The Hill Club is definitely a step back it time. The hotel has a feel of a Scottish mansion and was originally established in 1876 as a “Club” for the colonials who used to go to Nuwara Eliya to escape the heat on the coastal plains. Even today it has Members and there are rules and regulations such as gentlemen can’t dine in the Member’s formal dining room without a jacket and tie (you can borrow one from the hotel, if you haven’t packed one!) or if you prefer you can eat in the casual dining room. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the Club.
Trincomalee is a famous port city situated on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It boasts one of the largest natural harbours in the world which has long been of major strategic importance throughout the islands history, being held by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the British.
The port city of Trincomalee is one of the oldest known cities in Asia and has a recorded history spanning more than two and a half thousand years.
We get lots requests from our travellers who would like to visit Trincomalee during their Sri Lankan holiday– many of which had parents who were stationed here. We specialise in tailor-made holidays to Sri Lankaso please get in touch if you’d like to visit Trincomalee or any other Sri Lankan locations.
The main attraction of Yapahuwa is the steep ornamental staircase, flanked by sculptures of lions and the ancient walls with their sculptured female figurines.
During the 13th century, when Bhuvanekabahu was king, Yapahuwa was the capital of the island and home to the sacred tooth relic. The formidable rock fortress sits on a granite outcrop that raises high above the surrounding plains forming an impressive defence for its ruler.
Yapahuwa was eventually captured by the Indians in the last 13th century who took the tooth relic to South India (the relic was recaptured just four years later and brought back to Sri Lanka).
The city of Panduwasnuwara is an ancient capital of Sri Lanka and has a rich collection of historic ruins that spread out over 20 hectares.
Situated in the Kurunegala area of Sri Lanka, North West of Kandy, Panduwasnuwara was the capital of the island during the 12th century when King Parakramabahu ruled the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The ancient capital was the home of the sacred Buddha tooth relic during this time.
While it is true that Panduwasnuwara doesn’t match the historic ruins and cultural gems found at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura City, it is still a worthwhile place to visit if you have time during your Sri Lankan tour.
This was once the residence of Sir Edward Barnes, the governor of Sri Lanka in the 1820s. This old colonial hotel has a very much a feel of a bygone era. The hotel is situated close into the centre of Nuwara Eliya so one can easily walk into the town. There is no AC here as Nuwara Eliya is quite cool but you will find a heater in your room. The gardens are particularly lovely and afternoon tea can be taken on the lawn if the weather is nice – this is highly recommended.
