Did you know that the delicious Ceylon Tea comes mainly from the central highlands of Sri Lanka? This includes the rustic and lush town of Nuwara Eliya one of the most picturesque tea-producing towns in the highlands.
The Scottish Planters
Dubbed Little England by the British due to its similarity in climate to Britain, Nuwara Eliya was one of the first areas in the central highlands. where Scottish pioneer planters the likes of James Taylor and Thomas Lipton planted the first black tea bushes. They’ve left their legacy and Scottish inspired names the likes of Galway Heights, behind.
A Mountain Resort
At an elevation of 1282 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is located on the foothills of Mt. Pidurutalagala which is the tallest mountain in the country. It is considered a healing escape thanks to its delicate and wet climate.
Places to Visit
Still maintaining the same British colonial attributes such as Lake Gregory, colonial buildings, a golf club and other situations such as pubs in Nuwara Eliya, the reminders of it being called Little England are rampant.
The British Connection
The British found Nuwara Eliya by accident in the 1800s and decided to use it as a health and holiday resort for convalescing British soldiers as the climate was almost similar to the one back home. They build gigantic villas such as the residence of the governor which is a hotel today.
