Discover the spirit of paradise as you traverse the island. History and natural spectacles stand alongside enthralling legends, thrilling encounters through the wilderness and a spectrum of amazing adventures. 

The ocean surrounding the island is famed for the creatures that call the waters it's home. Seven out of 250 species of turtles live in the ocean and Sri Lanka is a hotbed for turtle habitation, with five of the seven species visiting the island's shores to lay eggs. 

Males never come ashore after entering the sea as hatchlings, but females return to the same beaches to lay their eggs. Turtles mature over a period of at least 20 years, and often up to 30 years.

Mature females come onshore to lay their eggs after mating at sea. They always come in after dark. To lay her eggs, the female goes as far up the beach as she can. This is to prevent the eggs from being spoiled by the water that rises with the tide. Once ashore, the female toils her way up the beach to a location of her choosing. Then, after turning to face the water, it uses its flippers to dig a shallow depression in the sand. After the hole is formed, the flippers dig a cylindrical egg chamber under her posterior end.

## The 5 Sea Turtles who visit the shores of Sri Lanka

### Olive Ridley - Lepidochelys olivacea

![Turtle -Olive](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/2U4d6kWSeNBLd5y8zqZPiJ/3041004aafcd48aca3460e001884db39/Turtle_-Olive.jpg)

The smallest among the turtles that visit Sri Lanka, the name of this creature is inspired by the smooth, olive-green / olive-grey colours of their shells. These turtles are around 80 cm in length and considered the lightest, with a hooked upper jaw. Forming large 'arribadas' or nesting aggregations which involve several hundred or even thousands of animals, the beautiful reptiles are found nesting along many parts of the coast. They lay 50-160 eggs in clutches ranging in size from 3.0 to 4.5 cm in length. After 6–8 weeks of incubation, the eggs hatch, and the hatchlings sprint towards the sea.

### Hawksbill - Eretmochelys imbricata

![Turtle - Hawksbill](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/1p4UJM4qjqMtQMwhPjKayV/75df7a52b83c9271c6eabdd33056d910/Turtle_-_Hawksbill.jpg)

The Hawksbill Turtle is a big turtle with an olive green shell that measures around 1 metre in length. The thin, extended, and forward-projecting jaw that forms a bird-like beak gives this creature it's name. Often found in reefs, bays, estuaries and lagoons, they are thought to have a strict diet of sea sponges, though they have been found to consume algae, coral and shellfish as well. These turtles hit the coast to lay batches of up to 175 eggs that hatch in about two months. 

### Loggerhead - Caretta caretta

![Turtle - Loggerhead](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/2j5eECiNTLPWdJVZkCDsRI/bc26428c072c603eed8b30a1958b9212/Turtle_-_Loggerhead.jpg)

These turtles are giant magnificent creatures who sport a reddish-brown colour. The massive head that the animal has is a prominent feature of this turtle, who uses its large jaws to consume molluscs and crustaceans. These are the rarest Sri Lankan marine turtles and are found in lagoons, bays, and estuaries while nesting on the south and south-eastern shores between September and March. Each clutch can contain up to 175 eggs, with the hatchlings appearing two months later.

### Green Sea Turtle - Chelonia mydas

![Turtle - Green](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/5SVIhv3aPtYBDS2WYThUft/e399f6a3af700980099f6dcea16d0a0e/Turtle_-_Green.jpg)

This creature's name comes from the colour of the fat it produces, which was used in the past to make turtle soup. The turtle has an olive or brown heart-shaped shell while the males are smaller than the females, and their jaws lack the hook-like shape that many of its fellow turtle species usually have. Green turtles are avid explorers and roam the tropical seas around oceanic islands with wide sandy beaches. All year-round, you can come across these turtles nesting, whose nests contain between 100 – 170 eggs.

### Leatherback - Dermochelys coriacea

![Turtle - Leatherback](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/2airf3ZLJ1jymPBo4DDPI0/7e6543c1eaae2a8a2567f8a5d85827aa/Turtle_-_Leatherback_.jpg)

A mammoth amidst its fellow turtle species, this creature is one of the largest living reptiles in the world. Its lack of a bony shell distinguishes it from other modern sea turtles; instead, its carapace is coated in oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin. Using the thrust of underwater currents to push them along, they are the fastest turtles around while being capable of  diving into depths of up to 1,200 metres.
These behemoths have the most widespread distribution of any sea turtle species, reaching as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far south as Africa's Cape Agulhas and New Zealand's southernmost tip. Leatherback turtles can be found in all tropical and subtropical oceans, and their range extends beyond the Arctic Circle.

Unfortunately, due to natural predators and severe human influence, Sea Turtle numbers around the world are rapidly declining. Human poachers, who mishandle the eggs to sell to turtle sanctuaries or to locals as a source of food or medicine, are one of Sri Lanka's most serious issues. Volunteer and conservation programs are heavily prevalent throughout the southern coast, protecting these reptiles while ensuring ethical tours and spreading valuable information. 

A truly unique experience that is both a lesson in conservation and a captivating encounter! Witness these magical creates swim the shores of Weligama and nest during your stay at __W15 Weligama__. [Clck here](https://weligama.w15.lk/ "W15 Weligama") to make a reservation now.

Content written by __Tharushan Fernando__
> *Content creator for W15 Collection*

Sri Lanka has one of the most visited shores for nesting in the world when it comes to Sea Turtles. Learn and witness these endangered species nest along the coast of Sri Lanka.

Sea Turtles; the shelled wanderers of the ocean

# Encounter Nuwara Eliya
A journey to the centre of the island nation of Sri Lanka is one of fascination. Taking an ambience of its own, the hill country carries a beauty that is truly unique yet stays true to the spirit of the island.

The wilderness thrives amidst the collections of man-made structures whose architecture is a testament to colonial design.  

The history of Nuwara Eliya roughly dates back to 1818, when Dr. John Davy discovered Nuwara Eliya as a place with a similar climate to England. Sir Edward Barnes, the governor from 1824 to 1831, built his home, famously known as Barnes Hall. The structure now stands as an iconic landmark renamed ‘The Grand Hotel’. In 1838 Samuel Baker, an explorer, shared similar sentiments as Sir Edward Barnes, and made Nuwara Eliya into a destination retreat for the British colonists to retire and relax while hunting.

The natural atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya lent itself to being Ceylon's primary sanctuary for British civil servants and planters. Little England, or Nuwara Eliya, was a hill country getaway where British colonialists could indulge in polo, golf, and the island's beloved sport of cricket.

![Page Images1](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/4uEbHYlF6nDciVLmYLAujK/7f6f3a99b9fa5c0aa22216bb42123077/Page_Images1.jpg)

# History and Beauty
## Nuwara Eliya is famed for its landscape, while the elegantly laid out botanical gardens and parks are not to be missed.

__Victoria Park__ - Bask amid the lovely beauty of the grounds. Explore Victoria Park's beautiful green promenades and frolic through the gorgeous garden. Take in the elegantly landscaped countryside while amazing bird species or butterflies flutter across your view.

Initially, the park was the Hakgala Botanical Garden's research field. The park was later named in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. A visiting German Princess planted the park's first tree, an oak, during her visit to Sri Lanka. The Nanu Oya River runs through the park, forming a series of tiny lakes complementing the serene landscape.

![Page Images2](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/3klrP8wXQIVx91PTSUegP6/a9c9bbc1f8b75d7603089c363cd84d2f/Page_Images2.jpg)

__Hakgala Botanical Garden__ - Take the road from Badulla to Hakgala, a beautiful downhill journey through pine forests, where you will come upon the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Located next to the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, monkeys, and birds. The year-round pleasant temperate and weather combines nicely with the various flora and fauna to produce a true paradise.

Established in 1861 under George Henry Kendrick Thwaites as experimental cultivation, the Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. 

![Page Images3](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/4a695KX9Yms7qc2LxnlN4B/90b1e556c173d0c6e32bc18d6bf30fab/Page_Images3.jpg)

# Colonial architecture is ever-present within the region, adding a certain charm to the hills.

__The Post Office in Nuwara Eliya__ - The Nuwara Eliya Post Office, one of Sri Lanka's oldest, is located in the centre of the highland town of Nuwara Eliya. This building, a historical treat from the British empire, is a must-see for history buffs and stamp collectors.

In 1894, the British built the Tudor-style two-storey red-brick building with a clock tower for the express purpose of dealing with the mail of the British Colonials at the time. It is one of the country's oldest and one of Nuwara Eliya's oldest buildings. The structure’s vivid orange roofs and red-bricked walls stand out against the groomed lawns and finely maintained bushes.  

![Page Images4](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/1dx5XTtBKStmKEPNi7Hgml/4c83bcaa2a56fb1c3e438d8f59d5dda6/Page_Images4.jpg)

__Grand Hotel__ - The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, created in the style of a Tudor manor house, is a masterpiece of colonial beauty and grandeur.

The original structure, a single-story house known as 'Barnes Hall,' was built in 1828 as a vacation home for Sir Edward Barnes, the fifth Governor of Ceylon (1776-1838). The hotel has been meticulously restored to their former glory. 

In the 1990s, Sri Lanka's Archeology Department designated The Grand Hotel as a "National Heritage Property." This coveted distinction signifies the high regard in which the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya is held as a historic structure and a location with significant historical and cultural importance for Sri Lanka, deserving of preservation.

![Page Images5](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/4IjGMnMM0EjJgrTcl3Ivfj/21b577a13ddebe5f5e7c392173c4d7a3/Page_Images5.jpg)

__St. Andrew's Hotel__ - The St. Andrew's Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is located next to the Nuwara Eliya golf course. Take a journey back in time by exploring the restored Georgian-style country estate.

The property's initial structure was built in 1875 on land provided to a British colonial civil servant by the Crown. The mansion was later dubbed the "Scots Club." In 1891, the club was renamed St. Andrew's Hotel in honour of St Andrews, the traditional and historic home of golf, and its closeness to the Nuwara Eliya golf course.

__St. Francis Xavier’s Church__ - If you want to view a piece of history, a visit to St. Francis Xavier's Church is a must. The church, which is located in the town of Nuwara Eliya, serves as a symbol of faith for Christians all over the world.

St. Francis Xavier's Church was established in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town on October 23, 1838. The chapel is said to be the first Christian church in Nuwara Eliya, having been built on land granted by Governor Torrington.

__Seetha Amman Kovil__ - Seetha Amman Temple is a mystical landmark that is the root of famous legends. Discover a truly captivating and magical experience deeply embodied in the island's history 

The Seetha Amman Temple is located in the Seetha Eliya town, 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from Nuwara Eliya (also known as Sita Eliya). This is thought to be the place where Sita was held captive by Asur Samrat (Devil King) Ravana and where she prayed daily for Rama to come and save her, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana.   Lord Hanuman's footprints are supposed to be circular depressions on the rock face across the stream.

![Explore Seetha Amman Kovil](//images.ctfassets.net/vzqnv4e7nxya/2vAIubDhQZQWWN79c8zDHm/18d246f99ea68ade94f4d6442a26436f/Page_Images9.jpg)

__Holy Trinity Church__ - Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican church in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, that acts as a significant landmark for members of the faith and beyond.

The church was completed seven years after construction began. Bishop James Chapman consecrated it on February 24, 1852 (St. Matthias' Day), after it had been completed. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited the cathedral, and the Queen presented the church with a blue carpet and a stained glass window in honour of their visit.

__Beyond the sites__ - The iconic horse races still carry the charm of history, where the season concludes in the nine-furlong (1811 m) Governor's Cup at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse, and golf tournaments at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. 

The Mahagastotte Hill Climb (held since 1934) and the Radella Hill Climb, is an essential box-to-be-ticked for any motor-sport enthusiant, and a thrilling sight for everyone . 

There is always an encounter seeped in history and magic no matter where you turn and while these amazing sites serve as a captivating experience, if you time it right there’s so much more to do and see in Nuwara Eliya. W15 Lake Gregory is located amidst all this grandeuer and thrill while serving as the perfect hillside getaway for your pleasure.

Explore the beautiful mountains of Nuwara Eliya with __W15 Lake Gregory__. [Clck here](https://lakegregory.w15.lk/ "W15 Lake Gregory") to make a reservation.

Content written by __Tharushan Fernando__
> *Content creator for W15 Collection*

The surreal town of Nuwara Eliya nestled within the central highlands of Sri Lanka is a realm of true beauty and wonder.

The charming realm of wonder amidst the hills

__Exploring the wilderness__

Hanthana hosts a variety of adventures for those who love the outdoors and the wilderness. It is prevalent among those who enjoy hiking, camping, bird-watching and being close to nature in various ways. Renowned for some awe-inspiring hikes with views to match, The Hanthana mountain range gets its name from the seven individual peaks that can be climbed there. The seven summits provide breathtaking views of Kandy, the Knuckles range, the Dolosbage range of Aranayake, and the hills of the Sabaragamuwa region.
The hills of Hanthana conceal within them an abundance of animal and birdlife, from the spotted Sambar deer to the elusive leopard. Embark on a thrilling expedition into the wilderness.

__The charming life in the hills__

The Ceylon tea industry gave birth to the design and construction of picturesque tea plantation bungalows with sprawling gardens all over the island. Our bungalow is typical of the Kandyan region, with meticulously maintained gardens. The quaint lifestyle of the highlands is a storyteller's dream, with many in the hills taking on life with humble vigour.
Iconic landmarks are nestled throughout the mountainous terrain. The Temple of the Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake are close to Hanthana. At the same time, the Kandy markets are a treasure trove of local souvenirs and a fantastic look into the lives of those who call the hills home.


W15 Hanthana is a beautifully restored bungalow from the heyday of the British empire that stands amidst the cool winds and towering hills of the central highlands.

Experiences at Hanthana

Tharshana is a designer wear brand that is also the proud pioneer of introducing illustrated Sri Lankan grown flowers to silhouettes that are refined but relaxed, complemented by light weight silky fabrics. Boasting an effortless ability to bring designer-wear garments to life through the tasteful incorporation of exotic elements inspired by their Sri Lankan roots, and this time with a focus on the hill capital, Tharshana looked to the exquisite W15 Hanthana Estate from which to draw inspiration. 

The W15 Hanthana Estate represents a world of colonial charm that blends perfectly with its sublime surroundings of rolling tea plantations and emerald green forests. The estate is well known for its picturesque regions and the unforgettable panoramic views that are truly phenomenal. The elegant spaces at the W15 Hanthana Estate are remarkable, and the experiences offered by the property are simply unforgettable.

A couple of days spent at the beautiful bungalow was surely not enough to experience all that the impeccable estate and hills have to offer, but far more than sufficient to impress upon Tharshana with his latest collection where all prints are inspired by the flora and fauna of the hills and the W15 Hanthana Estate. 

In celebration of this daring collaboration, W15 and Tharshana hosted a weekend of luxury and grandeur at the gorgeous W15 Hanthana Estate in the hills. Festivities kicked off with a brief introduction by the pioneers of the event Tharshana and Hardy Jamaldeen, accompanied by tasteful Hors d'oeuvres and a wide range of enticing wine that was carefully selected by House of Wine. 

The select few were then provided an opportunity to witness a first glimpse of the collection through an elegant fashion show around the W15 Hanthana Estate. Sticking to the roots of the event, all personal involved were those hailing from the hill capital. At the closing of the show, the guests were then provided a first-time opportunity to purchase pieces from the collection and mingle with the creators, Tharshana, and the owners of W15. 


A first of its kind undertaking, Tharshana and W15 Hanthana have married together exotic elements, impeccable design, and fine craftsmanship to birth a uniquely inspired designer wear collection. 

Tharshana x W15 Hanthana

Explore the history and mysteries of paradise, discover places of absolutely captivating beauty and unwind in the most serene locations on your expedition to the island. W15 Collection's properties are located across the country, and hosts enthralling encounters alongside magical surroundings that are bound to leave you mesmerized.

W15 Collection

Press Room

Sea Turtles; the shelled wanderers of the ocean

The charming realm of wonder amidst the hills

Experiences at Hanthana

Tharshana x W15 Hanthana

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