A temple to Hanuman near Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya (Sinhala නුවරඑළිය Tamil நுவரேலியா)(pronounced IPA: [nuːrəliːjə]), meaning “the city in the open plain (table land)in the hills”, is a town in Sri Lanka. It is at an altitude of 1,990 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands, and is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.
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[edit] History
The town was founded by Samuel Baker as a hill retreat for the British during the colonial era, where typical English pastimes including fox hunting, polo and cricket were played.
Although the town was found in the 19th century by Englishmen, the site was frequently visited by native Sinhalese travellers. It has also been an area of pre-historic human beings as recent archaeological findings confirm.
Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period, and even new hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. The Hill Club is the best preserved of the hotels, and charges admission for non-residents who wish to wallow in its nostalgia. Many private homes still maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.
[edit] Climate
Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost. although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.
[edit] Festivals
The town really comes alive in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, and it is difficult to find accommodation as Sri Lankans holiday in the region during this period. The festive season starts on April 1st annually in a ceramonial manner. The ceremony consist with mainly a band show where all the school bands will participate. This is one of the famous and beautiful ceremonies in Nuwara eliya.
Star attractions at this time are the numerous motor racing and horse racing events. Motor racing comes alive with the Mahagastotte and Radella Hill Climbs. The former being run since 1934. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race and the 4X4 Lake Cross on edge of Lake Gregory attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Parties are held nightly in the hotels, and the season culminates in the nine furlong (1811 m) Governor’s Cup, and the flower show at the end of the month
