Nuwara Eliya, called "Little England" then, a cool green mountain valley, the heart of Sri Lankan hill country boasts rolling hills interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The city Nuwara Eliya name meaning "city on the plain" or "city of light". It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft). Nuwara Eliya has a subtropical highland climate, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C (61 °F).
The city was founded by Samuel Baker (discover of Lake Albert and Nile) in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, was also a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting, elephant hunting, polo, golf and cricket.
Although the town was founded in the 19th century by the British, the whole district is today visited by native travelers, especially during the month of April, the season of flowers, pony races, go cart races and auto rally.
Nuwara Eliya is also acclaimed for its golf course and amazing tea plantations. Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Queen's Cottage, General's House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club and Town Post Office. Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.
No train stations available in the city of Nuwara Eliya and closest station to the city is Nanu Oya. There are scheduled air taxis from Colombo to Lake Gregory Waterdrome.
