Why is Nuwara Eliya Called Little England of Sri Lanka

If this article's title sounds surreal, your experience too in Nuwara Eliya will be magical. The charming town was developed by the British colonists who found the chilly climate, misty mountains, and scenic surroundings reminded them of home. Go there for a unique experience that's quite a turnaround from the gorgeous beaches of Sri Lanka; your experience will be equally thrilling in Nuwara Eliya. Check out this article on why Nuwara Eliya is called Little England of Sri Lanka.

A Little Piece of Britain in Sri Lanka

As you follow the winding roads that take you to Nuwara Eliya, located at the highest point of Sri Lanka, the changing scenery will certainly be inspiring. The highlands reveal themselves, as flat terrain starts to change to hills, and blue mountains frame the landscape. The roads wind around huge cliffs along which silvery waterfalls cascade; majestic forests occupy the valleys below and the hills you drive past become carpeted in endless bushes of tea—a legacy left behind by the British colonists who first started a booming coffee cultivation in the highlands only to lose it all to disease. Tea, however, took over and thrived to become one of the island's main economies. You'll pass large plantations, and roads bearing names that seem to come from an English or Scottish countryside; Edinburgh estate, St. Claires, Devon Falls, and so on. Supporting this changing scenery is the weather. Mist carpets the roads while you switch off the air-conditioning to roll down the shutters and enjoy a nip in the air. People's attire changes from summer clothing to beanies and sweaters as the houses seem to have stepped out of an English country magazine.

Nuwara Eliya Town: A Colonial Stronghold

As you drive into the town of Nuwara Eliya, you will wonder if you are still on a tropical island, as the streets become lined with colonial-style stone houses, with black wrought iron gates. Gorgeous blooms take over the front yards as roses and hydrangeas add splashes of colour to the gravel pathways leading to the front of restaurants and hotels in Nuwara Eliya. If you love being in the throes of nature, then look for accommodation in Nuwara Eliya where your stay is perfect. Some popular resorts like Araliya Green Hills promise more than a comfortable stay as you enjoy being surrounded by green hills and pretty gardens. 

Explore the Attractions

The town is home to several iconic attractions left by the British. Lake Gregory is the centre of entertainment where you can enjoy boating, jet skiing fun, and even helicopter rides. Central hotels in Nuwara Eliya make it easy to explore the area on foot, as the weather is welcoming and keeps you cool. Check out the horse racing track and plan a visit to the strawberry farm where you can go on a berry-picking tour. There are plenty of lovely tea kiosks to stop for a snack and steaming cup of Ceylon tea; the perfect accompaniment to the chilly weather nipping at your nose. There is also Victoria Park where kids can have some fun.

Visit a Vintage Tea Estate

In 1867, James Taylor, a British colonist, started the first tea plantation in Sri Lanka. He went on to enhance the plantation with the help of Thomas Lipton, and the rest as you tea drinkers know is history. You can even visit the iconic Liptons Seat from Nuwara Eliya—a perch located at the very top of a hill in the middle of a tea plantation where the renowned planter, whose name is linked to tea across the world, would sit to admire his estate. Since then, Nuwara Eliya has been a primary hub for tea plantations in Sri Lanka and you should not miss out on a chance to visit one of the vintage plantations where you can tour the factory, learn about the tea-making process from leaf to packet, and even stop for a typical English tiffin of butter cake and fresh tea at the in-house cafe.