Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, meaning 'city on the plain' or 'city of light' in Sinhala, stands at 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level as Sri Lanka's most important hill station and tea production center. Founded by explorer Samuel Baker in 1846, this picturesque city became the prime sanctuary for British civil servants and planters during colonial times, earning its enduring nickname 'Little England'. The city experiences a unique subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cfb) with mean annual temperatures of 16°C (61°F), making it the coolest area in Sri Lanka where frost can occur at night during winter months. With a diverse population of 43,050 residents comprising 44.5% Sinhalese, 22.2% Sri Lankan Tamils, 21.1% Indian Tamils, and 10.8% Moors, Nuwara Eliya represents a fascinating cultural blend. Overlooked by Pidurutalagala (2,524m), Sri Lanka's tallest mountain, the city is surrounded by terraced hillsides growing potatoes, carrots, leeks, roses, and the world-renowned Ceylon tea. The slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the finest orange pekoe tea globally. The city truly comes alive during April's Sinhalese and Tamil New Year celebrations, featuring motor racing, horse racing, the Governor's Cup at Nuwara Eliya Racecourse, golf tournaments, and spectacular flower shows.