Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Perched among the mountain scenery of Nuwara Eliya, Grand Hotel is one of Sri Lanka's most storied heritage properties. The building is an outstanding example of Elizabethan architecture and was formerly the mansion of Sir Edward Barnes, who served as Governor of Sri Lanka during the period 1830 to 1850. Its grand interiors carry the ambience of that bygone era, offering guests a rare combination of historical character and modern comfort in the heart of the hill country.

Nuwara Eliya itself sits at over 1,800 metres above sea level and is popularly known among locals and visitors alike as "Little England." The town lies approximately 170 km from Colombo, and travellers making their way into the Central Province typically notice a dramatic shift in the landscape within a couple of hours — tea-covered hills, mist-wrapped mountains, and tumbling waterfalls replacing the lowland scenery.

Accommodation

Grand Hotel offers 156 elegantly furnished rooms, including 3 Presidential Suites and 3 Deluxe Suites. Many rooms overlook the hotel's award-winning gardens, which are filled with beautiful flowers. Standard and deluxe rooms come equipped with piped music, heaters, and well-appointed bathrooms with both bath and shower. Rooms in the newer wing look out over the adjacent golf course, while the 65 deluxe rooms include a television with local channels and a mini bar, alongside a full range of guest amenities.

Dining and Social Spaces

The Main Restaurant, situated on the ground floor, overlooks the gardens and presents a wide selection of both Western and Eastern cuisine. Close by, the Coffee Shop specialises in light meals and snacks. For evening dining, the Supper Club features an elegantly furnished dining area with its own bar and lounge, serving à la carte meals. A dispense bar serves the Main Restaurant, Coffee Shop, and lounge areas throughout the day.

The Public Bar is a popular gathering point where guests can enjoy drinks, and adjoining it is the Billiard Room, which houses 3 billiard tables built to international size and standards.

Gardens and Surroundings

The hotel's gardens have earned award recognition and provide a tranquil setting of colourful blooms against a backdrop of mountain air. The Nuwara Eliya Golf Course lies immediately next to the hotel and is considered one of the most picturesque 18-hole courses in the region.

Excursions from Nuwara Eliya

Nature lovers can visit Galways Bird Sanctuary within the town limits, which is said to be at its best during the month of April. The town and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities, including horse riding at the Nuwara Eliya Race Course, boat rides on Lake Gregory, and motor racing, golf, and tennis tournaments during the season. For those drawn to more adventurous pursuits, the Horton Plains and its dramatic viewpoint known as "World's End" make for a rewarding trek through the beauty of the hills.