Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: British cityscape in Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya is affectionately known as the “city above the clouds” by the locals in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude between 1,900 and 2,000 meters in the province of Central between the three highest peaks in the country. Nuwara Eliya is a popular vacation spot for tourists and locals, as the temperatures in Sri Lanka’s highest city barely exceed 25 degrees and the air is fresh and dry. The cityscape is “very British” because it was the English who designed the houses and gardens according to their plans. The parks here have extensive lawns, villas and golf courses are laid out in a country house style. The region around Nuwara Eliya is characterized by tea plantations. The best tea on the island, Broken Orange Pekoe, a tea that grows best in the highlands, grows here.
Once the resort of British colonial officials
It is difficult to highlight a single sight in Nuwara Eliya. The whole cityscape offers visitors a great backdrop. The colonial style of the English is immediately noticeable here: in the garden and park landscapes and above all in the houses. Nuwara Eliya’s tourist attractions include the Anglican Holy Trinity Church and the post office with its remarkable clock tower. If you are looking for rest and relaxation, the best way to find it is to take a walk through Victoria Park with its extensive lawns. Large trees provide shade for strollers, the Nanu Oya river meanders leisurely through the park.
The Hill Club also exudes English flair
Those who want to spend the night in style are in good hands at the Grand Hotel. The spacious country house was once the residence of the governor. Heavy chandeliers on the ceilings, mighty red curtains next to the windows and luxurious leather trimmings in the lounge are still symbols of the English lifestyle today. A special attraction in Nuwara Eliya is the Hill Club, the club house of the golf club, which was built in the Tudor style. The English flair has been preserved in the premises to this day. The Hill Club is actually only open to members. Impeccably dressed visitors are now welcome guests. Sometimes rooms are even rented out to tourists.
Wonderful excursion destinations in the area
Nuwara Eliya is an excellent starting point for excursions into the mountains of Sri Lanka, a landscape that is unique to the island. Just a few kilometers outside the city, tourists have the opportunity to get to know the work on the tea plantations when they visit one of the tea factories. Another worthwhile destination is the Hakgala Sanctuary Botanical Garden, ten kilometers southeast of Nuwara Eliya. In this botanical garden there is an orchid house, ancient giant trees and a wonderful park with lotus ponds. From the summer house the visitors have a fantastic view over the mountain landscape up to the mountain peaks of the Namunkula.
