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Nuwara is a cozy former British hill station located in an altititude of about 2000 m above sea level. The town is situated in an highland valley that was almost untouched before the British developed is in the 19th century and used itfor vegetable cultivation. Nuwara Eliya is a famous tea area, of course, but most tea estates can be seen in lower altitudes of about 1500 m along the access roads to Nuwara Eliya. The immidiate vicinity of Nuwara Eliya remains to be dominated by growing European vegetables and fruits such as potatoes, carrots, even strawberries, and roses and other flowers, too. Like for example Ooty in Tamil Nadu or Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Nuwara Eliya became popular with Britains due to its cool climate during the hottest season of the year. Due to its colonial architecture Nuwara Eliya earned its nickname “Little England”. After independence the Sri Lankan upper class continued to join festival activities in April such as races, now motor races instead of horse races. The town’s main attractions include the 18-hole golf course, Victoria Park and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. The town also provides the opportunity to enjoy Sri Lanka’s unique bird watching experiences as it is home to many endemic species of birdlife. It is a base for visits to Horton PlainsNational Park which is a key wildlife area of open grassy woodland. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya’s countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. This “Little England” is covered with terraces. Indians love to spend some days of their holiday in Nuwara Eliya’s cool climate and stylish atmosphere. But one main reason for them to visit this highland valley is pilgrimage or contemplation at places associated with events in the Ramayana. Sri Lanka’s most significant highland destination for devout Hindus is the villag called Sita Eliya (Seetha Eliya) believed to be the former Ashoka Vatika, the abode of Sita during her captivity on Lanka. At the site of the Tamil temple called Sita Amman Kovil - the island’s only shrine dedicated to Sita - centuries (or even millennia) old images of gods have been found and are now on display and venerated again. Footmarks of different sizes in the rocks along the river bank are explained by Hanuman’s capability to change his size. |
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