Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is hill station located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It's nickname is "Little England" although we saw very little of it's colonial past. It's known for its cool climate, breathtaking scenery, and lush tea plantations. We got off the train in Nanu-Oya and I fired up my Uber app to get an idea what a taxi would cost to our hotel. Within seconds of 'standing around', we hear, "Sir/Madame.... I just dropped someone off. Are you going to Nuwara Eliya?" So convenient right? His price was right but there was just something about him I didn't like or trust. But we booked him for a tea plantation tour and waterfall tour the following day along with transfer to Kandy and Negombo Beach.

Our sleazy driver

Where did we stay? Araliya Green City Hotel. It is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. It is a five-star hotel which we normally avoid. Our room was incredibly spacious and elegantly decorated. Probably one of the nicest rooms we have ever stayed in. Ever!

Warm washcloth 

The hotel has several restaurants and a bar. We hit the bar and shot some pool. The bartender got a kick out of watching us and even helped with suggestions. I think he was entertained watching Sharon, a woman, shooting pool. Wherever we go, we feel like novelties because we are American. They just don't get many US tourists.

The bartender came over to rack the balls and Sharon was like, "No No No!" She doesn't win often and explained loser racks.

Loser Racks!

What did we do?

Damro Tea Plantation:

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Nuwara Eliya is home to some of the best tea plantations in the country. One such plantation is the Damro Tea Plantation. The plantation is located on the outskirts of the town and is known for its picturesque scenery and delicious tea. Lipton Tea Plantation was an hour or so away -- the Lipton Tea!

We took a guided tour of the tea factory and learned about the tea-making process, from the picking of the leaves to the final product. The tour also included a tea-tasting session, where we sampled some tea produced at the plantation. Other than sweet tea and vodka, we don't drink tea and knew nothing about it. 

Interestingly, women pick the tea leaves. They work eight hours a day and pick 20 kg. For this, they get paid $1500 LKR (less than $5). They get paid more if they pick more. The really good ones can pick up to 50 kg/day. The plantation has housing, doctor, school and temple so they do not need to live entirely on that measley pay. But still... 

Ramboda Waterfall: Nuwara Eliya has many beautiful waterfalls and one of the most popular is the Ramboda Falls. The waterfall is 109 meters high and is surrounded by lush greenery. We hiked to the top of the waterfall and enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

We explored the town, including city center.  On one side of the hotel was a golf course and on the other side was a race course. Races are only held three times a year. The rest of the time the course is used to offer rides on the horses 🐎 or for cricket games 🏏. We also toured the Grand Hotel grounds. It is luxurious and the place to go for High Tea.

The Post Office
Built in 1894,  it is one of the oldest in the country
and one of the oldest buildings in Nuwara

You can pay to ride a race horse. 🏇 
They didn't look like Thoroughbreds 

Grand Hotel Gardens

Where did we eat?

Milano's Restaurant recommended by our driver. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't very good either.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Deviled Chicken

Hotel Food Court, the food was actually very good for a food court. We had the option of a City Breakfast (Omelet and chicken sausages), Green City Waffles, and a Sri Lankan breakfast. 

Sri Lankan Breakfast
Roti

Sri Lankan Breakfast
Dahl Curry

Waffles

The options for dinner were a range of cuisines: Sri Lankan, Chinese, American, etc.

Vegetables in garlic sauce

Naan

Tandori Chicken

Clitoria Hotel and Restaurant, I found it and wanted to eat here but Sharon wasn't in the mood. 🥁🥁

When did we visit? March 24 - 26, 2023

Conclusion: Nuwara Eliya is a town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The Araliya Green City Hotel, Drama Tea Plantation, and Ramboda Falls are just a few of the many attractions in the town and surrounding area.

“I want to make memories all over the world”