“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
We travelled to Nuwara Eliya in December 2016. These hills were discovered by the British colonial officer John Davy back in 1819. Nuwara Eliya, which means “City of Light,” soon became a favourite cool-climate escape for the British as well as a “home away from home” where they could grow English vegetables and fruits. Due to its cooler climate, it is the most important area for tea production in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for her impressive lush green tea plantations.
The most scenic way to get to Nuwara Eliya is by train. Nuwara Eliya is located between Kandy and Ella. The nearest railway station is ‘Nanu-Oya’. From there you can take a 3 wheeler vehicle (like Indian Autorickshaws)
However we had taken a car from Kandy to this place. You can include 2-3 days in your itinerary for Nuwara Eliya.
Some places that we visited:
Glenloch Tea Factory:
You get a chance to see the various process involved in the production of tea powder. You can also buy different varieties/grades of tea powder from this factory. Obviously, there are many other tea factories in this area.
Devon Falls:
Devon Falls, known as the ‘Veil of the Valley’, is situated 6 km west of Talawakele (Nuwara Eliya District) on the A7 highway. The falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation was situated nearby the falls
Tea Castle, St. Clair:
The tea castle is a beautiful tea shop and a view point at St Clair. It’s built like a castle and you can climb up to the terrace for a nice view.
Pass through Kotagala Tunnel:
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple:
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is one of the important Hanuman Temples in Sri Lanka located on summit of the very beautiful picturesque mountain in Ramboda 30 KM north to Nuwara Eliya.
Visitors can witness the 18 feet Hanuman statue which is the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka established inside the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda.
Trip to Horton Plains and World’s End:
The Horton Plains National Park is bigger and more famous than Moon Plains and offers some great hiking opportunities over plateaus covered with grass, areas of thick forest, rock landscape, waterfalls, and lakes. The end of the plain, called World`s End, is an 880 m deep ravine and an excellent viewpoint overlooking tea plantation villages down below in the valley. However we couldn’t reach till the World’s end, as there were some restrictions. World’s End is located in the Horton Plains National Park which has a UNESCO status.
Ambewela farm:
The Ambewela farm was started by the British about 80 years ago, while the New Zealand farm was started in 1960. Both farms are managed by Ambewela Farm. In order to maintain the quality of milk from the cows, the farm management takes great concern towards them in order to provide them with a balanced diet and sterilized water. This is becoming a popular destination for visitors of Nuwara Eliya, especially those who love an unusual experience away from frequently-visited tourist destinations.
Seetha Amman Temple, Nuwara Eliya:
Located just 1 km from the Hakgala is the Seetha Amman kovil. This is the only Seetha Amman kovil in the world and is built according to South Indian architecture. Legend has it that Seetha was held captive and hidden in this spot by king Rama to protect her from the demon king Ravana according to the Epic Ramayana.
Some other places worth mentioning here:
- Victoria Park
- Gregory Lake
- Moon Plains
We had stayed in Villa Cassandra. I would personally suggest this place for a stay. It has 4-5 rooms and is very clean. However the Breakfast spread is very limited.
