NUWARA ELIYA

town, south-central Sri Lanka (Ceylon). It lies at an elevation of 6,199 feet (1,889 m) above sea level, immediately south of the island's highest summit, Pidurutalagala (8,281 feet ), and 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Kandy. From 1830 Nuwara Eliya was a hill station used by the British residents of Ceylon. Because of the elevation, the vegetation is of the temperate sort, and European fruit and vegetables are grown. Although part of a major tea-growing region, the town is also a market centre for rubber, vegetables, rice, and fish. The salubrious climate has led to its development as a hill resort and health spa as well. It is the site of a meteorological observatory. Pop. (1986 est.) 25,000.