Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. But, despite the size, it is one of the most amazing parks in Sri Lanka. It is also one of the very few national parks in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk.

Situated in the central highlands, Horton Plains National Park has the highest altitude among all the national parks in Sri Lanka. It is 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft). It belongs to Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province. And it is bordered by Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces. Horton Plains is the headwaters of three of four major rivers in Sri Lanka, namely, Mahaweli, Kelani, Walawe.

This place is very rich in bio-diversity. Numerous varieties of species can be found there and many of them are endemic not only to Sri Lanka but also to this particular Park. Other than the breathtaking beauty, it is another main reason why this park is a major tourist attraction. The Park is also called ‘Maha Eliya Plains’ (මහ එලිය තැන්න). For more information about the place, refer to Wikipedia.

The Scenic Routes to Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains can be reached from both Nuwara Eliya and Ohiya sides. There are 8km from Ohiya and 32km from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains National Park. The scenic routes are not less beautiful than the park itself.

Here is the exact location of the Park.

Plenty of parking spaces are available at the entrance of the park. And there will be a small fee for entering the park. Polythene and plastic are prohibited inside the park, and most importantly make sure not to litter the park in any way. Keep it pure as it is.

The footpath is a circuit of about 9km around the park. You can start from either side. Just make sure to complete the whole round.

The path is not paved all the way around. In some areas, it will be just like a hike. For me, it is the way it should be. You have to be careful on rainy days though. The path can be really slippery on rainy days.

World’s End

World’s End is the most iconic feature of the Horton Plains National Park. It is a very steep cliff. The name says it all. When the mist hits in, it is literally the world’s end.

That feeling cannot be described, you just have to experience it. It is really breathtaking.

Check this video also.

Little World’s End

Little World’s End is also a similar landscape to World’s End situated in Horton Plains National Park, which may be less breathtaking than the original one, just as supposed by the name. You can understand that the high altitude of this park is responsible for this kind of formations.

Even though it is a route of 9km in kind of rough terrain, you will not feel tired. Just take your time and blend into nature.

Inside the park, you will see lots of water sources. I guess they are the headwaters of some rivers in Sri Lanka.

Baker’s Falls is another major attraction in the park. It is not very tall but really beautiful. Unfortunately, due to the rain, I couldn’t catch any photos of it. To reach it, you will have to step down a bit from the main footpath. But make sure you go there, it is really worth it.

Horton Plains National Park is a must-visit natural attraction in Sri Lanka without a doubt. As I mentioned earlier also, please make sure to keep clean and pure as it is, if you ever visit.

That is about Horton Plains National Park. If you need further information, feel free to leave a comment below. See you soon.