British Roots of a Bygone Era In ‘Little England’

British Roots Still Remain A Part of the Colonial Nations the ‘English’ Ruled during their time in those countries.

Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque mountain town in Sri Lanka, is famously known as “Little England,” and was found during the British Rule.

While it is unclear who exactly coined this name for the city, it was undoubtedly the British who identified and developed this cool, misty, and wet hill station to a city.

This was during the 152 year British Rule in Sri Lanka, which ended in 1948.

In 1818–1819, British colonial officers, including Dr. John Davy, first “discovered” the Nuwara Eliya plains.

However, it was the British explorer Samuel Baker who later recognized the its true potential as a hill-country retreat for the ‘Britishers.’

Historical accounts state that Samuel Baker spent considerable time in Sri Lanka during British rule.

In 1846, while traveling through the highland jungles, mostly on hunting expeditions, he reached an area whose climate reminded him of home.

The cool temperatures, misty surroundings, and wet weather closely resembled England.

From that moment onward, Nuwara Eliya, was soon dubbed as the ‘Little England.’

It soon became a favored retreat for British Civil Servants, Military officials, and tea planters seeking refuge from the tropical heat of Ceylon.

While 77 years have gone after British left the Island, its iconic landmarks are still prominently remains in most parts of Sri Lanka, including Nuwara-Eliya.

ICONIC BRITISH ERA LANDMARKS OF NUWARA-ELIYA

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

One of the most iconic landmarks in the town, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office was built in 1894 by the British.

It served as a central communication hub for British civil servants, planters, and the military and remains a prominent architectural symbol today.

Grand Hotel in Little England

Originally built in 1828 as Barnes Hall, the structure was the holiday residence of Sir Edward Barnes, the fifth British Governor of Ceylon.

Later sold into private ownership, it now operates as one of the leading hotels in the hill country, offering 155 rooms.

The architecture closely resembles an Elizabethan-era manor house.

Hill Club

Founded in 1876, the Hill Club began as a gentlemen’s club for British coffee planters.

The two-storey grey stone building features classic English colonial architecture, including wooden staircases, high roofs, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and antique furniture.

Today it serves as a hotel for travelers.

Nuwara Eliya Racecourse

The Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is the only remaining horse-racing venue in Sri Lanka.

John Baker, the brother of Samuel Baker, is credited with introducing horse racing to the town.
The inaugural race meeting was held in 1875.

Race Horses are here minimal and probably held during the April Season, with less fanfare.

Gregory Lake

Lake Gregory lies within the boundaries of Nuwara Eliya city.

Its primary water source is the Thalagala Stream, which flows from Mount Pedro (Piduruthalagala).

The lake was constructed in 1873 during the tenure of British Governor Sir William Gregory.

Holy Trinity Church

Established in the early 1850s, Holy Trinity Church remains one of the oldest churches in Nuwara Eliya.

Within its grounds lies a large cemetery, predominantly the burial site of British officials who served in Sri Lanka during the colonial era.

In the early stages, the place was called by the locals as the ‘White Man’s Cemetery.’

Victoria Park

Victoria Park was named in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Initially, the park was used as a research field by the Hakgala Botanical Garden before being opened to the public.

While it may be 77 years, the British have ended their rule in Sri Lanka, but the ‘English Legacy’ is still powerfully reminded in the country.

Every British Traveler should make it a point to make it to Nuwara-Eliya.

Read More: Yala – Once The Hunting Ground of the British Elite.