Nuwara Eliya golf courses

While this region of Sri Lanka does not have a great choice of golf courses, you will find Nuwara Eliya is home to one the best and most historical golf courses in Asia.

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is situated close to Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka and is one of the oldest golf courses in Asia.  The golf course was established in 1899 and the first known rules of the club were published in 1901, a copy of which is still available to view in the clubhouse.

The second oldest golf tournament after the Ryder Cup is contested annually at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.  The Burdett Trophy was first contested in 1902 and remains an important competition today.  If you love golf history, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club will blow you away.

The course itself is an 18-hole, par-71 layout and plays to 6,075 yards.  This is short by modern standards but many of the fairways are tree-lined and tight, meaning accuracy off the tee is essential for a low score.

Sitting at an altitude of 1,830 metres, there are several testing holes on this golf course, with the par-5, 6^th hole being the most difficult on the way out.  A dogleg left, tree-lined fairway must be negotiated before an approach shot over water to a green protected by three bunkers.  The signature hole is the 14^th and this par-4 features a daunting tee shot from an elevated position, over trees.

Boasting a lovely, traditional clubhouse and accommodation, a round of golf at Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is a must during a Sri Lanka golf holiday.

Nuwara Eliya is a very intriguing city in the hills of central Sri Lanka.  Translated to ‘city on the plain’ or ‘city of light’, Nuwara Eliya is in the heart of tea plantation country and the nature makes for some splendid golf.

However, there is a lot to enjoy about Nuwara Eliya away from the golf course and you should keep some time to see the local attractions.

Considered the most vital tea producing region of Sri Lanka, it would be a shame to leave Nuwara Eliya without taking a tour of a tea plantation.  As you can imagine, there are plenty of tea plantations to visit in Nuwara Eliya and you can spend a great day strolling around tea country.  Take time to call in many of the factories, which are more than happy to show you around and offer you a sample of their tea.

If you would like to unwind in a stunning natural environment, Gregory Lake is the ideal spot.  The lake was constructed by Governor William Gregory between 1872 and 1877 and was previously used for water sports by the British.  Now it is a great place for a picnic, horse ride or to take a paddle boat on the water.

The perfect place to shop for locally produced souvenirs is Bale Bazaar.  Many of the products are winter related and include warm clothing, which is ideal for wearing in the more elevated areas of Sri Lanka.

Finally, set among the mountains and pine trees you will find Seetha Amman Kovil.  This temple is said to be where Lord Hanuman went to rescue Queen Sita and his footprints can be seen in the floor.  If you are visiting at the end of March you can witness the celebration of ‘Rama Navami’, which is a very colourful festival.