Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are four clay tennis courts here. The fee includes balls and racquet hire. Try not to
lob a ball into the Sri Lankan president's residence next door.
Cycling
Fat-tyre fans will find plenty of steep dirt trails radiating into the hills from the outskirts of
htl@sltnet.lk
;178 Haddon Hill Rd;per day Rs 1200)
. A relatively challenging, but undeniably
spectacular, 10km day trip is through the verdant blanket of tea plantations to the
La-
bookellie Tea Factory
. There are a few hills to climb, but the reward of swooping downhill
makes it worthwhile.
Horse Racing
The
Sri Lanka Turf Club
sponsors horse racing at the 1875-vintage Nuwara Eliya Race
Course. The most important event every year is the Governor's Cup race, held over the
April Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. The races usually begin around 10.30am.
Hiking
Sri Lanka's highest mountain,
Pidurutalagala
(2524m), rises behind the town. On top
stands the island's main TV transmitter; the peak is out of bounds to the public. You can
walk about 4km up as far as a concrete water tank; beyond is a high-security zone. Follow
the path from Keena Rd, along a ravine through eucalyptus forest (the town's source of
firewood) and into the rare, indigenous cloud forest.
An alternative walk is up
Single Tree Hill
(2100m), which takes about 90 minutes.
Walk south on Queen Elizabeth Rd, go up Haddon Hill Rd as far as the communications
tower and then take the left-hand path. Guesthouses can supply you with a rudimentary
map.
For longer hikes, ask at the
Single Tree Hotel
. Guided walks in the surrounding hills
cost around Rs 3000 to Rs 5000. Staff can also arrange longer camping trips.
If you need clothing for cooler weather or trekking, head to the
market
on New Bazaar
St for brand-name outdoor gear from Sri Lankan garment factories at bargain prices.
