(Thu Jul 15th, 2010, by Pushpitha Wijesinghe)
Set in the midst of tea country, the city of Nuwara Eliya combines the best of both worlds. Quirkily English in some ways such as in the architectural structure of houses and the layout of gardens, it still infuses the lush tropical surroundings of an essentially Sri Lankan atmosphere. Chilly mountain weather and beautiful landscapes contribute in making Nuwara Eliya a favorite place to visit, especially during the hotter months of April New Year and the summer season.
One such place to visit when going to Nuwara Eliya is the Queen Victoria Park. A beautiful and well landscaped oasis that is quite popular with nature lovers and visitors alike, it's an ideal place for bird watching – especially during the more tranquil months. History has it that the park was created during the 19th century when a visiting German Princess planted an oak tree in the area. The name Victoria Park came about as a commemoration to Queen Victoria at her 60th Jubilee Coronation in 1897. This park was originally put to use as a research area of the Haggala Botanical Gardens.
Victoria Park encompasses an area of about 27 acres and is home to some of the most exotic species of trees. This is due to the fact that most trees that are grown in the park are of foreign origin. Apart from the foliage and the number of attractive and rare bird species found, the many lakes that are within the park and the Nanu Oya that winds a path through, add to the serene and tranquil beauty of the place. It is stated that about 150,000 individuals, foreigners and locals alike, visit the park each year.
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