Horton Plains National Park: High-altitude national park

Description

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning highland nature reserves. Located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft), it features rolling grasslands, cloud forests, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, including rare wildlife like the Sri Lankan sambar deer, purple-faced langur, and leopard.

Visitor Fee

• Foreign Visitors: ~$35 per person (including taxes and service charges)
• SAARC Nationals: ~$25 per person
• Local Visitors: ~60 LKR per person
• Vehicle Fee: Extra charge for private vehicles

Transportation

• By Train: The closest railway station is Ohiya (~10 km away).
• By Car/Tuk-Tuk: Private taxis, tuk-tuks, or rental cars from Nuwara Eliya (~28 km) or Ella (~55 km).
• By Bus: No direct buses; visitors must take a bus to Pattipola or Ohiya and then a tuk-tuk.

Things to Do

1. Hike to World’s End – A famous cliff with a 1,200-meter drop and breathtaking views.
2. Visit Baker’s Falls – A beautiful waterfall surrounded by forest.
3. Walk the Horton Plains Loop Trail – A 9.5 km circular trail through grasslands and cloud forests.
4. Spot Wildlife – Look for sambar deer, leopards, endemic birds, and rare amphibians.
5. See the Mini World’s End – A smaller version of World’s End with impressive views.
6. Enjoy the Misty Landscape – The park’s unique climate and scenery make it a dream for nature lovers.

Why People Enjoy Coming Here

• Cool and refreshing highland climate.
• Spectacular viewpoints like World’s End.
• Peaceful hiking trails surrounded by nature.
• Chance to see rare wildlife and endemic plants.
• Perfect for photographers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers.

Age of the Park

• Established as a nature reserve in 1969 and upgraded to a national park in 1988.
• The landscape is millions of years old, once part of Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent.

List of Activities

• Hiking & trekking
• Wildlife spotting
• Birdwatching
• Waterfall visits
• Photography
• Nature walks

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Nuwara Eliya (~28 km) – The "Little England" of Sri Lanka with colonial charm and tea estates.
2. Ambewela Farm (~22 km) – A dairy farm with scenic landscapes.
3. Gregory Lake (~30 km) – A beautiful lake in Nuwara Eliya for boat rides and picnics.
4. Devon Falls & St. Clair’s Falls (~40 km) – Two of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque waterfalls.
5. Hakgala Botanical Garden (~35 km) – A lush botanical garden with exotic plants.