Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Saturday, 7 February 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The namesake hill used to have a single tree but now it has multiplied so to speak. This was quite an adventure as we drove to the foot of the tea estate. As the van went uphill thanks to the lack of ground clearance and the weight of about 10 people, it got stuck halfway through. We had to continue our journey up the tarred road on foot there onwards.
Clouds were racing right at eye level and it was such a refreshing moment, as some of the hikers were not so happy that they had to ascend a bit earlier than expected. As we continued our walk, the first fresh water spring was spotted just 10 feet away. We stopped to taste the fresh waters from the heart of the mountain which was like elixir.
I must warn you that up until you reach the base stations you have a paved road, but once you walk past the engineer’s office and take a right turn you should get ready to be greeted by shrubs taller than five feet. The journey continues through the thick of the jungle, which also means you need to closely listen to the cracks of branches coming from the jungle. Obliviously there are creatures of the wild and this is their habitat. It is advisable you take a guide who knows the surroundings better, so they will warn you or navigate you through this path.
The mission is accomplished when you walk in to a beautiful tea plantation and at the end of it you will spot the old tree which is now flanked by two young trees. The spot is ideal to catch a bird’s eye view of Nuwara Eliya. We brought packed lunch provided by our lovely hosts at Glendower Hotel, and the hike had raised an appetite in everyone.
Bale Bazaar
After descending the lovely hill down the same path which felt much quicker than the ascent, I took off my wind breaker and cooled myself. On our way back we drove to the town centre. Coming to Nuwara Eliya town after a decade, I noticed that there were more shops and more people here than earlier. Bale Street has been longstanding in the town centre offering top winter clothes brands at warehouse rates. If you forgot your winter clothes, this is the place to shop. I spotted a trench coat seen on many winter fashion runways. Some of my friends stopped to purchase snow caps, peak caps and gloves too. For example, a North Face jacket went at a very nominal rate of Rs. 2,500.
Walk along Gregory’s Lake
The walk along Gregory’s Lake has always been memorable. As a child I used to go for walks along this beautiful lake whenever we were in Nuwara Eliya. The massive water front now anchors boathouses, speed boats and pedal boats.
The walkway is paved and houses some classy restaurants such as Calamander Lake Gregory, which was at one time known as the boathouse. Though it was November, there were lots of people chilling around the lake who had come to spend an odd weekend in Nuwara Eliya.
The Golf Club
Perched right next to the Colombo Road and opposite the massive Botanical Gardens is one landmark you will never miss – the 18-hole golf club. My group of friends and I had the unique opportunity to learn the art of golf from a pro-golfer named Prabaharan.
It is not that easy as it seems and you need to feel relaxed but at the same time gather some momentum to putt. While some among our group were naturals, I could not putt to save my life. Though it is an individual sport, it is quite excruciating I must say, especially when all eyes are on you.
The club has a shop where you could purchase golf gear, set out under warm lights. We ended our day here with a cup of tea and some delicious snacks.
