You are sure to return

The season at Nuwara-Eliya:

by Marina Herath

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Gregory’s Lake

Cheerful home gardens

Abundance

Green tea fields sooth the eye

Many Sri Lankans who go on vacation often prefer to go to Nuwara-Eliya. Blessed with a salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery, it’s hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo. Presently you can reach Nuwara-Eliya within 4 hours time through the newly built highway.

The mountains with vegetable gardens and tea plants, are green and pleasing to the eye. Hemmed in by the highest mountain in the country; Piduruthalagala, with the graceful Gregory’s Lake. And the Flower garden of Victoria Park, the city makes you forget your worries and spend your vacation as if you are born again.

The streets are filled with holiday makers. While most of the residents offer their bungalows and houses to the holiday makers and earn some income.

During this period you will enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnivals, garden competitions, Motor car Races, Musical Shows as well as sports and golf.

The golf course in Nuwara Eliya is said to be one of the finest golf courses in Sri Lanka. Other recreation activities include horse riding, fishing, camping and of course trekking. Thanks to the cool climes this is one city where you can never work up a sweat.

During this season you can see the beauty of the flowers in Nuwara-Eliya. When you enter one of these gardens you feel as if true heaven is a place on earth. Even small houses have gardens full of flowers. Often these home-gardeners sell flowers and plants during the season and earn a little bit of extra money.

And the schools too look so beautiful. Many of the schools take an interest by taking part in the competitions and they have often won several awards during the season.

Close to Nuwara-Eliya is Sitha Eliya where Sitha was hidden by King Rawana. Here you find the Hackgala Garden where there is a pool into which if you drop a flower, your wish gets granted.

If you ask somebody whether they have been to Nuwara-Eliya, they are bound to say yes. Every one goes to Nuwara-Eliya for the fresh air, fresh fruits and vegetables. While travelling towards the hills you may feel the difference. Coming home is hard. You are sure to tell your friends or family we should come again to Nuwara Eliya.

Pix : Channa Weththasinghe