Nuwara Eliya
Overview
Often referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya was initially founded as a small hunting lodge for the Scottish tea planters in the hill stations in the area, and then became the prime hill country resort for the hard-working and hard-drinking English and Scottish pioneers of Ceylon, as it was known then.
There is a strong hint of the English countryside with its Tudor-style hotels, pretty gardens with roses, and a sprinkling of apple and pear trees.
Nuwara Eliya has the second oldest golf club on the island established in 1890, it is of championship standard and the course is at just over 6,000 ft above sea level.
Places of interest in and near Nuwara Eliya are:
- Hakgala Botanical Gardens - These attractive gardens, 10km southeast of Nuwara Eliya, are a peaceful retreat. Highlights include a fine rose garden, a Japanese garden, an orchid collection, cedars, and giant cypresses trees.
- Seetha Amman Temple - said to mark the spot where Sita in the epic Indian story “Ramayana” was held captive by the king of the island (Ilangai) Rawana.
- Lovers Leap Waterfall - An impressive waterfall.
- Tea Estates – There is a selection of stunning tea estates to visit.
