Nuwara Eliya, called Sri Lanka’s “Little England” is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It has a rich colonial heritage influenced by British colonizers. With its mild spring-like climate and mountainous beauty with lush green vegetation, Nuwara Eliya appealed to them as an ideal place to set up their homes. As a result, epic colonial red-bricked buildings and fairy tale cottages with rose gardens are a common sight in Nuwara Eliya city. These ancient British buildings are now serving as major hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and public places in the town.
While you are touring Nuwara Eliya, don’t forget to walk in the downtown area. You’ll feel like walking in the countryside of England seeing many country cottages and bungalows around. Since Nuwara Eliya town isn’t a large city, you can take a leisurely stroll watching many of these beautiful old buildings. Above all, it is one of the top family-friendly destinations in Sri Lanka. You can see lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and food markets. You can always go and shop your heart out and take some souvenirs from Nuwara Eliya as memories back home.
Here we are going to show you the most impressive colonial buildings you can see in Nuwara Eliya town. Remember to have a look at these beautiful buildings when you are visiting Sri Lanka’s Little England.
1. Post Office
The most significant attraction among old colonial buildings is the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. This iconic building is considered the epitome of colonial architecture in Nuwara Eliya. Located at the heart of the city, it stands out with its extraordinary superiority and remains as one of the masterpieces of Colonial British Ceylon.
Certainly, this Tudor-style two-storey red-brick building with a clock spire gives an eye-pleasing view to the visitors. Constructed in 1894 by the British, the purpose was to deal with the mail of the British Colonials at the time. Even today, this epic colonial building serves as the public post office of the city. It is one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka.
You’ll see the bright orange roofs and red-bricked walls of the sprawling building form a colorful contrast with the manicured lawns and perfectly pruned hedges. The post office locates on the ground floor and you can purchase one of the pretty postcards available as souvenirs.
2. Hatton National Bank
Nuwara Eliya Hatton National Bank Building is an old attractive building located on Queen Elizabeth Drive in the heart of the city. It was originally built in 1888, as a small, private bank to cater to the needs of employers in Ceylon tea plantations. This is an archeological monument that has the style of a country bank with British architectural features.
In 1971, Hatton National Bank (HNB) took over this building. Currently, this building maintains by HNB and is open for bank customers daily. It is one of the most prominent colonial buildings as opposed to the modern buildings of the city. Located at the heart of the city, Most importantly, its elegant design and architecture enhance the aesthetic value of Nuwara Eliya town a lot.
3. The Hill Club
The Hill Club of Nuwara Eliya is a private club and hotel, with luxury rooms and all modern facilities. It situates on 26 acres of the area adjoining the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club on one side. As well as, the country home of Sri Lanka’s President on the other side.
This is one of the few remaining old clubs that remind you of the colonial architecture in Sri Lanka. Although it is over a century old, it still gives premium facilities to the members. This cozy, comfortable building shows its grandeur and simplicity even from the outer appearance.
When it was established in 1876, there was only a billiard room and a bar. The current building dates to the 1930s and features two-storey grey stone building. It has typical English colonial architectural structures. For instance, there are wooden staircases, high roofs, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and antique furniture.
Boasting 40 rooms including two suites, together with three family chalets, it also has a dining room and two bars, the Men’s Only Bar and the Mixed Bar. Moreover, there is a reading room, ladies’ lounge, a games room, and four International standard tennis courts. This gorgeous colonial building reflects a combination of style and class with modern service.
4. Holy Trinity Church
The Nuwara Eliya area is home to several historical churches dating back to the colonial period. Among them, Holy Trinity church is a small, but beautifully constructed church in a serene environment. It situates on Nuwara Eliya – Udupussallawa Road. The construction of the Holy Trinity church was started by the British in 1833 and took place for 10 years. Although it was completed by 1843, it was officially declared open in 1852. The church roof is made of Oakwood and the interior of the church is quite beautiful with the painted glass windows.
One of the most important facts about this Church is it houses the largest pipe organ in South Asia. This pipe organ is a special model and functioning well up to today. Certainly, it has drawn the attention of many tourists. You can visit the church from 8 am till 11 am in the morning and 2 pm to 5 pm in the evening. There is a mass on Sundays. There isn’t any entrance fee and no need to get permission to enter the church.
5. St. Xavier’s Church
Another church building that gives the essence of colonial era is St. Xavier’s Church. Its impressive architecture reflects elegant British architecture. Built in 1838 with colonial architecture, it consists of light brown towering walls with grand interior features. Certainly, this church displays spiritual elegance and warmth to give a European feel. This historical Church is one of the oldest churches in Sri Lanka. And this is an open place for anyone without any restriction.
6. Christ Church Warleigh
Christ Church Warleigh is an Anglican church in Sri Lanka built in 1878 by the British. It is located in Dickoya, on Hatton-Norwood Road. The church borders tea estates and the Castlereagh Reservoir in a lovely environment. Above all, it can consider the most scenic church in the hill country.
Since this church has typical old British church architecture, it shows a unique style. The walls of the church were made from granite stones. The interior of the church has decorated with stained glass windows depicting the paintings of Jesus Christ. The floral tiles on the floor are exclusive imports from England,
7. Grand Hotel
Your visit to Nuwara Eliya won’t be completed without stepping into the luxurious Grand Hotel which is located in the center of the city. This epic colonial building was founded as early as 1891. It has made completely British architecture with an elegant appearance.
The Grand Hotel offers excellent facilities and a beautiful garden. The hotel looks like a fairytale cottage with a garden filled with lovely blooms. It has a big green lawn and flower beds with roses. These colorful blooms in the walkways and garden make a relaxing environment for the guests.
8. St. Andrew’s Hotel
St. Andrew’s Hotel known as Jetwing St. Andrew’s is a luxurious colonial-type hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Built adjoining the Nuwara Eliya golf course, its history dates back to 1875. This building was first called the ‘Scots Club’ and then the club became a hotel called St. Andrew’s in 1891. This Scottish connection and its proximity to the Nuwara Eliya golf course made it a popular place in the colonial era.
Later, Jetwing Hotels group acquired the St Andrews Hotel in 1987. New additions included a new kitchen, accommodation wing, executive, and staff wings. In 1992, a further 24 new rooms were added to the hotel. Currently, St. Andrew’s Hotel is one of the most popular places among the visitors of Nuwara Eliya City.
9. Ceybank Rest
Ceybank Rest was the old governor’s mansion during the colonial period. It offers elegant and modest accommodation, an ideal place for those who like a natural colonial atmosphere. Without a doubt, this hotel is a good deal for budget travelers and guests who prefer the colonial heritage.
It gives a beautiful view to the visitors with a sprawling garden filled with lovely blooms. This large landscaped garden surrounding the premises gives a good opportunity to enjoy a relaxing time. Ceybank Rest offers 20 guestrooms with overwhelming views of the surroundings.
10. Hotel Glendower
Hotel Glendower is a charming English country house converted to a boutique hotel in Nuwara Eliya. It is among one of the most sort-after hotels with convenient access from the city center. This colonial building has an attractive Tudor architecture on the exterior and is decorated with authentic old English furniture, artifacts, and antiques in the interior.
It has a picturesque mini botanical garden filled with flowers. This building was owned by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Edward Barnes who built the famous Grand Hotel building. Without a doubt, this hotel is a colonial masterpiece that gives a feel of old England.
To sum up, here we have bought you the details of the most beautiful colonial buildings in Nuwara Eliya city. Certainly, these beautiful colonial buildings and fairytale cottages offer an eye-pleasing view to the visitors. Hope you all will visit Sri Lanka’s Little England and enjoy the view of the amazing beauty of British architecture.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Dreamstime, Facebook and Twitter. All copyrights are reserved by original authors.
