The Hill Country - Sri Lanka - page 374

Planting season is between January and late-March and at these times the gardens don't
really look their best.
The Hakgala Gardens are a short bus ride from Nuwara Eliya (take a Welimada-bound
bus).
Seetha Amman Temple HINDU TEMPLE
On the way to the Hakgala Gardens, near the 83km post, is the colourful Hindu Seetha
Amman Temple at Sita Eliya. It's said to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by the
demon king Rawana, and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her. On the
rock face across the stream are circular depressions said to be the footprints of Rawana's
elephant.
Tamil wedding parties make it a point to stop here for puja (8am, 1pm, 2pm and 6pm).
Activities
The Grand Hotel, St Andrew's Hotel, the Hill Club and Hotel Glendower all have snooker
rooms.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club GOLF
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 223 2835;18 holes & green fees Rs 5588-6820, 10 holes Rs 4356-5588;
8am-6pm)
It didn't take the tea planters long to lay out land for drives and putts in their holiday town,
and the golf club was founded in 1889. Spreading north from Grand Hotel Rd, Nuwara
Eliya Golf Club is beautifully kept and has a retinue of languid sleeping dogs guarding
more than a few of the greens.
Temporary members pay Rs 500 per day. Hire golf clubs for Rs 1500 to Rs 2500 per
day and golf shoes for Rs 500 per day. As with most golf clubs a certain standard of dress
applies (shirts and trousers or shorts of a 'respectable' length). The club has a convivial
wood-lined bar and a billiard room. Dinner in the dining room ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ;
222 2835;Nuwara Eliya Golf Club;mains Rs 450-950) includes classic bland English cuisine,
such as lamb chops with mint sauce, and an increasing number of Asian dishes.
Hill Club TENNIS