Traditionally called as Maha-Eliya was founded by Sir Robert Hortain, the British Governor in 1831-37. Established as a nature reserve in 1969 and a National Park in 1988. Hortain Plains is situated in the hills of Sri Lanka, which is approximately 32 Km from Nuwara-Eliya. At a height of approx. 2300 meters, the land area it covers is 3159 hectares. The popular "Word's End" with drop of 275 meters and the big "World's End" with a drop of 885 meters is situated at Hortain Plains. With average temperature of 15ºc - 22ºc. It is home for Samber and endemic birds of Sri Lanka.