Nanu Oya

Nanu Oya is a charming town located in Sri Lanka's Central Province, nestled in the hill country near Nuwara Eliya. Known for its picturesque landscapes, cool climate, and scenic beauty, Nanu Oya serves as a gateway to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka's highlands, such as Nuwara Eliya and the famous Horton Plains National Park. The town's serene environment, with mist-covered mountains and tea plantations, makes it a peaceful retreat for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka's hill country.

The biodiversity around Nanu Oya is rich, with the surrounding forests and tea estates providing habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The region is home to several endemic bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The cool climate supports the growth of lush tea plantations, which cover much of the landscape, and visitors can take in the sights of rolling hills, dense forests, and small streams. Nanu Oya's proximity to the scenic Nanu Oya River adds to the town's picturesque appeal.

Visitors to Nanu Oya can enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and exploring the surrounding nature reserves and plantations. The town serves as a starting point for those visiting the nearby Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems. The Nanu Oya Railway Station is also an important landmark, offering travelers the opportunity to experience one of Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys to destinations like Kandy and Ella. The train ride through the rolling hills, mist-covered forests, and tea plantations is a highlight for many visitors to the region.

The best time to visit Nanu Oya is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the highlands. The cool climate, combined with the lush green landscapes and tranquil surroundings, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Nanu Oya is easily accessible from Nuwara Eliya, and its proximity to other hill country attractions makes it a perfect stop for travelers exploring Sri Lanka's central highlands. Whether you're interested in hiking, photography, or simply relaxing amidst nature, Nanu Oya offers a peaceful and scenic escape in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country.

About Nuwara Eliya District

Nuwara Eliya is a town of central province in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. But the temperature changes and sometimes it can be like 3°C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost. Although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.

Sinhala and Tamil is the major language spoken in the Nuwara Eliya. The population is a mixture of Sinhalese, Tamil and the Moors. Many tea plantation workers are Indian Tamils, brought over to Sri Lanka by the British in the 19th century.

Horton Plains National Park and Victoria Park are main attraction in Nuwara Eliya.

About Central Province

The Central Province of Sri Lanka consists primarily of mountainous terrain. The province has an area of 5,674 km², and a population of 2,421,148. Some major towns include Kandy, Gampola (24,730), Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela. The population is a mixture of Sinhalese, Tamil and the Moors.

Both the hill capital Kandy and the city of Nuwara Eliya are located within the Central Province as well as Sri Pada. The province produces much of the famous Ceylon tea, planted by the British in the 1860s after a devastating disease killed all the coffee plantations in the province. Central Province attracts many tourists, with hill station towns such as Kandy, Gampola, Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. Temple tooth or Dalada maligawa is the main sacred place in Centrel province.

The climate is cool, and many areas about 1500 meters often have chilly nights. The western slopes are very wet, some places having almost 7000 mm of rain per year. The eastern slopes are parts of the mid-dry zone as it is receiving rain only from North-Eastern monsoon. The Temperatures range from 24°C at Kandy to just 16°C in Nuwara Eliya, which is located 1,889 m above sea level. The highest mountains in Sri Lanka are located in the Central Province. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with deep valleys cutting into it. The two main mountain regions are the central massif and the Knuckles range to the east of Kandy.