NUWARA ELIYA

Recently we made the long road trip up to Nuwara Eliya for the second time. We were there to look at amenities for future Australian trips, visit prospective micro-finance applicants and see the general needs of this unique community.

We love going there because it is such a different part of Sri Lanka. Its great to be able to get away from the heat and humidity of Negombo. Nuwara Eliya is the only place in Sri Lanka where your main concern for accommodation is the hot water and not the airconditioner. At 2000m ASL the children take immense pleasure in going through the clouds and wearing their jumpers for a few days.

As you travel up the mountain the vehicle air conditioner is turned off and the windows are opened, letting in the cool mountain air. The tea estates start to appear and eventually all that can be seen in all directions are the tea bushes interspersed with larger trees to control the erosion on the steep slopes. Some of the more common trees used for this are Gum trees so it really makes us think of home with gum trees everywhere.

As you approach the city you see vegetables sellers have their wares spread alongside the road. Those that can afford to have covered stalls while those that don't, display theirs on the road verge. The area around Nuwara Eliya is great for growing vegetables and you can get sorts that are not grown in the low country. Carrots, leeks, potatoes and rhubarb are the ones that I can recognise and have English names. Regardless of it's name, it is all a fraction of the cost of Colombo. As a result, the majority of these stalls cater to those that have come to Nuwara Eliya for a visit and then stock up on the cheap fresh produce on the way home.

The vendors are supplied by the market gardens that surround Nuwara Eliya and every possible piece of land is utilised with terraces and retaining walls. The ground is rich and the gardens produce the vegetables and also flowers. The locals wander round with jackets and beanies on all day which gives it an almost alpine feel, although they still have bare feet.

Heading out of Nuwara Eliya the mountain gets particularly steep for about 20km and the road twists and turns, with hair pins, blind corners and steep drop offs. However, the view is spectacular as one minute you are looking over the top of a villiage or tea factory and the next you are driving alongside those you have been peering down on. People are oblivious to the danger and quite happily wander next to the road. It is truly an amazing experience.