Nuwara Eliya,Description,Location,History,Climate,Places to visit
Nuwara Eliya Location
The location of Nuwara Eliya, the serene hill station nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, offers a refreshing escape from the island nation's tropical climate. Reaching this picturesque destination, often referred to as "Little England" due to its colonial charm and verdant tea estates, is an experience in itself, involving a choice between winding mountain roads that provide panoramic vistas and scenic railway lines that cut through mist-covered landscapes. The journey from Sri Lanka's bustling capital, Colombo, offers a primary access route. By road, the distance spans approximately 156 kilometers. Travelers opting for a car or taxi can expect a journey time of around four to five hours, a duration contingent on traffic conditions and the careful navigation required on the ascending roads. For those preferring public transport, frequent private and public buses depart from Colombo’s Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal, offering an economical alternative. A shorter, yet arguably more spectacular, drive is available from the major central city of Kandy. This route covers a distance of roughly 76 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of two and a half to three hours. The path from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is celebrated for its breathtaking views, showcasing the gradual transition from the city's urban landscape to the lush, terraced hillsides that define the region. Perhaps the most iconic way to approach the area is by rail. While Nuwara Eliya itself lacks a train station within its immediate city limits, the nearby station of Nanu Oya, located about 8 kilometers away, serves as the main railway access point. The train journey from either Colombo or Kandy to Nanu Oya is a renowned tourist attraction, providing passengers with unparalleled views of sprawling tea plantations and dramatic mountain scenery. Upon arrival at Nanu Oya, the final short leg of the journey into the heart of Nuwara Eliya is easily completed using local buses or tuk-tuks. Finally, for travelers journeying from the popular southern hill town of Ella, the drive is a relatively short and scenic 59 kilometers, typically taking between one and a half to two hours by road. Regardless of the chosen path, the journey to Nuwara Eliya is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning natural beauty and setting the stage for the tranquil retreat that awaits in the cool highlands.
NuwaraEliya meaning
The name "Nuwara Eliya" translates to "City of Light." Throughout the island's history, "Nuwara" has signified a royal township. While the exact meaning of "Eliya" is not entirely clear, it may refer to areas of patana found among the highland’s dense forests that receive full sunlight, thus symbolizing ample "light" or "Eliya." Other similar names in the vicinity include Sita Eliya, Maha Eliya (Horton Plains), and Handa Eliya, which can also be attributed to plain areas.Did you know that herds of wild elephants roamed in and around the present-day Nuwara Eliya area in the 1800s?
Places to visit in and around Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England," is a charming town that offers a wealth of attractions, perfectly blending natural beauty with colonial heritage. There are many places of interest to visit with in a day.Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the dramatic landscapes of Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning cliff edge known as World's End, which offers breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys. The park is also home to the picturesque Baker's Falls, where visitors can enjoy the serene sounds of cascading water amidst lush greenery. In the town center, urban green spaces abound, including the sprawling Victoria Park, famous for its vibrant seasonal flower displays that paint the landscape in a riot of colors throughout the year. Nearby, the serene Gregory Lake invites visitors to partake in various leisure activities, including boating and picnicking, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Just a short drive from the town, the historic Hakgala Botanical Garden showcases a diverse array of flora, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. For those seeking adventure, a jeep safari across the panoramic vistas of Moon Plains offers an exhilarating way to experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Nuwara Eliya is also renowned for its stunning waterfalls. The majestic Ramboda Falls, dramatic Devon Falls, wide St. Clair's Falls, and the nearby Bomburu Ella Waterfall are all popular viewing spots, each offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities for visitors. The region's primary industry is tea, and tourists have the chance to explore working estates like the Pedro Tea Estate and the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, where they can enjoy guided tours that delve into the tea production process and sample fresh brews. Additionally, the Ambewela region is home to several strawberry farms, providing a delightful opportunity for visitors to pick their own strawberries and enjoy this local delicacy. Culturally, Nuwara Eliya is steeped in rich history and mythology. The intricately designed Seetha Amman Kovil and the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple are significant religious sites linked to the epic tale of the Ramayana, attracting devotees and visitors alike. The town's colonial past is evident in its architectural landmarks, such as the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office and the iconic Grand Hotel, both of which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the British era and enhance the town's unique charm. Nuwara Eliya stands out as a destination where natural beauty, cultural history, and colonial heritage seamlessly intertwine, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.
Physiograpy of Nuwara Eliya
Physiographically, Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of the country's highest peneplain, a level land surface that has reached an advanced stage of erosion. This region is characterized by a complex of massifs, mountain ranges, plateaus, and basins. The southern border of this peneplain extends about 50 miles, stretching from Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) at 7,360 feet on the western side to Namunukula at 6,360 feet on the eastern side. Running northward from the middle of this southern border is the High Plains, which extends between Kirigalpotta (7,875 feet) and Pidurutalagala (8,292 feet). Nuwara Eliya town, situated at 6,128 feet, lies near the base of Pidurutalagala. The scenic grasslands of Horton Plains, Moon Plains, Kandepola-Sita Eliya Plains, and Elk Plains are all located within the altitude range of 6,000 to 7,000 feet, just a few kilometers away from Nuwara Eliya. The highlands of Sri Lanka represent a significant geological upheaval, covering an area of about 4,000 square miles. From the base of this massive uplift, four extensive ledges rise, consisting of mountains at various elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Pidurutalagala, the highest peak among them, stands at 8,280 feet and is located about 3 miles northeast of Nuwara Eliya town. The plain on which Nuwara Eliya is situated is over 6,000 feet above sea level, measuring approximately 6 miles in length and 1.5 miles in breadth, with a circumference of around 15 miles. In 1833, before any plantations were established, this entire plain was divided into two parts by a thick strip of jungle running through the middle. Surrounded by steep, rocky mountains covered in dense forest, the landscape rises from the level of the plain to the summits of these irregular heights.
Roadway to Nuwara Eliya
The road from Gampola to Nuwara Eliya was planned and constructed by Major Skinners around 1829 under the direction of Governor Edward Barnes. This undertaking was a formidable task, evident when traveling through Ramboda Pass along the Gampola–Nuwara Eliya road. Recently widened, this roadway now features a new tunnel near Ramboda, though remnants of the original road can still be seen, carved into the rock along a cliff edge. To reach Nuwara Eliya from Ramboda, travelers must navigate a climb of 3,000 feet along the winding roadway. Today, the area is dotted with tea plantations, such as Labookele. In 1829, the Ramboda region was a thick forest frequented by wild elephants, with the jungle trees facing high winds and storms, and experiencing low temperatures at night, giving them the characteristics of a pygmy forest. Upon reaching the crest of the road, Nuwara Eliya comes into view, nestled in the valley below. Before 1827, the area where Lake Gregory now lies was a swamp, with streams and water sources flowing from the nearby mountains throughout the year. In 1874, Sir William Gregory transformed this swamp into a lake by constructing a dam and a carriage drive around it. At that time, the total length of the drive around the lake was six miles, and it was abundant with trout and carp. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) initiated a development project around Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya , resulting in a major overhaul of the facilities available to visitors and a thorough clean-up of the area. The project included the creation of walking paths, the introduction of boat services, and improvements to the seaplane landing facilities on the lake.
Nuwara Eliya weather
The defining feature of Nuwara Eliya's climate is its stability and moderate temperatures. The mean annual temperature hovers around a pleasant 16°C (61°F), with minimal seasonal variation. Daytime highs are typically comfortable, ranging between 18°C and 23°C (65°F to 74°F), while nights are notably cooler, with temperatures consistently dropping to lows of 10°C to 13°C (50°F to 55°F). This persistent coolness often necessitates a jacket or sweater, a refreshing change for visitors seeking refuge from the humidity of the lowlands. While the temperatures remain mild, the region experiences two distinct seasons: relatively dry periods and wetter periods influenced by monsoons. There is no true dry season; instead, the area receives significant rainfall and high humidity throughout the year. The peak of the rainy season generally occurs from October to December. Conversely, February and March are the driest months, making this period the most popular time for tourism and the city's lively annual festival season. A unique characteristic of the climate is the occasional ground frost that can appear during the coldest nights of January and February—a rare sight in the equatorial region.
Nuwara Eliya Weather Forecast for Today and Tomorrow
Recent History of Nuwara Eliya- Since 1819
The earliest written account of Nuwara Eliya in recent centuries comes from Dr. John Davy, who visited the area during a trekking expedition in 1819. He accessed Nuwara Eliya from Uva, and at that time, the region was uninhabited, with the valley covered in thick forests on the slopes and grass patanas in the valleys. Dr. Davy's visit was brief, but he noted the ruins of earlier irrigation systems and an inscription stone dating back to 900-1000 AD, which referenced offerings to a Buddhist vihara. This stone was later relocated to the premises of the Kachcheri in Nuwara Eliya town. In 1826, an elephant hunting party visited the plains of Nuwara Eliya, where the valley and hillsides were frequented by elephants due to the undisturbed forest regions that covered much of the highland. The experiences of this hunting party, who encountered the 36°F climate and the unique geological features of the area, caught the attention of then-Governor Edward Barnes. Subsequently, he initiated the construction of a roadway to Nuwara Eliya, passing through Ramboda. This development made Nuwara Eliya more accessible to entrepreneurs, who gradually transformed it into a model British village area.
Sir Samuel Baker: Pioneer of Nuwara Eliya
Sir Samuel Baker is recognized as the pioneer who transformed Nuwara Eliya into a model English town. Initially, he spent about a year hunting in the lowlands, but he contracted jungle fever and was sent to the highlands of Nuwara Eliya by his physician. To his surprise, he recovered remarkably well and credited his health to the extraordinary climate of Nuwara Eliya, which he believed revitalized both the body and mind. At that time, Nuwara Eliya was a remote area with only a solitary rest house in poor condition, where he stayed during his illness. Inspired by the area's potential, Baker envisioned developing it into a model English village and began to implement his ideas. He chartered a ship to bring a bailiff, along with his wife, daughter, and nine others, transporting various farming equipment from England, including sawmills, an assortment of seeds, a bull, a horse, fox hounds, and a greyhound. During the eight years he lived in Nuwara Eliya before leading another expedition up the River Nile, Baker significantly advanced the agricultural prospects of the area. He was also regarded as a prominent game hunter, a sport that captivated many British at the time. After conducting a thorough survey of Nuwara Eliya and its surroundings, he identified Mahagastota, located just a few miles from Nuwara Eliya, as an ideal site for his farm village. He utilized a cultivator attached to a harrow, drawn by a tamed elephant, to plow the Moon Plains for wheat, oats, and barley. The barley produced from his crops was supplied to a nearby brewery, and he even established an elephant stable on his farm. Baker resided at Baker’s Farm from 1848 to 1855, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
English Writers on Nuwara Eliya
Henry W. Cave, a renowned British author known for his numerous works on Ceylon, offered a lavish tribute to Nuwara Eliya in his book Golden Tips: A Description of Ceylon and Its Great Tea Industry (published in 1900). He wrote: "Seven thousand miles from London, six degrees from the equator, and 6,200 feet above sea level lies this unique retreat, whose precious attributes, once inaccessible, are fast becoming familiar to thousands—especially to the ever-increasing army of wanderers who flee from the rigors of the European winter. Egypt has its healing climate, the Engadine its lovely scenery, Brazil its wooded wilderness, the Alps their flowery meadows, and Peru its high plateau; but here, in one of our own colonies, easily accessible and free from any serious drawback, are all these and a hundred other attractions, forming a combination of the most delightful conditions under which mankind can desire to live." Cave compares the landscape and climate of Nuwara Eliya to that of the West Highlands of Scotland, noting its pure and invigorating air, which is particularly conducive to European health. He also mentions that, should one choose, they can escape the moist atmosphere and rain-clouded skies with just an hour's drive to the sunny plains and dry hills. While Mr. Cave's observations were made over a century ago, and the world has changed immensely in the past 125 years, today’s travelers can still glimpse some aspects of what he experienced. At that time, Sri Lanka boasted a pristine ecology that had remained undisturbed for centuries. We are fortunate to have many conservation areas, such as Horton Plains, that help protect the region's ecology. However, what we experience today may not endure for another century. The writings of prominent authors like Henry Cave, Dr. John Davy, Sir Samuel Baker, and W.T. Kebly serve as a testament to this change, as they vividly describe a landscape and environment that no longer exist in the same form.
Earliest History on Nuwara Eliya
Historically, this mountainous region was known as "Malaya Rata," encompassing present-day Kothmale Valley, Hewaheta, Nuwara Eliya, and Walapane. In the 2nd century BC, Prince Dutugemunu lived in Kothmale in disguise due to a dispute with his father, the King of Magama. Following his father's death, he ascended to the throne of Magampura and later became the king of a unified Sri Lanka. Traces of gem and iron ore mining have been discovered on the hillsides of Nuwara Eliya. Mr. Henry Cave noted in 1900 that several ancient moonstones were found in the "Moon Plains" area. He also remarked upon the remains of ancient irrigation systems, which "must have involved immense labor and great engineering skill." Sir Samuel Baker, writing around 1848, believed that the ancient significance of this area stemmed from its role as the source of water for the country’s rivers. The rivers flowing through the lowland Anuradhapura region supplied water to numerous man-made tanks (wewa) for rice cultivation approximately two thousand years ago. Ruins of masonry were found at the angles of ravines, constructed to protect the banks of these waterways. During Baker's observations, many of these waterways were dry and overgrown with forest, suggesting that the area had been inhabited in the past during these earlier times.
Nuwara Eliya Geological Map
Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of the country's highest peneplain, a level land surface that has reached an advanced stage of erosion. This region is characterized by a complex of massifs, mountain ranges, plateaus, and basins. The southern border of this peneplain extends about 50 miles, stretching from Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) at 7,360 feet on the western side to Namunukula at 6,360 feet on the eastern side. Running northward from the middle of this southern border is the High Plains, which extends between Kirigalpotta (7,875 feet) and Pidurutalagala (8,292 feet). Nuwara Eliya town, situated at 6,128 feet, lies near the base of Pidurutalagala.
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