The Highlands of Sri Lanka and The Magic of Nuwara Eliya

There’s a magical place in Sri Lanka. Actually, all of Sri Lanka is magical, but there’s something that’s just so unique about Nuwara Eliya, which can be found in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

How to get there

You can get there from Colombo, via Kandy, an exceptional city, which also boasts a number of must-see sites. These include the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or, as it’s otherwise known, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is said to house one of Buddha’s teeth.

You can travel by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, but if you go by car, you won’t regret it. The road that takes you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful roads you will travel along on your holiday to Sri Lanka. Once you arrive, you’ll get a real sense of two things: the area’s rich history and the climate.

What’s the story?

Nuwara Eliya sits in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest peak, Pidurutalagala. The mountain is also known as Mount Pedro and stands an impressive 2,524 metres tall. Although we know that the area was inhabited at some point, it wasn’t until British settlers happened to stumble upon it in 1819 that it really started garnering attention.

Initially, the British settlers, led by Governor Edward Barnes, attempted to turn the area into a commercial coffee planting centre, but when the crops failed in the 1870s, it was decided that tea would suit the area much better. Tea has been grown in the region since then, and is still grown there today. In fact, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s leading exporters of tea!

So, just what is there to do on a trip to Nuwara Eliya?

Single Tree Mountain

Not far from the local race course (more on that later) lies Single Tree Mountain, which offers great views of the surrounding hills, as well as Lake Gregory and Horton Plains National Park.

Horton Plains National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is popular with bird watchers, hikers and people who just love nature. Located between Nuwara Eliya and the nearby town of Haputale, the highlight of the park is the precipice, which drops over 1,050 metres and is known as ‘The World’s End’.

Race course and golf course

The best golf course in the region can be found in the city, and was built by the British in 1891. This 18-hole course rents golf equipment to visitors, while the nearby racecourse gives visitors the chance to indulge in a flutter (or two).

Sri Lanka holidays will always be an experience you’ll never forget.

Have you been to Nuwara Eliya? Talk about your trip in the comments.

Images by Jerome Decq, Steenbergs and mφop plaφer

Note: This is a sponsored post.