Horton Plains National Park

-Central Highland

A breathtaking highland escape with scenic trails, rare wildlife, and the famous World’s End cliff.

Introduction

Horton Plains National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Sri Lanka. It is located in the central highlands, near Nuwara Eliya, and sits over 2,000 metres above sea level. This highland plateau is famous for its cool climate, cloud forests, grasslands, and rich biodiversity.

It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is also home to one of Sri Lanka’s most famous viewpoints – World’s End.

Where is Horton Plains?

Horton Plains is in the Nuwara Eliya District, part of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Region. The main access point is through Pattipola or Ohiya, small towns connected by road and railway.

Natural Beauty and Landscape

The landscape of Horton Plains is like no other in Sri Lanka. You’ll find green open grasslands, misty cloud forests, rocky outcrops, and crystal-clear streams. In the early morning, the whole area is covered in mist, giving it a magical and peaceful feel.

The park also protects the headwaters of three major rivers: the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe.

Wildlife and Plants

Horton Plains is a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can spot sambar deer, mongoose, and even the purple-faced langur. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the Sri Lankan leopard, although sightings are rare.

The park also has over 100 species of birds, including the Sri Lanka blue magpie and the yellow-eared bulbul – both of which are endemic to Sri Lanka.

In terms of plants, Horton Plains has montane grasslands and cloud forests that support many rare orchids, mosses, and ferns.

Hiking the Famous Trails

Horton Plains offers one of Sri Lanka’s most popular hikes. The main trail is a 9.5 km loop that takes you through open plains and forests. The hike usually takes about 3–4 hours.

Key Points on the Trail:

World’s End: A stunning cliff that drops over 870 metres. Visit early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid the mist and get the best views.
Mini World’s End: A smaller cliff with great views.
Baker’s Falls: A beautiful 20-metre waterfall surrounded by forest.

⚠️ Warning: Stick to the paths and don’t try to climb down the cliffs. The edges are slippery and dangerous