With rolling mountains blanketed in tea plantations, clear blue skies and chilly evenings; Nuwara Eliya is the magical land that’s frozen in time, still in the 1800s after it was founded as the town to which British nationals with ambitions to grow tea in the tropics flocked to after it was discovered by Scotsman James Taylor.
The History
Before it was cleared by the British in 1819, the area that is Nuwara Eliya today was wilderness covered thick jungles under the shadow of the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka; Pidurutalagala. Thanks to its climate it was immediately adopted as a home away from home where they could grow produce from home.
The Modern Age
Today, Nuwara Eliya while devoid of colonial planters, hasn’t changed too much. The same buildings are still being used and in the case of the post office; for the same purpose as it was 200 years ago. The golf course and the horse racing courses are still in function and the colonial bungalows are lived in, whether they are private homes or boutique hotels.
Best Time to Visit
If you don’t want to get wet in the heavy monsoons, avoid the months of June to August and Nuwara Eliya is perfect to visit all year round. From November to January or February it gets rather chilly at night so it’s best to be prepared.
Where to Stay
There is plenty of accommodation in Nuwara Eliya for all kinds of budgets. Make sure you check out Galway Heights if you are looking to get a taste of that rustic colonial charm.