Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
Get Ready for an Exciting August!
International Beer Day with Beer Cocktails at All Grand Outlets
1st - 7th August
On the 1st of August, we are raising the bar with a twist on your favorite brew! Discover our refreshing Beer Cocktails, crafted specially for International Beer Day.
Join us at all Grand outlets and toast to beer like never before!
Happy Hour Specials at the Public Bar
25th – 30th August
Catch all the US Open Tennis Championships action live on screen, while you enjoy our Happy Hour specials!
Ice Matcha Banana Coconut Latte
Throughout the month
Sip into something tropical with our Ice Matcha Banana Coconut Latte! This refreshing blend of earthy Matcha, creamy banana, and smooth coconut milk is naturally sweet, 100% vegan, and perfect for summer vibes.
Cool down the Grand way!
Black Velvet
A bold blend of rich stout and sparkling wine - smooth, indulgent, and unmistakably classy.
A zesty fusion of lager, fresh mint, lime, and syrup. Light, crisp, and perfect for summer sipping.
Beer Mojito
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
Paddle through Paradise!
Located in the picturesque “Little England” hill station, The Grand Hotel offers curated cycling experiences through lush tea plantations, lakeside roads, and historic landscapes. You can choose from scenic routes such as:companion to your favorite drinks.
Horton Plains downhill: 32 km over 3–4 hours through Eucalyptus forests and grasslands
Kolapathana Ella route: A varied terrain ending at a hidden waterfall after a short hike
Nuwara Eliya to Kotmale: A longer 53 km journey through hill villages ending near Kotmale Dam City Cycling Tour/Tea Trails to Kandy or downhill routes and more!
Experience the Cool, refreshing climate at 1,868m elevation, Stunning landscaping, colonial charm, and diverse culture.
Most Grand Hotel cycling tours include:
Professional cycling guide
Mountain bike & helmet
Support vehicle and bottled water
Flexible timing
Hotel pickup/return at the same property
Local refreshments or snacks
Reach out to Grand Hotel’s Grand Outdoors Team for more information.
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
Experience the Majestic Kandy Esala Perahera
30th July - 9th August
Every August, visitors from around the world travel to Sri Lanka to witness the inspiring Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s grandest cultural festivals. It has become a cherished tradition for many of these travelers to extend their journey to the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, making it an essential part of their Perahera experience.
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a magni�icent fusion of devotion, tradition, and pageantry. Each evening, the city comes alive with drummers, dancers, and torchbearers, as ornately adorned elephants carry the sacred tooth relic through candle-lit streets. It is a powerful celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, a timeless spectacle that captivates all who witness it.
As you plan your journey to immerse yourself in the magic of the Perahera, we warmly invite you to stay at the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, where old-world charm meets modern luxury. After the energy and vibrancy of Kandy, retreat to the serene hills and cool climes of Nuwara Eliya. Let us curate a bespoke holiday for you at the Grand.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Grand Hotel, to celebrate, to unwind, and to experience the best of Sri Lanka.
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
World Elephant Day 12th August
Honoring Sri Lanka’s Gentle Giants and a Forgotten Tragedy in Nuwara
Eliya
While there are thousands of reasons for travelers and explorers from around the world to visit our magical island, one of the most compelling is the opportunity to witness the majestic giants of the Earth, the beautiful Sri Lankan elephants. Sri Lanka is globally recognized as one of the best places to easily and naturally spot Asian elephants in the wild, making it a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
On this World Elephant Day, this article serves as both a re�lection on our past and a call to action for the future. Let us look back at history not just to remember, but to understand. So that the choices we make today are made mindfully and responsibly, ensuring a better future for these incredible animals.
Though Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool climate, tea estates, and wildlife, it was also once home to a distinct population of wild elephants. Sadly, these animals were wiped out during the 19th century, largely due to colonial hunting and deforestation..
Historical Evidence of Elephants in Nuwara Eliya
Major Thomas William Rogers, a British civil servant in the Central Province, reportedly killed over 1,400 elephants, many in and around Nuwara Eliya (Exploresrilanka.lk, 2020). Local folklore claims his grave is frequently struck by lightning, a symbolic reckoning tied to his role in mass elephant killings.
Sir Samuel Baker, another colonial hunter, documented elephant hunting in the highlands in his book "Eight Years in Ceylon" (1855), describing the sport and frequency of elephant kills in places like Horton Plains and beyond.
Major J. Forbes, in "Eleven Years in Ceylon" (1840), boasted of killing over 1,200 elephants in a decade. In one tragic expedition, over 100 elephants were shot in just seven days (FAO Forestry Paper 44, 1983).
Early wildlife maps and estate journals show elephant range once extended across the Central Highlands, but by the early 1900s, they were functionally extinct in these cooler upland regions due to hunting and the clearing of montane forests for tea plantations (Wildlife & Nature Protection Society, 1894–present).
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
By the end of the 19th century, Sri Lanka’s elephant population had fallen from over 19,500 to just around 2,000. This catastrophic decline was fueled by unregulated big, game hunting, colonial era land clearing for coffee and tea plantations (especially in the highlands), and fragmentation of forest corridors, to name a few.
Today, elephant populations are largely limited to the dry zones and continue to face threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and human-elephant con�lict.
Being �irm believers in conservation, we understand the importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. Our in-house naturalists regularly collaborate with conservation experts and share their knowledge with guests and local youth by,
• Educating the next generation through guided nature experiences and youth outreach programs
• Sharing the rich conservation history of Sri Lanka’s elephants with travelers from around the world
• Supporting awareness efforts and lending our voice to meaningful causes like World Elephant Day
• Welcoming opportunities to collaborate with credible conservation initiatives
Let the forgotten elephants of Nuwara Eliya remind us that what is lost once may never return. We still have time to protect the elephants that roam our island today, among the most beautiful and intelligent creatures on Earth.
“The elephant never forgets. And neither should we.”
Sources to Learn More:
• FAO Forestry Paper 44 – Elephants and Forestry in Sri Lanka (1983)
• Exploresrilanka.lk – The Elephants in Sri Lanka (2020)
• Sir Samuel Baker – Eight Years in Ceylon (1855)
• J. Forbes – Eleven Years in Ceylon (1840)
• Wildlife & Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (est. 1894)
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
Exciting News for Devotees, History Enthusiasts, Explorers & Seekers of Inner Peace
The Ashok Vatika Anushree Meditation Centre opens on the 3rd of August, within the sacred grounds of the historic Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya, a spiritual destination like no other.
At Grand, we are proud to facilitate your journey with luxurious, restful accommodation and thoughtful hospitality, designed to complement your experience. Enjoy a space that nurtures serenity, re�lection, and spiritual connection, all while surrounded by the tranquility of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Call us today to reserve your stay and begin your next spiritual journey.
July Highlights
Tree Planting for a Greener Tomorrow
In recognition of World Nature Conservation Day, we organized a meaningful tree planting session on 28th of July at our Grand Farm. This initiative re�lects our commitment to enhancing the environment and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come. Celebrating this day, we reaf�irmed our commitment as responsible hoteliers to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations. Sustainability is not just a practice, it is a promise.
Through mindful energy use, water conservation, waste reduction, and support for local biodiversity, we strive to operate in harmony with nature. From eco-friendly operations to community engagement, every step we take is guided by the belief that hospitality and sustainability go hand in hand.
Together, we planted the seeds of change,one tree at a time.
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Highlights | Culture | Cuisine | Conservation in the Hills
Seasonal Preview: What’s Coming This Fall
Naadagama Returns This September - A Celebration of Youth & Culture
We are glad to support Naadagama, a vibrant youth singing and drama concert taking place this September 5th – 8th. This high energy outdoor performance blends traditional Sri Lankan rhythms with modern musical expression, offering an immersive cultural experience for all ages.
It is a festive four-day event! Make it unforgettable at Grand! Book your stay with us for the most luxurious accommodation to pamper you throughout the celebrations.
Introducing
HILL COUNTRY JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 2025
the Hill Country Jazz & Blues Festival Launching This October!
This October, the hills come alive with the sound of jazz, blues, and unforgettable energy at the very �irst Hill Country Jazz & Blues Festival, an all-new, premium celebration of music, food, luxury, and lifestyle.
• World-class performances
• Gourmet food & curated drink experiences
• Luxury vibes, hill country charm & vibrant entertainment
Be part of history as we launch what is set to become a landmark event on the cultural calendar, an annual signature festival unlike anything the hills have seen before.
An extraordinary
We trust that your time at the Grand Hote will be �illed with unforgettable moments and exceptional experiences. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your stay is nothing short of extraordinary, offering a wide range of activities and opportunities to create lasting memories.
Should you have any questions or require assistance during your stay, please feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you and making your time at the Grand Hotel truly special. Wishing you a wonderful experience �illed with joy, comfort, and cherished memories.
