ways and owes much to a pioneering Englishman, Sir Samuel Baker. This is also the heart of Sri Lank’s tea country – Nuwara Eliya teas are some of Sri Lanka’s best, with a fine bouquet and colour. A visit to one of these scenic "estates" to see Sri Lanka’s most important export product being grown, picked and processed, is recommended.
Many of the island’s high mountain peaks including the highest – Pidurutalagala (8,281 ft) are located in this district. Ramboda Falls – 329 ft. is also an attraction in this area. Excellent for walks, drives, riding and hiking. Exceptionally good golf on an 18-hole course. Beautifully laid out Botanical Gardens at Hakgala – 6 miles away. Good trout fishing. Intensive market gardening of flowers, vegetables and fruits not commonly associated with Sri Lanka.
Victoria Park : The main attraction of this hill town is Victoria Park, a large urban park which is a winter stopover for Indian Pitta, Indian Blue Robin, Kashmir Flycatcher and Pied Thrush. We obtained good views of all except the Pied Thrush which was unaccountably missing. We also visited a wooded area on the outskirts of town (Pedro Scouts Camp area on Moonplains Road) which held good mixed flocks including SL White-eye, Dull-Blue Flycatcher, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Dark-fronted Babbler and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. The marsh beyond the racecourse proved unproductive. |