Sir Edward Barnes, a key figure from the Duke of Wellington’s Waterloo campaign, arrived in Ceylon and began shaping modern Sri Lanka and Grand Hotel.
As Governor, Barnes fell in love with Nuwara Eliya and built a bungalow at his own expense, which would later become Grand Hotel.
At 55, Barnes left Ceylon, leaving behind his cherished Barnes Hall.
Transformed into a hotel before being acquired by The Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company.
Capper & Sons published a guide to Grand Hotel; by 1893, rates included Single Bed Rs.2.50, Double Rs.4.00, Hot Bath 75 cents, Cold Bath 50 cents, and a coach ride from Nanu Oya Railway Station at Rs.3.00.
Initially a single floor connected by an archway to the main building.
An extension added a second floor to the Northern Wing and the Main Building; Mr. A. Loesch, a former Hamburg hotel manager, oversaw the expansion, doubling the hotel size with plans for 60 double rooms and 40 single rooms.
Founded by the Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company Limited in 1891, the Grand Hotel has roots tracing back to 1819, a year of pivotal events in Sri Lanka’s history. That year, Dr. John Davey, the first Briton to visit Nuwara Eliya, described it as “beautiful … quite deserted by man … the dominion entirely of wild animals.” Despite its emptiness, archaeological evidence later showed that Nuwara Eliya was inhabited as early as the 10th century, with historical accounts suggesting that the kings of Kandy used the area as a strategic retreat.
A transformative figure, Sir Edward Barnes, arrived in Ceylon in 1819 as Commander in Chief and later became Lieutenant Governor. His vision for infrastructure development led to the creation of roads and the establishment of Nuwara Eliya as a sanatorium and recreational retreat. During his tenure from 1824 to 1831, Barnes built a private bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, which would eventually become the Grand Hotel.
Barnes Hall, as the bungalow was known, was a luxurious retreat that he used to host grand gatherings. After Barnes left Ceylon in 1831, the property was rented to his successor and later transformed into a hotel. In 1892, the Nuwara Eliya Hotels Company Limited purchased the property, marking a new chapter in its history.
The Grand Hotel's evolution continued with significant expansions and modernizations, particularly in the early 20th century. Notable guests included European nobility and influential figures, and the hotel became a hub of social activity in Nuwara Eliya. The railway's arrival in 1903 and the introduction of motor transport facilitated easier access, contributing to the hotel’s growing popularity.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the Grand Hotel had established itself as a premier destination, hosting numerous events and attracting a diverse clientele. The hotel adapted to changing times, including during the war years, and saw further renovations in the 1950s and 1960s to meet modern tourist expectations.
In 1987, the Grand Hotel underwent a significant management transition. With Cornel Perera as chairman and George Ondaatjie as Managing Director, the hotel began a new chapter. Ondaatjie’s vision and investments revitalized the hotel, leading to profitability and ongoing improvements. Today, the Grand Hotel continues to offer an exceptional hill station experience, blending its storied past with modern amenities to provide memorable stays for its guests.
Today, the Grand Hotel stands as a symbol of timeless elegance, blending historical charm with modern comforts. It continues to offer an exceptional experience for guests, embodying a legacy of grace and sophistication in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. Discover the unique blend of history and luxury that defines the Grand Hotel, and experience its enduring allure firsthand.
The Grand Hotel stands out amidst the chilly climate of Nuwara Eliya, exemplifying magnificent architecture and a glimpse into a bygone era. Originally constructed in the early 19th century as a holiday retreat for Sir Edward Barnes, the then-Governor of Ceylon, this historic edifice has become synonymous with "Little England." Its grandeur is complemented by the exquisite Grand Hotel garden.
This garden is a quintessential English garden set in tropical Sri Lanka, perfectly mirroring the hotel’s architecture and the Little England theme. Featuring hardscapes such as benches, bricks, natural stones, and English pots, the garden's lush green lawns, neatly clipped hedges, and topiaries offer a formal, symmetrical layout reminiscent of ancient gardens, with not a crooked line in sight.
Bursting into a riot of color with a variety of flowers including Antirrhinum, Salvia, Delphinium, Aster, Stock, Zinnia, Marigold, Calendula, Dahlia, Phlox, Hollyhock, Larkspur, and Sunflowers, the garden captivates both residents and visitors. Over 200 types of flowers are meticulously blended to ensure vibrant hues throughout the year, preserving the historical garden style unique to Sri Lanka.
Inspired by ancient art, history, and philosophy, the garden’s designs are brought to life with scientific precision. Despite the challenges of unpredictable weather, the experienced garden team, ensures every flower blooms perfectly and every hedge is precisely trimmed.
Behind the vivid display lies a meticulously planned planting schedule, with nurseries dedicated to nurturing and sustaining the plants. This careful cultivation is key to maintaining the garden's impeccable appearance year-round. The team's dedication has earned numerous accolades at the April Blooms flower show for their lush lawns, hedges, topiaries, and floral displays.
Spanning 4 acres, the garden hosts a diverse array of plants, many of which are introduced species thriving in Nuwara Eliya’s micro-climate. Designed for meditation and relaxation for over 150 years, it provides tranquility to the mind and body. The garden also attracts both endemic and non-endemic birds, including the Hill White Eye and Yellow-eared Bulbul, adding melodic charm to the morning and evening strolls.
At the Grand Hotel gardens, nature feels intimately close, offering a unique space to unwind and reconnect with oneself.
The garden walk spans approximately one kilometer, offering a mesmerizing experience with its well-manicured lawns, elegantly pruned bushes, and vibrant blooms. The refreshing ambiance makes the stroll truly delightful.
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