Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya (nu-rel-iya, meaning ‘City of Light’) or "Little England in Sri Lanka" is a hill station in central province of Sri Lanka that keeps its colonial hill station atmosphere more completely than any place in the subcontinent. The outskirts of the town still keep the atmosphere of a misplaced British village, with hedges, rose gardens and red-roofed bungalows sporting twee names. It was a favoured stomping ground for the tea planters – the ‘wild men of the hills’ as one British governor called them. 

The old post office, the racecourse, the English country house–styled Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted fish and hunting trophies and the 18-hole golf course all somehow seem more British than Britain itself.

The Holy Trinity Church might have stepped out of any village in England but in Nuwara Eliya you can still see it with its Gothic architecture and eclectic collection of memorials, while the “pink post office” features a clock tower represent the British past.

The Grand Hotel, Hill Club and Golf Club also hark back to a previous era, where tea by a log fire, overlooking the lawns with topiary and roses, might be followed by a spot of billiards. The golf course is open to visitors.

How to reach Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka

By train - The train journey from Colombo or Kandy to nearby Nanu Oya is spectacular. Easiest way to catch Colombo - Badulla train, Train Name is 'Udarata Menike'. Local buses run frequently from Nanu Oya to the centre of Nuwara Eliya. Three wheelers/tuk tuks are also present at the station.
 

By Road - buses can be taken from Colombo or Kandy. Be aware - road transport between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya is very slow. The journey will typically take five to six hours to cover the 180km. Traffic, poor weather or failing light can extend the time needed. Rail transport is about the same due to the old and meandering track.

By Air -The nearest  Bandaranaike International Airport at Colombo is the closest airport  to Nuwara Eliya. It is located at a distance of 180 km. Srilanka has only one international Airport. All major air-lines provide their service till Colombo.  After reaching there, one can use any comfortable mode of transportation to reach Nuwara Eliya. 

One of the most common and affordable way to reach Nuwara Eliya is through Air-taxi. The service is operated by Srilankan Airlines and is trustworthy. Scheduled flights are run from Colombo to Lake Gregory Waterdrome, connecting Nuwara Eliya conveniently.

Best Time To Visit Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is accessible to tourists for most time of the year. However, the best time to spend a fulfilling holiday in Nuwara Eliya depends mostly on you. You can visit the Nuwara Eliya during summer and spring seasons as they are mild (for European Nuwara Eliyas Nuwara Eliyas). Or you can choose to visit the Nuwara Eliya during winters and enjoy sightseeing in the warm sun on a cold wintery morning! At most times of the year, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the various activities Nuwara Eliya has to offer. For beach Nuwara Eliyas like Thailand: Nuwara Eliya is accessible to tourists for most time of the year. However, the best time to spend a fulfilling holiday in Nuwara Eliya is during the winter time. At this time of the year, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the various activities Nuwara Eliya has to offer. During the winter time, you can enjoy the outdoor activities without getting dehydrated or feeling the pangs of heat.