Nuwara Eliya Post Office, Nuwara Eliya: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Nuwara Eliya Post Office

Wikipedia's infobox gives 1894 as the inauguration date, while the text says it was built by the British in 1815 and donated to the Postal Department in 1894, so the date of construction is unclear.

It is a two-storey Tudor Revival red-brick building with a clock spire, designated an Archaeological Protected Monument on 23 February 2007.

Useful facts

Nuwara Eliya Post Office facts at a glance

Location

Central Nuwara Eliya

Experience type

Colonial facade, working post office

Known for

Red-brick Tudor Revival style and clock spire

Built

Inaugurated 1894 per Wikipedia; earlier date also cited

Status

Archaeological Protected Monument since 2007

Why it matters

Why Nuwara Eliya Post Office is worth your time

The post office is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka and is designated an Archaeological Protected Monument (23 February 2007). Wikipedia dates it as inaugurated in 1894 although the text also mentions an earlier construction date, so the exact age is uncertain.

It matters because it is still working. Many colonial buildings in hill stations have become hotels or museums; this one still sorts and sells stamps. In 2012 the former postmaster's living quarters upstairs were converted into tourist accommodation, and in 2017 a postal union strike opposed plans to sell the building for a hotel. Check current status before planning more than a facade visit.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The clock-spire facade

   Red brick and gables look like an English market town.

2. 02

   Post a card

   It is a working office, so you can post a card from here.

3. 03

   Protected monument

   Designated an Archaeological Protected Monument in 2007.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Park or alight nearby and look at the building from across the street, where the red brick, gables and clock spire fit into a photograph. Step inside during office hours if you want to post a card with a Sri Lankan stamp; it is a working office, so be considerate and avoid blocking the counter.

The building is in the Tudor Revival style, two storeys of red brick with a clock spire, and it looks as though it belongs in an English market town. That is the point of a short visit: it shows in a single glance how Nuwara Eliya got its Little England nickname.

Use the stop as a pause in a short town walk. Victoria Park and Gregory Lake are within a short drive, and the town centre has places to eat and shop. Do not allot more than twenty minutes unless you are posting a bundle of cards.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Central Nuwara Eliya, on the main road through town

Time needed

10 to 20 minutes

Best time

Morning light; weekday office hours if you want to post something

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

It is a flat, roadside stop with no steps to the facade. Traffic is the main issue; pick a safe place to photograph from.

Tickets and access

The facade is free to see. It is a working post office, so go during office hours if you want to post a card, and respect staff and customers; do not assume tourists can tour upstairs.

Plan it with

FAQs