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.
| Check In | 12:00 pm |
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| Check Out | 12:00 pm |
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