Exploring the Rich Victorian History of Sri Lanka

If you are a history enthusiast, a visit to Sri Lanka will take you on a captivating journey back in time. This beautiful island nation holds deep connections to the Victorian era, characterized by its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels. From grand colonial buildings to sprawling tea plantations, following the Victorian footsteps across Sri Lanka offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's historical past.

Discovering Sri Lanka's Colonial Legacy

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was a British colony from 1815 to 1948. During this period, the British Empire left a lasting imprint on the island's landscape, culture, and society. Today, evidence of this colonial legacy can still be seen in various parts of Sri Lanka, offering an intriguing mix of Eastern and Western influences.

One of the most prominent reminders of the Victorian era is the city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The city boasts stunning colonial-era architecture, such as the Old Parliament Building, Galle Face Hotel, and Independence Memorial Hall. Take a walking tour through the streets of Colombo, and you will feel transported back to the days of the British Raj, with its grandeur and elegance prevailing at every turn.

The Teardrop Island: Following Victorian Footsteps Across Sri Lanka

by Christina Torres(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2051 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	9.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.8 x 0.79 x 7.2 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Another must-visit destination for Victorian enthusiasts is the city of Galle, located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remarkable example of British colonial fortifications. Built by the Dutch in the 17th century and later fortified by the British, the fort showcases a unique blend of Dutch and British architectural styles. Get lost in its charming narrow streets, visit the museums, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene housed within its ancient walls.

Exploring the Tea Plantations and British Hill Stations

Apart from the cities, Sri Lanka's lush hill country provides an opportunity to step into the Victorian era by visiting the tea plantations and hill stations established during that time. Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England, is a picturesque town in the heart of the country's tea country. The town's well-preserved colonial architecture and cool climate earned it the reputation of being a favorite retreat for British planters during the colonial era. Take a leisurely stroll through the town's tea gardens or visit a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Horton Plains National Park, located near Nuwara Eliya, is another gem that transports you to the Victorian era. This stunning highland plateau, characterized by its misty grasslands and cloud forests, is a testament to the British interest in preserving natural beauty. Trek through the park to witness its unique flora and fauna, including the endemic species found only in this region, and breathe in the fresh mountain air that will rejuvenate both your body and spirit.

Rediscovering the Victorian Charms of Sri Lanka

The Victorian era in Sri Lanka left behind a legacy that is still visible in its architecture, tea plantations, and colonial remnants. To truly immerse yourself in this fascinating history, consider staying in heritage boutique hotels housed within refurbished colonial buildings. These accommodations help recreate the Victorian ambiance, offering a unique and authentic experience that transports you back in time.

Sri Lanka's Victorian footprints can also be found in its culinary delights. Indulge in traditional high tea sessions at colonial-style hotels, savoring scrumptious scones, pastries, and local tea blends. Celebrate the fusion of Eastern and Western flavors with a visit to the charming coastal town of Negombo, where you can relish delicious seafood dishes influenced by British culinary traditions.

, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for those fascinated by the Victorian era. From the captivating colonial architecture of Colombo and Galle to the tranquil tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, this island nation offers a myriad of opportunities to follow in the footsteps of the British Empire. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey through time, where you can unravel the enchanting stories of Sri Lanka's Victorian past.

The Teardrop Island: Following Victorian Footsteps Across Sri Lanka

by Christina Torres(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2051 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Item Weight	:	9.9 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.8 x 0.79 x 7.2 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"Mr Fernando led me into a dark room that was lined with book-cases and smelled of leather and damp. The polished, concrete floor of the library was covered with white jasmine flowers that had blown through the windows during the storm. He began to select from the shelves a collection of disintegrating books. ‘If you are going to read any of them, it should really be this one,’ he said as he passed me two thick volumes, embossed with gold lettering and spotted with damp. The work was simply called Ceylon and was written by an Irishman named Sir James Emerson Tennent, who had been sent to the island in 1845 by Her Majesty’s Government."

The Teardrop Island follows in the footsteps of the eccentric Victorian James Emerson Tennent, along a route which takes Cherry to pilgrimage trails, into tea estates and rural regions inhabited by indigenous tribes, as well as through restricted areas of the former warzone, delving under the surface of the contemporary culture via cricket matches and fortune tellers.