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History
History
The town of Nuwara eliya was founded by Samuel Baker as a hill retreat for the British during the colonial era, where typical English pastimes including golf ,fox hunting, polo and cricket were played.Although the town was founded in the 19th century by Englishmen, the site was frequently visited by native Sinhalese travelers. It has also been an area of ancient human activity 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 one of the best preserved 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. However during the recent years, the town has been commercialized with little concern for the colonial atmosphere.Hotels in Nuwara eliya
The town of Nuwara eliya was founded by Samuel Baker as a hill retreat for the British during the colonial era, where typical English pastimes including golf ,fox hunting, polo and cricket were played.Although the town was founded in the 19th century by Englishmen, the site was frequently visited by native Sinhalese travelers. It has also been an area of ancient human activity 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 one of the best preserved 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. However during the recent years, the town has been commercialized with little concern for the colonial atmosphere.Hotels in Nuwara eliya
As Nuwaraeliya is being urbanized and commercialized for its climate and environment, one would find dozens of guest houses and hotels which dot the landscape for miles. Many of the hotels are frequented by mostly local tourists who wish to get away from the blistering heat of Colombo. Although one would think if a $40 rooms as bargain, I would recommend you bargain for at least $30 for a decent room. During my visits I have even encountered guest houses that offer rooms for $20/- (Although do expect the room conditions to be debatable).. Some hotels mentioned in the list include bed and breakfast.. These rates are not internet prices and are subject to change during season (long weekends and holidays). Hence its advised to travel off season to get the best rates possible. Off peak seasons include September to February (Cold and rainy months).Grand Hotel (Located near the golf course) - Cost range from $60 upwards
Queens Hotel (Located along the main road, next to the race course) - Cost range from $30 upwards.
Hotel Alpine (Located along Haddon hill road, near the race course) - Assumed to be less than $50.
St' Andrews Hotel (Located close to the town, near the Church) - Cost less than $70
The Tea Factory (Located a few miles away from town) - Cost less than $80
There are several unlisted hotels along the way and cost less than $30 per day. Beware of tourist traps as some might want to squeeze additional $$.
Long weekends are generally considered "seasons" as many coastal city dwellers flock in numbers towards the hills looking for a cool vacation spot. Lake Gregory is one of the main hotspots people visit as it provides green grass for anyone looking for a picnic. (boat rides, food parlors and other commercial exploiters are also present). The lakes beauty is also something to be desired as urbanization brings in garbage which from time to time has to be cleaned. However some plastics get through and wind up floating around the lake.Waterfalls in Nuwara eliya is an uncommon site these days as many are tapped for irrigation purposes. Most of the websites that mention countless waterfall in Nuwaraeliya are either lying or vastly exaggerating. Although they do exists in countable numbers within the maskeliya region, they have dwindled to a trickle as more and more water is exploited at a higher elevation for vegetable farming. The ideal time for viewing waterfalls and having freezing baths are during the rainy season which lasts only a few months. As farming and agriculture became a top priority in Nuwara eliya, commercialization has also played a vital role as multiple bill boards have taken the beauty out of the montane scenery that was once famous in the hills. I would assume everyone is in for the money regardless of the environment. Along the Victoria park road, I accidentally stumbled upon a Forest Park for children (located 500m from Victoria park keeping to my left; freshly built and well maintained). Two possibilities exists as to why its in tip top shape.
1. No one visits the place, since its on an elevation and not in plain view..
2. The curators maintain it daily.
I would recommend this park to anyone interested in taking a long relaxing break without any disturbance. Good place to have lunch and dinner as there are tables and chairs to suit your fancy..
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