Sri Lanka is known for its tropical beaches, sun and the warm climate, but within a four hour drive from the Colombo airport lies Nuwara Eliya, the main city of the Hill Country at an elevation of 1990 meters from sea level. With a fresh and cool climate, sunny days, gentle breeze and the low-lying mist, Nuwara Eliya is also known as ‘Little England’ not only because of the similarities of the climate but also due to the many splendid colonial style buildings, which have left behind the charming Victorian architecture of the British. The area was discovered by the British, early in the 19th century and was transformed and developed in to a colonial city with roads connecting to other main cities and residential buildings built for the British rulers at the time. Nuwara Eliya soon became the home away from home for the British officials in Ceylon who wanted to escape to cooler climates. Most buildings in the city are characterized by the gabled roofs, stone walls and beautifully maintained flower gardens. The interior of the houses is unique unlike anywhere else in the island with log fire places, hunting memorabilia, wood paneling and timber floors. Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic cities in the island, surrounded by green mountains with several gorgeous cascading waterfalls. Most mountains are covered with tea plantations. Vegetables such as carrots, leeks, beetroot, radishes and spring onions are also cultivated on layered mountains enhancing the colourfulness and the beauty of Nuwara Eliya. Although most visitors to Sri Lanka don’t spend more than two nights in the hill county, there are many interesting activities and excursions to be experienced from Nuwara Eliya as listed below. Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation to experience the process of manufacturing Ceylon Tea, the best tea in the world Visit and walk the trails of Ella Gap and surrounding hill-country towns such as Bandarawela, Haputale, Diyatalawa and Hatton Visit Horton Plains National Park, World’s End and Baker’s Falls Play Golf at the beautiful 18 – hole golf course in the city built in 1891 Visit the Hakkgala Botanical Garden Boat riding at the Gregory Lake. Wonder around and experience the bird life at the Victoria Park located in the heart of the city Enjoy the beauty of many water falls such as Devon, St.Clair, Rawana Falls and many more.