Sri Lanka - Day 6

8.30 start from the hotel (thank goodness it was only one night), leaving our new and irritating Middle Eastern friends (rudeness personified) behind for the trip to Nuwara Eliya. Stopped first at Peradeniya Botanic Gardens and had an hour or so to look around the stunning grounds. Excellent picture taking opportunities - butterflies, monkeys, wedding parties. Continued from there up winding roads further into the Hill Country region. stunning scenery - words can't describe how beautiful it all looked, with views around every corner of waterfalls, tea plantations, and farms.

Stopped at a tea factory to see production taking place - fascinating to watch, and we didn't realise how quickly the leaves went from being picked to the end product, duly bought in the gift shop after trying a cup. I'll always think about it when I sup my tea from now on. Then to Nuwara Eliya itself, and let loose for an hour again by Bundoo, although we haggled a 30 minute extension and got until 3pm to visit the market, Victoria Park and get some treats from the bakery for lunch. I think he's both worried and fascinated by our desire to go off piste, but definitely has our best intentions at heart. Top bloke.

After more windy roads we made it to the Tea Factory hotel, which is literally an old tea factory very tastefully converted to boutiquey accommodation. Now ensconced in the lounge with a cuppa and some cookies, all served by a smiling waiter with a tea towel on his head. Best day so far.