Historical Treasures of Nuwara Eliya: A Journey Back in Time
Beyond the verdant stretches & colonial-style cottages that grace Nuwara Eliya is a side to the district that few are aware of. Penned down below is a list of heritage sites that would warrant a visit.
1. Holy Trinity Church
Feelings of peace and contentment will flood your mind no sooner you set foot on the hallowed grounds encompassing Nuwara Eliya’s Holy Trinity Church. Noted as being one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya with family and friends, the shrine is found in close proximity to Araliya Green Hills Hotel which can be factored into your travel plans ahead of calling by this part of the Emerald Isle. The white walls and grey roof will be your constant companions as you begin combing through the grounds that surround Holy Trinity Church which is blanketed in lush green foliage. Overall, a surreal atmosphere will warmly welcome you and escort you towards discovering one of the most beautiful churches in all of Nuwara Eliya. Ideally, head over after 4 pm for the weather will be at its coolest that would make for an even better experience and never forget to make queries from the parish priest on the important role played by the church’s pipe organ.
2. Single Tree Temple
Staying on the subject of religious sites that have long been a part of Nuwara Eliya’s appeal and cultural make-up, the well-positioned Single Tree Temple deserves its fair share of commentary. Situated 11 minutes away from Araliya Green Hills Hotel along Single Tree Hill Road, this Buddhist temple can be found right in the middle of a garden overlooking towering trees and mountains out in the distance. Aside from the main stupa and wall which features elephant carvings is a splendid red-roofed bell tower that can be accessed via a series of stone steps. From its summit and if lady luck is on your side, then you will have an outstanding opportunity to witness the glorious sight of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) which has left an indelible mark as a pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. Guests staying at Araliya Green City can also reach the temple via an easy 10-minute drive.
3. Dehadu Kadulla
Hewn out of solid stone in a manner that merges magnificently with its immediate environs, the Dehadu Kadulla is categorised as an important landmark of yesteryear. An ancient entrance that was once put to excellent use by those commuting from Ruhunu Rata to Maaya Rata, the Dehadu Kadulla is a classic portrayal of the skills of the stonemasons of old. Although, a mere portion of its former self which includes the entrance and pathway exist, the attraction will still have you in awe of its presence. Found to the right of Mahaweli Maha Saya, the Dehadu Kadulla can also offer a sound base from where panoramas of the Kotmale Reservoir might be delighted in.
4. Purana Kadadora Viharaya
What makes the Purana Kadadora Viharaya a standout element of your travels across Nuwara Eliya can be credited to the fact that it cannot always be seen as a result of the waters of the Kotmale Reservoir submerging it for a majority of the year. In fact what remain to this very day are the ruins of this temple and should you arrive during the period covering January through April, then you will be in prime position to catch a glimpse of some of its detailed architecture that continues to withstand rising and receding water levels.
5. Ranamune Raja Pihilla
As established by archaeologists and historians, the serene Ranamune Raja Pihilla was where one of the nation’s former monarchs, King Dutugemunu used to bathe as a young child. Encircled by rocky boulders and thick jungle, the Ranamune Raja Phihilla looks out across paddy fields and the Kotmale Reservoir.