A Fascinating Journey to Nuwara eliya
The be honest, I live along the western sea board of this fabulous country I call home. Although the map may show you a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, its quite large once you land on it. With an area of 65,000 Square Km to cover, one will certainly take a lifetime exploring the entire country.
I generally start my journey early morning leaving @ 7AM the latest. All journeys begin from Colombo which is the busy capital of Sri Lanka and it constantly stays busy except during public+private holidays. Even though I stay clear away from the central capital I need a good 1 hour to get out of Colombo suburbs. Once I've passed Maharagama (a busy suburb some 20km SouthEast of Colombo), blood begins to seep back into my body as the traffic begins to dwindle.... and dwindle... and a calm and quiet spirit engulfs my soul :)
[2 hours into the journey]
My first stop is in the little town of Avissawella, about 50km South/East of Colombo along the A7 highway . Most long distance journeys pass through this town while stopping for a nice hot creamy cup of tea. Once that's done I would indulge myself in a few minutes of Photography as the scenery now begins to change - from lowland commercial to highland country.
[3 hours into the journey]
I continue my journey heading uphill along the A7 highway, which dizzily winds uphill for the next 70km.. As I leave behind the commercial bundles of joy and head uphill, a wonder begins to encapsulate my heart and puts me at rest with the surrounding country. With open plains, and wet mountains I take a deep breath of fresh air and let out out slowly. Its no wonder that local residents live to be a hundred..
The long winding road cuts through several towns, and can offer some form of adventure to anyone looking for one.. The little towns along the way paint a different picture to those seen in the lowlands.. Multicolored, barrel shaped structures dot the houses, while steep cliffs and tea plantations dot the landscape.. Heading uphill, I pass several tea plantations that were grown since the colonial era - A steady income for Sri Lankan exports... The only thing on my mind right now is Hatton..
[4 Hours into the Journey]
Closing in mile by mile, I can hardly contain my enthusiasm I scream "We're here!!, We're here!".. To which my wife surprisingly shouts "Nuwaraeliya?"... Well, not for another 1 hour.. Although the climate is not hot as Colombo, it maintains a steady cooler temperature due to the elevation.. I still remember the lonely trip I took from Hatton to Colombo by myself - A journey I would never forget.. It was good, but as I look back through the years I was blooming irresponsible :)) - With just $3 in hand, I bought myself a train ticket and headed to Colombo.. Got on the next train and headed back home. Ridiculous!!
[Into the 5th Hour]
Anyways, getting back to NuwaraEliya, I decided to continue my uphill climb which took me through several little towns and villages famous for their creamy tea (An excellent place to stop and ask for directions). They are equally famous for their crisscross roads. I would pass through a few town like {Maskeliya,
I would pass a few water falls, which I would NOT drink from due to higher human pollution levels now monitored by the environmental groups... The areal view from these mountainous zones are indeed breath taking.. I have now made it a nasty habit to venture into the mountains of Sri Lanka just for the mere joy of seeing and feeling it.. Every wet rock and and every stream feels like it has a story to tell.
[Into the 6the Hour]
I approach NuwaraEliya with anxiety- for I know the prices for logging is high, but I need to make a few bargains to accommodate 2 or 3 nights. The general price I would negotiate for a decent carpeted room is $25 and nothing more.. All hotels and mansions look colonial, which suits the country!
As lunch time approaches, I make a quick B line to the nearest cafe for food under $2.. It might look like I'm stingy, but I rather make 5 cheap holidays per year, than 1 grand one :)
There are a more attractions during the month of April (A month best avoided as thousands of colombo dwellers begin to pour into the city). Although this is not an issues, the local hotel begin to hike their prices knowing you have no other option but stay..
1. Motor cross country race
2. Horse races
3. Boat races.
4. Dirt bike races.
Are just a few to be named ( I have yet to see one to tell you what they look like)
Wildlife is abundant in the region and one only needs to look for it.. There are many species of birds that can be spotted around the lakes and streams as well as endemic reptiles. For a deeper understanding, I would generally head towards the Horton plains (45 minute drive)
The hours may look long on print, but the shear enjoyment of driving will pass the time more quickly.