Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya (Sinhala: නුවර එළිය [nuwərə ɛlijə]; Tamil: நுவரெலியா [nʉʋəɾɛlɪjɑː]) is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light”. The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate – the coolest area in Sri Lanka.
History
The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the explorer of Lake Albert and the upper Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya’s climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England, was a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse themselves in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting, elephant hunting, polo, golf and cricket.
Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Queen’s Cottage, General’s House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, St Andrew’s Hotel and Town Post Office. New hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. Visitors to the city can wallow in its nostalgia of bygone days by visiting the landmark buildings. Many private homes maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.
A waterfall in the surroundings of Nuwara Eliya
Map of Nuwara Eliya, ca 1914
More Places in Nuwara Eliya
Moon Plains
Moon Plains, also known as Sandathenna, is a 400-metre long, 40 metre deep valley in Ranhawadigama, about 6km from Nuwara Eliya. What was once part of a catchment area, Moon Plains is now a notable Agricultural and Environmental Tourism Zone since March 2014.
Bountiful Wildlife
The green slopes and greying backdrop is something straight out of a portrait, with wild animals running about hither and thither. You can spot deer, buffalos and more at Moon Plains, along with dozens of bird species. In fact, Sri Lankan leopards have been spotted in this region, so you might want to keep your eyes peeled if you want to catch a glimpse of the elusive spotted predator!
Picturesque Views
Standing at a surface elevation of 6,200 ft, Moon Plains can get chilly and misty, so you need to watch your step! It also provides visitors with an amazing panoramic view of the countryside and peaks that surround it, but again, this depends on the visibility during the day. A key attraction at Moon Plains is the ‘Mini World’s End’, a peak with a sharp drop, offering you a stunning look at the landscape below.
Useful Information
The park is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Poya days and other religious holidays, and the entrance fee is Rs. 400 per person, whereas a jeep can be hired for a 1-hour tour at about Rs. 2000, fitting in up to seven people. You could even take a bicycle up there as the terrain is perfect for cycling!
Lake Gregory (Nuwara Eliya)
Lake Gregory sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in the heart of the tea country hill city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was created during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873.The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.
History
The area was originally a swampy bog at the foot of the small hills that border the town. In 1873 Sir William Gregory authorised the damming of the Thalagala stream, which originates from Mount Pidurutalagala, in order to make more land available for the expansion of the town. In 1881 the lake was stocked with trout by C. J. R. Le Mesurier (Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya).
In 1913 the waters of the lake were directed into a tunnel which flows to a hydro power station at ‘Blackpool’ between the town and Nanu Oya.The power station continues to supply electricity to the town to this day. In British times Lake Gregory was used for water sports and recreational activities.
