At the bottom flows a torrent, whose roar, ascending from the hidden depth, increases the gloomy mystery of the scene.
On the north, east and south-east of Newera Ellia the sunshine is perpetual during the reign of the misty atmosphere, which the south-west monsoon drives upon the western side of the mountains.

Thus, there is always an escape open from the wet season at Newera Ellia by a short walk of three or four miles.
A long line of dark cloud is then seen, terminated by a bright blue sky.

So abrupt is the line and the cessation of the rain that it is difficult to imagine how the moisture is absorbed.
This sudden termination of the cloud-capped mountain gives rise to a violent wind in the sunny valleys and bare hills beneath.

The chilled air of Newera Ellia pours down into the sun-warmed atmosphere below, and creates a gale that sweeps across the grassy hilltops with great force, giving the sturdy rhododendrons an inclination to the north-east which clearly marks the steadiness of the monsoon.
It is not to be supposed, however, that Newera Ellia lies in unbroken gloom for months together.

One month generally brings a share of uninterrupted bad weather; this is from the middle of June to the middle of July.