Lake Gregory. Nuwara Eliya's finest golf course is located opposite Victoria Park. Built in 1891 by the British colonialists, this 18-hole golf course is well maintained by the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. The club rents golf equipment and charges a fee for playing.
Single Tree Mountain
A path from the Racecourse leads to Single Tree Mountain, which offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding hills. Single Tree Mountain reveals the spectacular scenery of the entire town of Nuwara Eliya, including Pidurutalagala Mountain, Hakgala Mountain, Lake Gregory, and the northern section of Horton Plains.
Pedro and Labookelle Tea Estates at Nuwara Eliya
Pedro and Labookelle tea estates offer on-site knowledge regarding the tea industry of Sri Lanka. Located 3 km east of Nuwara Eliya, beneath a flank of Mount Pedro, is the Pedro Tea Estate. A resident guide explains the process of growing and manufacturing Ceylon Tea. Labookelle Tea Estate, located 20 km north of Nuwara Eliya at 2000 meters elevation, offers full tours. Its café is a great place to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea with a slice of cake.
Soft Adventure at Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya's scenic mountainous terrain provides numerous hiking opportunities. Mount Pedro or Pidurutalagala, rising to 2555 meters, is great for hiking, although the summit isn't open to the public. Nearby waterfalls such as Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Lakshapana Falls make hiking even more enjoyable. The Turf Club also offers horse and pony riding. Boating is available at Lake Gregory's boathouse.
Horton Plains
The Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perched on the edge of the Central Highlands midway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale. It consists of the highest plateau in Sri Lanka and is a paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers, and hikers. World's End, a 1050-meter drop, is a popular excursion. Since the view from World's End is often covered in mist after 10 am, especially from April to September, early arrival is recommended. Horton Plains is also accessible from Haputale.
Nuwara Eliya Highlights Tea Country
Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest tea exporters. Since tea was introduced in the mid-19th century, Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. Miles of tea plantations surround the area. Many factories are open for visitors and include sales outlets for purchasing tea.
Tea Factory
An old tea factory turned into a fine hotel is located 30-45 minutes away at Kandapola. Managed by a major hotel chain, it offers excellent food and accommodation.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club
Located within walking distance of the town center, the club, built in 1891, features an 18-hole golf course. Clubs, shoes, and old balls are available for rent or purchase.
