Tucked away within the scenic mountainscapes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands lies the “city of light” that is Nuwara Eliya. Also known as ‘the city on the plain’, this verdant region abound with tea plantations has also been long identified as Little England for its temperate weather and mountainous topography. Located at an altitude of 6,128 feet above sea level the town lies in the shadow of Pidurutalagala which is incidentally the tallest mountain in the country. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes the area is prime tea cultivation country with tea plantations stretching in to the horizon as far as the eye can see.
A pleasant alternative to the sun kissed regions of Sri Lanka, the city of Nuwara Eliya is known as the cool climate city which maintains a temperature of around 16 °C annually. This is a decidedly cooler climate than that of the Srilankan lowlands. Owing to its high elevation the winter months are especially cold in Nuwara Eliya with frost and temperatures dipping to a chilly 3°C at night. But even during the cold seasons, daylight brings plenty of sun and warmer weather when the sun climbs up as the day progresses. Veiled in mist for most of the day the private homes and bungalows in the area maintain English country style gardens as well.
Due to its unique climate Nuwara Eliya’s slow growing tea beds produce some of the finest Orange Pekoe tea varieties in the world with the help of numerous tea factories that occupy the region. Visitors are welcome to tour the factories and engage in tea tasting activities of the various blends that are produced at the locales before being shipped off to all corners of the globe.
Other fruit, vegetable and flower species that are typically grown in Europe are also found in the central highlands of the island which is literally infested with rose gardens, potato, leeks and carrot patches. In addition to the many waterfalls that dot the hamlet such as Laksapana Falls and Devon Falls Nuwara Eliya is also home to the 1000m drop precipice known as World’s End which is located within the Horton Plains. As the island’s highest plateau this national park also serves as the home of stunning wildlife and plant species indigenous to the highlands.
Visitors searching for luxury Nuwara Eliya bungalows should look no further than the elegant Jetwing Warwick Gardens Hotel. Ideally located among the Ambewela mountains this sprawling 6 acre property is one of the most breathtaking Sri Lanka hotels in the hill country.
