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Best Horton Plains National Park Safari Tours

Pick the perfect Safari tour package in Horton Plains National Park. There are 15 Horton Plains National Park safaris to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 21 days. The most popular month for these tours is April. Click here to see all African safaris .

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15 horton plains national park safari tour packages with 57 reviews.

Nature & Wildlife Tour Sri Lanka (Free Upgrade Private tour for two paying clients or more available) Tour

Nature & Wildlife Tour Sri Lanka (Free Upgrade Private tour for two paying clients or more available)

The tour was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and accomodating. Acme Travel was so easy to work with. Even with all the problems the country is facing we had a very good trip! We hope things will return to normal very soon for Sri Lanka.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sri Lankan Safari Excursion - 6 Days Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

Sri Lankan Safari Excursion - 6 Days

We had a fantastic 10-day tour in Sri Lanka. Me and my wife used this company for our honeymoon and they provided us an excellent service. The driver Mr. Lal was an absolutely a gem to this company and showed us a lot of hidden places in Sri Lanka. Furthermore he is very clean, always on time and always happy the main highlight was that Mr. Lal was an excellent driver and had a great humor. I would highly recommend Srilanka stelaranholidays for anyone who visits Sri Lanka. Go with them and you will have an awesome time in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka for Families - 10  Days Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Sri Lanka for Families - 10 Days

Good to go in the evening as it can be quite hot. If you must wear a shade and hat . Good place to take photos and people watching .Famous! 1st time seeing a lighthouse in my life. By just seeing the photo, I told myself I need to see that. Its different feeling by seeing it on person. Stunning in the evening, peaceful in the night and amazing in the morning. Advised to see the lighthouse on those occasions. Vibes are different.

Sri Lanka Luxury Private Tour 2024 Tour

Sri Lanka Luxury Private Tour 2024

We have been blown away by Sri Lanka. The tour was a fabulous mix of history and nature. Our tour guide, Hermal was amazing, the best guide we have ever had. Excellent organisation…went like clockwork.

Sri Lanka Highlights - 10 Days [ BUDGET \" WINTER\" ] Tour

Sri Lanka Highlights - 10 Days [ BUDGET " WINTER" ]

Tour was great, felt like I covered a lot of Sri Lanka and my driver was a really friendly, helpful and accommodating.

Sri Lanka Budget Tour 2024 Tour

Sri Lanka Budget Tour 2024

This was a great tour. I highly recommend it

Wildlife for Photography Lenses - 12 Days Tour Tour

  • Wildlife & Nature Photography

Wildlife for Photography Lenses - 12 Days Tour

I traveled as a solo traveler for the first time to Sri Lanka and this tour gave me with all the experiences I actually expected as a professional wildlife photographer. The team was perfect from the very first moment to the last and specially the guide Gayan who was a real friend to me throughout the journey. I Highly recommend this tour for anyone who's willing to experience the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

Cycle Sri Lanka Tour

Cycle Sri Lanka

There was no snacks organised for the breaks when cycling.

\" True Adventure  \" Wildlife / Hiking / Rainforest  [13 DAYS COMFORT ] Tour

" True Adventure " Wildlife / Hiking / Rainforest [13 DAYS COMFORT ]

Exclusive Sri Lanka - 16 Days Tour

  • Sightseeing

Exclusive Sri Lanka - 16 Days

My partner and I, both in our early 30s from Cyprus, recently embarked on a 16-day tour with Stelaranholidays, covering Colombo, Mirissa, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Arugam Bay, Yala, and Udawalawa. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and we owe much of that to our driver and tour guide, Chandana, who provided us with exceptional service throughout the journey. Chandana's extensive network of contacts and meticulous planning ensured that every aspect of our trip was taken care of, leaving us free to simply relax and soak up the beauty of Sri Lanka. He was always available to answer our questions about the local culture and provided insightful explanations along the way, making the trip not only enjoyable but also educational. We highly recommend Stelaranholidays to anyone seeking an exceptional travel experience in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Solo - 15 Days Tour

Sri Lanka Solo - 15 Days

Stelaranholidays arranged my honeymoon Exclusive in Sri Lanka for 8 days. Shani the tour consultant, who arranged the tour and the accommodation was really responsive as she managed to arrange my honeymoon in a very short notice. She handled all the details in order to meet all my expectations. Also, Chandana, the driver, was really helpful he is an excellent driver, he is also a tour guide as he is very knowledgeable and very friendly.so kindness person great value for money

Nature\'s Secret Sri Lanka - 21 Days Tour

Nature's Secret Sri Lanka - 21 Days

My gratitude for the wonderful round-trip experience my family and I had in Sri Lanka. Our tour guide was amazing, and we were fortunate to have him with us. He was knowledgeable, and he provided us with insightful information about the places we visited. He was also very responsive to our questions and needs. The tour was well-organized, and the communication between your agency and us before the trip started was excellent. We appreciated the effort put in to make sure that everything went smoothly. We had the opportunity to see great nature (plants and animals), different religions and cultures, and also had time to relax by the beach. The program was well-balanced; allowing us to enjoy everything Sri Lanka has to offer. The hotels we stayed in were upper-class, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. They made us feel comfortable and welcome, which added to the overall enjoyment of our trip.Once again, thank you for providing us with a memorable experience, and we look forward to booking future trips with your agency

History of Sri Lanka - 15 Days Tour

History of Sri Lanka - 15 Days

Sri Lanka Honeymoon One - 11 Days Tour

  • Honeymoon Safari

Sri Lanka Honeymoon One - 11 Days

Sri Lanka uncovered with Wild Life, Nature, Adventure and Culture Tour

Sri Lanka uncovered with Wild Life, Nature, Adventure and Culture

I recently was fortunate enough to go on a 16 day tour of Sri Lanka with Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours. I booked directly with Sunrise, ( Sri Lanka uncovered with Wildlife, Nature, Adventure and Culture) and dealt with Christopher. He was a delight to deal with from the start. As a solo female traveler, I had many questions over the course of the many months (I booked very early on) which he promptly and graciously replied to. As I was able to pick the start date to suit me, he then opened it up to others to join and we had a great tour with 5 like minded individuals. The van was in good condition, A/C worked well and our driver Ruwan was excellent at navigating the crazy roads in the country…aways with a smile on his face. He also acted as guide on the occasional hike or safari. He is quiet by nature, but has a good sense of humour. Our guide was Prisanth, with over 30 yrs experience. He was extremely knowledgeable and usually had a ‘joke of the day’ to start the day with. Initially there was a bit of confusion about the itinerary and accommodation as there seemed to be several versions, but once we got that sorted out, the trip went along well. Just as the tour name describes, we saw wildlife, culture, nature and some adventure. It was a superb mix of all that Sri Lanka has to offer…which is alot! I enjoyed the trip immensely and would not hesitate to recommend Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours to anyone looking to explore this incredibly friendly and diverse country. I hope to go back again someday. Thankyou Christopher, Prisanth and Ruwan for a very memorable trip.
  • 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Travel Styles

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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Horton Plains National Park Safari
  • Français: Parc national des plaines de Horton Safaris 2024/2025
  • Español: Safaris en Parque Nacional de Horton Plains
  • Nederlands: Safari Rondreizen in Horton Plains Nationaal Park

Cinnamon Nature Trails

Horton Plains National Park

Originally known as “Mahaeliya”, in around the mid-19th Century, Horton Plains was renamed after the British governor Sir Robert Horton. Horton Plains National Park forms an undulating plateau more than 2000 meters high. This park consists of open grasslands interpenetrated with patches of umbrella-shaped montane forest patches. Slopes of Horton Plains national park comprises of the most extensive breathtaking montane cloud forests surviving in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s second and third highest mountains namely, mount Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totupolakanda (2359m) are visible at the edge of the plateau adding a picturesque backdrop to the park. But the most famous and stunning feature of the park is the World’s End, where the plateau comes to a sudden end, and drops straight down for 880 meters. The scenic plains of the park are excellent walking grounds for visitors. Scenic view is often obscured by mist, particularly during the rainy season from April to September, which is a part of visitor experience of the park. Park is one of the prime locations to observe large number of Sambur (Cervus unicolor). Due to the abundance of extensive grasslands for feeding and adjoining forest patches for protection provide ideal conditions for Sambur population to thrive here at the park.

horton plains safari

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Hill Safari Ohiya

Indulge in Luxurious Relaxation

Indulge in the lap of luxury and pamper yourself with ultimate relaxation.

Discover the Beauty of Nature with Hill Safari Ohiya

Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and explore the wonders of nature.

Embark on thrilling adventures and push your boundaries

Let your adventurous spirit guide you to new heights and unforgettable experiences

Hill Safari – Ohiya

Hill Safari is the bungalow of Lower Bray Tea Estate, a 50 acre Tea plantation privately owned. It has been designed with 5 guest rooms offering guests a very unique experience in the hill country. Hill Safari has been in the leisure industry for close to 3 decades and has been the pioneer to bring foreign guests to the Ohiya area, whereby providing job opportunities and income sources for the families in Ohiya.

Why we are special

  • Situated in a Tea Plantation close to the world famous   Horton Plains National Park – a World Heritage Site .
  • Guests from over   115   countries have visited us is because the property offers an absolutely panoramic view that extends to over 150km upto the Horizon towards the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Some guests have commented saying “no need to walk to World’s End at Horton Plains National Park after seeing the view from Hill Safari”.
  • The multi colored sky on some days when the sun goes down on the Western side is truly breathtaking. Rolling mists that some say looks like a cloud forest.
  • Private setting offers our guests to enjoy walks and hikes in the area that is covered with tea plantations, mountains, vegetable cultivation and forest reserves and explore the   Pekoe Trail
  • We have been highly rated for the local cuisine we provide. Meals prepared with great taste and love add the cherry to make a perfect stay for you.

horton plains safari

Accomplishments

  • Recognized as a “Top Choice Lodge in Horton Plains National Park and World’s End” by the well known travel guide – Lonely Planet.
  •  “Number 1 specialty lodging in Ohiya” On TripAdvisor
  • Amazing landscape, make this a movie, drama producers location. Drama been shown at the moment in Sri Lanka called “Lanvee” on the Hiru TV channel was recently filmed here.
  • Several national newspaper write-ups of Hill Safari on their Travel pages.

horton plains safari

Room 1 – Silver Tips Upper Floor Room with Balcony

King size bed View – Mountain view

horton plains safari

Room 2 – Orange Pekoe Room below the Upper Floor Room

horton plains safari

Room 3 – Pekoe Double Room

2 single beds View – Mountain view

horton plains safari

Room 4 – Green Curl Triple Room

3 single beds View – Mountain view

horton plains safari

Family Room – Fannings

3 single beds + 1 bunk bed View – Tea Plantation view

Useful Details

Temperature in the night can vary from 8 to 15 degrees. Come prepared with some warm clothing for the night.

Train Travel

Coming from Colombo : 4th station from NanuOya. Perakumpura, Ambawela, Pattipola, OHIYA. (55 minutes from Nanu Oya)

Coming from Badulla side : 2nd station from Haputale Iddalgasenna, OHIYA (about 40 minutes from Haputale)

Distance from Ohiya station to Hill Safari : 4 kms.

There are a few tuk tuks at the station. If you want me to arrange a tuk tuk then let us know of the time you hope to come to the Ohiya station.

Tuk-Tuk Charges: (subject to variation) Ohiya Railway Station to Hill Safari LKR 1,200 Hill Safari to Horton Plains Car park and after the walk (3 – 4 hrs stay) to drop you back at the Railway station LKR 4,500 or at Hill Safari LKR 5,000

Travelling by Vehicle

Coming by vehicle please come before it is dark as there can be mist towards the late evening and driving can be a little difficult if the driver is not used to the roads. The last 1 km on the Ohiya road (after the Y junction soon after the 24th KM post) is not in a very good condition and the 3/4 km inside the estate – Cars/Van with normal clearance can come down the estate road as we have concreted the bad areas.

After Boralanda weak mobile signals.

If travelling in a vehicle do not come through Nuwara Eliya/ Ambawela/ Pattipola through Horton Plains national park unless you are visiting Horton Plains and then coming to Hill Safari as you will have to pay the applicable gate charges even if you are just using the road. Please note that this gate is closed after 4 pm. and you cannot use the road. Foreigners applicable rate US$……. + taxes

Then the route will be Nuwara Eliya, Keppitipola (on Welimada Road), Boralanda, Ohiya.

From any other direction you have to come to Boralanda and then to Ohiya. Although the Google maps show a route through Kalupahana Bambarakanda road to Ohiya this is not motorable in a normal car – you need a 4 wheel drive or a motor bike.

Directions from Ohiya Railway Station to Hill Safari

From Ohiya Railway Station proceed towards Horton Plains. After 2 km (soon after 24th Km post) you come to a Y junction. At this junction you will see the Uduweria Estate/Hill Safari boards. From this junction take the left road (right road goes to Horton Plains) and when you proceed about another 1 1/4 km you will see the Hill Safari Board.

This is a sharp turn to the right and a reversal of the vehicle is necessary. Proceed on the estate road another 3/4 km to Hill Safari. Inside the estate too there are 2 hair pin bends where the reversal of the vehicle may be necessary

Check-in and Check-out times

  • Check-in time after 12.00 noon
  • Check-out time before 10.00 am

Contact Person

If you want to get any clarifications/directions you could contact

  • Eomal Perera – Tel 071-2772451 Whatsapp
  • Ohiya - 074-3472451
  • Anoja Perera - Colombo - 0773699405

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Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka & Bird Watching Tours in Sri Lanka

Passionately designed by local wildlife naturalists.

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka Tailor Made wildlife Safaris

All National Parks and Nature Reserves in Sri Lanka

  • Wilpattu National Park
  • Yala National Park
  • Udawalawe National Park
  • Minneriya National Park
  • Wasgamuwa National Park
  • Gal Oya National Park
  • Bundala National Park

Horton Plains National Park

  • Kumana National Park
  • Lunugamvehera National Park
  • Kaudulla National Park
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve
  • Knuckles Forest Reserve
  • Kitulgala Forest Reserve
  • Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary
  • Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
  • Thalangama Wetland
  • Kanneliya National Park
  • Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary
  • Mannar Island
  • Kala Wewa National Park
  • Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary

Horton plains has an interesting history behind it with the discovery of early stone tools dating back to the Balangoda Culture (According to Archeological sequences the earliest evidence of Balangoda Man at caves and other sites dates back to 38,000 BP).

The weather at the plains varies considerably during the course of the day with temperatures as high as 27 degrees centigrade during the day and dipping as low as 5 degrees centigrade in the evenings and night with thick mist formation and regular rainfall throughout the year., this protected area situated in the southern plateau of the central highlands of sri lanka was formerly called ‘maha-eliya tenna’ (the great open plains) until it was renamed ‘horton plains’ after the british governor of ceylon sir robert wilmot horton (1831-1837). it is rich in biodiversity with many species endemic to the area itself. horton plains was designated a national park in 1988 and is today a very important and popular tourist destination..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

What is the best time to visit Horton Plains National Park

Climate of horton plains national park is like in europe. it could change at any time from fog, to rains and clouds. however, in our personal experience the months of mid-january to march offers best climatic conditions for photography as there are less chances of rains. different climatic conditions in horton plains offers different experiences. in most cases, early morning hours from 6 am to 8am offers the best scenery with less fog..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

How to get in to Horton Plains National Park?

The horton plains national park at ohiya is a beautiful highland plateau situated at an elevation of 2100 -2300m (6,900-7,500ft) above sea level. sri lanka’s highlands along with horton plains national park, the peak wilderness protected area and the knuckles conservation forest was declared a world heritage site in 2006.it is accessible via ginigathena (185.4 km) or via the a5 road (228.5 km) which connects peradeniya with chenkalady in the east via gampola & nuuwara eliya..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

How to Explore Horton Plains National Park?

Only mean of visiting horton plains national park is by foot as no vehicular traffic is allowed beyond the entry gate. one could reach the entry gate by vehicle and beyond that point is by foot..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

Opening times of Horton Plains National Park

Horton plains national park is opened from 6 am to 6 pm every day of the year. but one must enter the ticket gates before 4 pm..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

Wildlife of Horton Plains National Park

The horton plains vegetation is classified into two distinctive groups, mostly consisting of montane grasslands and lesser sub tropical montane evergreen cloud forests. it is also where two important peaks kirigalpoththa and thotupolakanda, the second and third highest peaks in the country respectively are situated, making it a key catchment area of three major rivers in the country. close to 750 species of plants have been observed here; this includes dwarf bamboo species (some endemic to sri lanka), myrtaceae and lauraceae species, and many varieties of ferns, lichens and orchids amongst others. the fauna of the region includes 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, 09 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphibians and 02 species of fish..

Wildlife Tours in Sri Lanka

Of the mammals the most commonly seen are the Sambar deer with a population close to 2000. Others include Toque macaques , Purple faced langur , Kelaart’s long-clawed shrews, Sri Lankan Leopard , Wild boat, Strip necked mongoose, Spotted chevrotain, Giant squirrels, Fishing cat and one of the world’s most endangered primates, the Red slender loris.

The park is also considered a very important birding area in sri lanka containing 21 endemic bird species such as sri lanka superfowl , sri lanka junglefowl , yellow-fronted barbet , orange-billed babbler, sri lanka bush warbler and sri lanka whistling thrush , with four species namely the sri lanka magpie , dull-blue flycatcher , sri lanka white-eye and sri lanka wood pigeon which occur only in horton plains. there are also a variety of migrant birds such as the alpine swift, crested serpent eagle, mountain-hawk eagle and black-winged kite. amongst the reptile species are the rhino horn lizard, the common rough sided snake and rat snake., however the beauty of horton plains is its beautiful, picturesque setting. the high altitude plains with its cold breeze, misty surroundings, beautiful mountains, tall green trees, crystal clear streams and colourful blooms scattered around, besides the ‘world’s end’ – a 700m vertical drop that gives a marvelous view of the valley below and the beautiful cascades of the baker’s waterfall makes it a haven for trekking and bird watching..

horton plains safari

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horton plains safari

Complete Guide on Horton Plains National Park

Author richard wilson, guide | national parks | nature | water falls | wild life, october 30, 2020.

Horton Plains National Park

Among the protected areas of Sri Lanka, the Horton Plains ranks among the most popular for the breathtaking view of its World’s End . As an important watershed on the island of Sri Lanka, this national park is crossed by almost all its rivers.

If you want to escape nature, its hazy setting will make you change your mind. Beneath this nebulous mass lies an amazing wildlife and floristic biodiversity. Discover the Sambar Deer and the Hail Lori , roaming through a cloud forest. Without being easy or difficult, it is an adventure made for everyone except those who can’t stand the altitude.

If you are looking for a unique adventure, our complete guide on Horton Plain national park will suffice to get you to a place you will never forget.

History of Horton Plains

The Horton Plains cover a captivating story. It is said that this area is home to stone tools dating back to the Balangoda era. At the time, local residents used to roam the mountain to extract precious stones and iron. They also stayed there to establish irrigation canals and to look for wood.

There was a time when this protected area had the name “ Maha-Eliya Tenna ” meaning “great open plains”. It was later named “ Horton Plains ” in honour of Sir Robert Wilmot Horton , a former British governor of Ceylon. The creation of this national park is part of an initiative of a British, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker . This man recommended that the government of the day make mountain forests over 5,000 feet untouchable.

Thus, in 1873 an administrative decree was issued. It stipulated that any logging in the area had become a reprehensible act. On December 5, 1969, the Horton Plains was declared a Wildlife Area and on March 18, 1988, it was designated a National Park. On 30 July 2010, the highlands in which the park, the Knuckles Mountain Range and the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary were set up as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Discovering the Horton Plains

The Horton Plains region of the highlands of Sri Lanka remains a very touristic stop and much appreciated by travelers. The beauty of nature manifests itself clearly. Fauna and flora reserve you pleasant surprises. Following the beaten track, you will have the opportunity to discover the most beautiful jewels of this national park!

Horton Plains National Park2 Complete Guide on Horton Plains National Park

Horton plains are home to a rich biodiversity endemic to the mountainous areas of the island. Animals and vegetation flourish in harmony. There is a large foggy cover. It is a stop for any nature enthusiast. If an adventure in this part of the Peninsula calls you, know that it is the coldest and windiest region of Sri Lanka because of its high altitude. Its mountainous ecosystem is distinguished by cloud forests, swamps and some meadows.

It is a valuable habitat for about 750 plant species from 20 families. This wet vegetation represents a haven of life for a wide variety of wildlife species including 24 mammals, 9 reptiles, 8 amphibians, and 87 birds. The most widespread animal in the region remains the large Sambar Deer endemic to Sri Lanka. You can easily see them in multiple herds.

If you hope to meet the Asian elephant, you will have to change your address. This pachyderm disappeared from the park registry in the late 1940s. With a little luck, you will cross the path of its rare Hail Loris , a kind of primate in danger of extinction. Resident mammals include the Kelaart’s Long-Clawed Shrew , European Otter, Ruby Cat, Sri Lankan Panther, Wild Boar, Indian Buckthorn, Ceylon Giant Squirrel, etc.

For birdwatchers, this reserve is home to one of Sri Lanka’s largest IBAS (Important Bird Conservation Areas) . 21 flying species are endemic to the island and 4 of them live only on the Horton Plains side. Among the specimens found are the Zosterops ceylonensis , the Ceylon Pigeon , the Ceylon Gallopartridge , the Lafayette Rooster , the White-Bellied Swift , the Peregrine Falcon , the Buzzard , etc.

In reptiles, you will have the Snake Rat , the Rhinoceros Horn Lizard , the common Coarse-Faced Snake and others. In fish and crustaceans, you will see r ainbow Trout , endemic Crabs , freshwater Shrimp Caridina Singhalensis , etc.

Aren’t you excited yet to explore the natural richness of this place?! If so, continue then reading.

Attractions and Activities

Apart from observing the wildlife and floristic life of the plains, you will also enjoy enjoying its beautiful and picturesque misty landscape. It is easy to get caught up in the charm of its altitude and its woodland setting. Following its pre-defined 9-kilometre trails, you will reach the top of its famous cliff – the World’s End – which plunges more than 800 meters and offers a superb view of the valley, the waterfalls below, and even the distant sea.

It really feels like you are at the end of the world. It is a beautiful place to stop for a moment to enjoy the view of a sunrise, make an improvised picnic and take a bunch of photos. Here trekking, hiking, mountaineering are relevant. You can also visit the Baker waterfalls and the Slab Rock waterfalls. The owner’s tour is easy in one morning.

Climate and Topography

Horton Plains National Park is located on the Central Cordillera Plateau on the south side of the Peninsula . It is perched between 2100 and 2300 meters of altitude and extends over 3160 hectares. 2000 hectares of this area are occupied by humid “ Patana ” (steppes or mountain meadows) and 1160 hectares are inhabited by a subtropical evergreen mountain forest.

It is home to the second and third highest Sinhala pit: the Kirigalpotta (2,389 m) to the west and Thotapolakanda (2,357 m) to the north. These plains are the source of three large rivers on the island: Mahaweli , Walawe and Kelani . In terms of its warm ocean climate, it is characterized by foggy weather. Over the year, the average temperature is between 14 and 16°C, humidity is a tad high at 65%, and average precipitation is estimated at 1005.3 mm.

The weather is very versatile and capricious. For example: during the day, the thermometer can display the 27°C to drop to 5°C at nightfall. From January to March, there is a short dry but rainy season. In February, the ground freezes. During the rainy season, the mist can sneeze for much of the day. That said, the place can be visited throughout the year. The best times go from March to September, while including December.

How Do You Get There?

Horton Plains NP is located in Ohyia . It is located in the central highlands of the island, about thirty kilometers from the city of Nuwara Eliya. To get there, you have several choices:

  • By road – Many opt for the bus option. If this is your choice, you can go there from the small town of Ginigathera, Ella or Haputale . Otherwise just follow the road ‘A’ connecting Peradeniya with Chenkalady , passing Gampola and Nuwara Eliya. It is also possible to leave from Nuwara Eliya . On site, there are a handful of group vans providing the connection with the park. Alternatively, you can privatize a car with a driver or a tuk-tuk.
  • By Rail – All you have to do is catch a car and reach one of the highest stations in Sri Lanka: Ambewela and Pattipola . Once there, you will only have to find a means of transport to take you to your destination. If you have taken the Kandy-Badulla line or the Colombo-Badulla line, just land in Ohiya . From there, a tuk-tuk can take you to the park for 2000 to 3000 Rs.

Horton Plains National Park Admission Cost/Fee

The tariffs for national parks in Sri Lanka are a bit complex. They combine the individual entry fee, the one for the vehicle, the guide or driver as well as the application fees or charges. For Horton Plains, here the regular fees:

  • Entrance fee for one person: 2251 rupees
  • Entrance fee for the driver: 60 rupees
  • Entrance fee for tuk tuk: 60 rupees
  • Service charge: 1200 rupees
  • Total: 4050 rupees or $53.51

Suffice to say that for Sri Lanka; it is a little expensive compared to the other parks and cultural sites.

The little trick is that the application fee is not calculated by number of people but by group. If you are alone and you take a ticket, you will pay 1200 rupees in the same way as two people who arrive together. Hence, the interest is to go in groups the same transport.

Best Time to Visit Horton Plains

The best time to enjoy the park remains early in the morning at the opening time of the park. There are fewer people, the view from its famous cliff is just spectacular (during the day around 9am and 10am, this place is covered with its fog coat). Hence, the best time to venture there remains the low season: in December, January, July and August.

It is better to avoid weekends. The trail being circular, one can choose in which direction to take it according to his priorities; in a clockwise direction to arrive as soon as possible at World’s End , or in the opposite direction to avoid the crowd and fully enjoy the enchanting landscape of the park.

Horton Plains Hike and Excursion

Horton Plains National Park3 Complete Guide on Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park has only one possible route. The 9 km hike is an easy loop. Arriving at the junction, there will be signs indicating on which side are the different points of interest such as waterfalls, the little world’s end and world’s end. In order to have a chance of seeing the points of view, it is better to reach them as soon as possible.

However for the hiking experience, we find it more fun to start on the other side because the landscapes are more beautiful so it is more motivating to start. It takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete the loop. The height difference is not at all important and there are no major difficulties. The hike is completely accessible to families provided you carry your child if he/she doesn’t walk much or allow more time.

After all, you will enjoy a nice excursion and hiking experience through this beautiful plateau, which takes you to the Baker Falls and World’s End ; impressive escarpment that dives over 880 m, from where you can discover splendid panorama on the tea plantations and the valley. Remember to cover yourself well in several layers (onion technique) because early in the morning; it is very cool, but it can warm up during hiking. There is not much shadow on the trail.

Here’s a video of Horton Plains National Park. You will find people hiking on the trail and enjoying the beauty of nature. Surprisingly, there is a waterfall within the national park which is extraordinarily beautiful. You will find it in the video as well! After hiking, you can catch your breath and visit the waterfall. It is a good place to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.

Horton has some water bodies as well. Animals can visit these water bodies to take a swig of water. Another thing you would notice is that Horton Plains is filled with lush greenery. Anywhere you see, you will find trees, plants, and flowers. It is certainly a visual treat for sore eyes.

Exploring Baker’s Waterfall

Since you will be hiking to the Baker’s Fall, you will enjoy seeing how blessed the park is! There is natural beauty everywhere. You will be walking on little hills, crossing unique plantation zones, encountering few animals, and even seeing the clouds from a close distance.

As soon as you reach closer to the waterfall, you will find a wooden path that takes you to Baker’s Fall. This is not just another waterfall! The water drops from a great height and it looks spectacular. Yes, it is quite tempting to stand under the waterfall and get drenched. But, even from a distance, you will enjoy the beauty of Baker’s Falls. Here’s a video that beautifully captures the Baker’s Fall. You will get to see why Horton Plains is a top choice among fellow travellers.

Once you are done with the Horton tour, you can enjoy eating some delicious seafood or end the day by taking a stroll on the beach. The locals keep their surroundings clean! The beaches are sparkling clean, and even the hotels are beautiful.

Here’s a quick revision for all those who are planning to head to Horton Plains:

  • Cover the whole area (Horton Plains) within 3 hours. You need to cover total of 9 kilometres. You will witness short trees, tall trees, and a vast grassland.
  • Horton is known as the ‘Montane Cloud Forest’. Since it is too windy, you must wear warm clothes to keep yourself snug.
  • Baker’s Fall was named after Sir Samuel Baker. He was a famous British explorer! It is of 22 meters height and you will certainly get drenched once you reach closer to the waterfall. Dipping in the waterfall pool is not allowed. This is strictly for security purpose! Check out the waterfall from the observation deck.  
  • There is a chimney pool near the Baker’s Fall. During the Colonial period, the British must have made it for fishing purpose. As of now, you can walk along the path and witness the beauty of the pool. The Chimney Pool is not meant for swimming! However, you can sit along the path and catch your breath.
  • Wish to see a steep drop? The vertical drop is around 800 meters. Wow! The World’s End is the main attraction of Horton. You must visit it! It will be worth all the pain. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes while hiking. There is a platform which is safe to carry tourists. Please be careful when you are looking at the view!

Visit the National Park Ethically

Focus on reusable packaging and keep your waste

Horton plains National Park is weakened by its success and attendance. Not every tourist that comes to Horton is responsible and kind. When you are visiting someone else’s island, you are supposed to showcase feelings of empathy and love. You are a guest of the nation and should behave responsibly. Ideally, tourists should keep the surroundings clean. Even if it is not their island/country, they should have basic manners of not soiling the vicinity or throwing plastics. Sadly, tourists have made the national parks in Sri Lanka a dumping ground. The staff is doing the best they can to keep the surroundings clean, but the problem remains. The good part is that the staff have taken measures to protect the environments. The plastic bags have wreaked havoc and at the entrance you will be asked to separate from them so that they do not end up in the park.

If you need to bring your picnic, opt for reusable packaging (the ones we use) and a gourd. When hiking, keep your garbage. Do not throw it around because the national park is the dwelling of wild animals. Can you imagine the amount of damage it does to the animals and the plants? It is possible that a wild animals may be curious to ingest the plastic and this could create a series of health problems.

Hence, travel responsibly and keep the environment clean.

Respect animal welfare and wildlife

Some visitors feed Cervids . This has many harmful consequences for these animals (health problem, dependence on humans etc.).

Respect for wildlife also means not making too much noise during the hike. If you are hiking in the national park, make sure you are not trying to feed the animals. They have enough food in their habitat! The wild animals have smaller animals to feast on. The smaller animals have enough number of vegetarian options. Giving the animals seafood, chips, candy, and meat is not the best idea!  

Finally, keep your distance from the animals. Being too close to animals makes them more vulnerable to poaching or accidents. The rabbits, monkeys, and elephants may seem friendly, but they are out in the wild. If they feel threatened, they might attack your jeep. You must respect their habitat and keep a safe distance. Why do we step out for a safari? It is to watch the animals, witness the gifts of nature, and have a good time. It does not entail harming animals or troubling them.

Points to Remember

Hortons Plains National Park is open every day: Monday to Sunday. The venue has a fixed daily schedule: from 6am to 6pm.

It is possible to use the service of a guide from the NP (National Park) office for only 800 Rs. If you prefer a volunteer guide, remember to thank him with a donation after the visit. They are truly passionate about the region’s wildlife.

As visiting this protected area requires long hikes through a marked loop, it is important to prepare well: put on sturdy and comfortable walking shoes; bring a hat and sunglasses against the sun; provide sunscreen, snacks and water; and especially to bring warm clothes (the weather is capricious, and often the mornings are icy and foggy with its 13°C).

During your visit, it is imperative to follow the marked trails especially on the cliff side of the World’s End. This is essential since the terrain can be very slippery in some places.

There are rules to follow once you get there: keep your garbage on you and respect wildlife by keeping you from feeding animals or trampling on local flora.

There is one entry point to the park in Pattipola and another in Ohiya .

  • Pets are not allowed inside. Do not bring dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or other animals inside the park. The wild animals could attack your pets.
  • Littering is not allowed. If you are planning to carry plastic bottles or containers, you need to give up the idea because it is not allowed.
  • At the entrance, you will read a sign board that says, ‘No fire/lighting allowed’. Keep your matchsticks and lighters at home. Do not even think of smoking inside the national park.
  • You are not supposed to feed animals inside the national park. It is not safe for the animals. Animals are not human beings and cannot digest human food.
  • Alcohol consumption and taking alcohol bottles with you is not allowed. Respect the rules of the national park.
  • Since you are in a natural habitat, do not shout or scream as the animals get scared of human intervention. Maintain silence and enjoy the magnificence of Mother Nature.

Concluding Thoughts

When tourists visit Horton, they get mesmerized by the beauty of the park. The hiking adventure should be on your to-do-list. Some trails are quite good and others have a uneven and rocky base. You must wear proper sports/running shoes to avoid any injuries. Do not commit the mistake of wearing heels or open shoes. Ideally, wearing warmer clothes in the morning is ideal. The air is nippy and you may feel cold.

Certain trails take you through lush plants and trees too. When you reach certain spots, you will be able to witness tall mountains and the open sky. The view is stellar! Plus, there are boards that tell you where the Baker’s Fall is and you can easily spot the ‘end of the world.’

The ‘End of the World’ is the most amazing point! You can watch the clouds and mountains, but you may not be able to see what exists at far-off distances. It feels like you are in heaven and have left the world behind! It is extremely beautiful and one cannot miss it while they are in Sri Lanka!

Here’s a video you might like! It shows you the true beauty of Horton Plains National Park.

We hope you enjoyed reading the elaborate post. Make sure you plan your tour in such a way that Horton Plains is a part of your list. If you do not pay a visit to this beauty, you are missing what Sri Lanka has to offer you!

So, go ahead and plan your trip! Stay at one of the finest hotels and don’t forget to explore the beaches and hilly towns where you find the best-tasting tea in the world.

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Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park

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Horton Plains National Park Highlights

Horton Plains National Park is a unique and stunning protected area in Sri Lanka. Located in the central highlands, the park covers an area of 3,160 hectares and is situated approximately 2000 meters above sea level. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and breathtaking views. In this article, we will take a closer look at Horton Plains National Park and explore its history, geography, and unique features.

History of Horton Plains National Park:

Origins and Early History

The area now known as Horton Plains National Park has a long and complex history, dating back centuries to the time of the indigenous Vedda people. These hunter-gatherers were the original inhabitants of the area, living off the land and the abundant wildlife that thrived in the lush forests and grasslands of the central highlands.

However, it was not until the arrival of European colonizers in the 19th century that the area began to take on its current form. The British colonial authorities, seeking a suitable location for a hunting ground, identified the highlands of Sri Lanka as an ideal location. In 1831, they established the Nanu Oya Game Sanctuary, a protected area for hunting and conservation purposes.

Over the following decades, the area was gradually expanded and developed, with new roads and trails constructed to facilitate access for hunters and tourists. However, despite the efforts of the British authorities, the area remained relatively sparsely populated and undeveloped, with the vast majority of the land remaining in its natural state.

Creation of Horton Plains National Park

In 1969, the Sri Lankan government officially declared the area a national park, naming it Horton Plains after the British governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, who had played a key role in the establishment of the original hunting ground. The park was initially established to protect the unique biodiversity of the area, including several species of endemic flora and fauna that were under threat from human activity and encroaching development.

In the years since its creation, the park has become increasingly important as a center for scientific research and conservation efforts. Today, it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many that are found nowhere else on earth. These include the Horton Plains slender loris, a small primate that is endemic to the area and is considered one of the world’s most endangered primates.

The park is also home to several unique geological formations, including the famous World’s End cliff, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations.

Despite its protected status, Horton Plains National Park faces a number of ongoing challenges and threats. These include the encroachment of human settlements and agricultural activities on the park’s borders, as well as illegal logging and poaching within the park itself. To address these challenges, the Sri Lankan government has launched a number of conservation and management initiatives in recent years. These include increased patrols and monitoring efforts to prevent illegal activities, as well as initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and eco-friendly development within the park’s borders. Despite these efforts, however, the park’s future remains uncertain, and continued vigilance and conservation efforts will be necessary to ensure that this unique and precious ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

Geography of Horton Plains National Park:

Horton Plains National Park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, approximately 32 kilometers south of Nuwara Eliya. The park is situated on the southern slopes of the central highlands, which form the watershed between the Mahaweli River and the Walawe River. The park is bounded by the surrounding hills and valleys, which provide a stunning backdrop for the park’s diverse landscapes.

The terrain of Horton Plains National Park is characterized by rolling grasslands, cloud forests, and montane vegetation. The park is situated on a plateau that rises steeply from the surrounding lowlands, creating a unique microclimate that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The park is home to several prominent geological features, including the World’s End cliff, which drops 880 meters to the lowlands below, and the Baker’s Falls waterfall, which is situated on the Belihul Oya River. The park also contains several other waterfalls, including the Bridal Veil Falls and the Chimney Pool Falls.

Flora In Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is a unique and important ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include rolling grasslands, cloud forests, and high-altitude wetlands. Within this complex and varied terrain, a fascinating array of flora thrives, ranging from delicate wildflowers to towering trees.

One of the most striking features of the park’s flora is its endemic species. Many of the plants found in Horton Plains National Park are found nowhere else in the world, making them rare and highly valued. These endemic species have evolved over millions of years, adapting to the unique climate, soil conditions, and topography of the park.

Among the most iconic of the park’s endemic flora is the Horton Plains slender loris (Mandragora caudata), a small, nocturnal flowering plant that is often used in traditional medicine. The slender loris has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, and is believed to have a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Other endemic plant species found in the park include the rhododendron arboreum, a large, woody shrub with beautiful red flowers, and the meadow rue (Thalictrum species), a delicate herb with feathery leaves and tiny, star-shaped flowers.

In addition to these endemic species, Horton Plains National Park is home to a wide variety of other plants, including many that are unique to Sri Lanka. The park’s forests are dominated by species such as Sri Lankan oak (Schima wallichii) and Indian laurel (Terminalia arjuna), while the grasslands are home to a variety of grasses and wildflowers. One of the most striking of these is the giant buttercup (Ranunculus species), a large, yellow flower that grows up to 30 cm in diameter.

Despite the park’s protected status, many of the plants in Horton Plains National Park are threatened by human activities such as logging, grazing, and the collection of medicinal plants. In recent years, efforts have been made to conserve the park’s flora, through measures such as reforestation, the establishment of buffer zones around the park, and the enforcement of regulations against illegal activities. However, more work is needed to ensure that the park’s unique flora is preserved for future generations.

Visitors to Horton Plains National Park can experience the park’s flora in a variety of ways, from trekking through the forests to admiring the wildflowers from a distance. The park’s many walking trails offer opportunities to see a wide range of plant species, and guided tours can provide insights into the ecology and history of the park. Whether you are a botanist, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, Horton Plains National Park is a must-see destination that will leave you inspired and amazed.

Fauna In Horton Plains National Park Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a unique ecosystem that is home to a rich and diverse array of flora and fauna. The park, which spans over 3,169 hectares, is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers, with its rolling hills, misty forests, and stunning waterfalls. In this article, we will focus on the fauna found in Horton Plains National Park.

Mammals Horton Plains National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including some endemic species. The park’s most famous resident is the Sri Lankan sambar deer, which is the largest deer species found in Sri Lanka. Other mammals found in the park include the purple-faced langur, the endemic Sri Lankan leopard, wild boar, rusty-spotted cat, and Indian muntjac.

Birds Horton Plains National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 150 species of birds recorded in the park. The park’s most iconic bird species is the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, which is endemic to Sri Lanka and is found in the park’s streams and waterfalls. Other bird species found in the park include the Sri Lanka bush warbler, the Sri Lanka white-eye, the yellow-eared bulbul, the Sri Lanka junglefowl, and the grey-headed canary-flycatcher.

Reptiles The park is home to several species of reptiles, including the endemic Sri Lankan green pit viper, the hump-nosed lizard, and the rough-horned lizard. The park is also home to several species of snakes, including the Sri Lankan krait and the Sri Lankan wolf snake.

Amphibians Horton Plains National Park is home to several species of amphibians, including the endemic Sri Lankan reed frog, the golden-backed frog, and the Sri Lankan tree frog. The park is also home to several species of toads, including the common Indian toad and the Sri Lankan green toad.

Invertebrates The park is home to several species of invertebrates, including the endemic Horton Plains slender Loris, which is a nocturnal primate that is rarely seen by visitors. The park is also home to several species of butterflies, moths, and spiders.

Unique Features of Horton Plains National Park:

It is a protected area known for its stunning natural beauty and unique features, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the unique features of Horton Plains National Park that make it stand out:

World’s End One of the most popular attractions of Horton Plains National Park is the World’s End, which is a sheer cliff that drops 870 meters down to the valley below. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and is an ideal spot for nature lovers to enjoy the panoramic scenery. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Baker’s Falls Baker’s Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the park. It is named after Samuel Baker, a British explorer who discovered the waterfall in the 19th century. The falls are fed by the Belihul Oya River and are surrounded by lush green vegetation, making it a serene and peaceful place to relax.

Unique Flora and Fauna Horton Plains National Park is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including several species that are endemic to Sri Lanka. The park is known for its montane grasslands and cloud forests, which are rare habitats in the country. The park is also home to several rare species of birds, such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush and the Sri Lanka bush warbler.

The Three Iconic Mountains The park is home to three iconic mountains, namely Kirigalpoththa, Thotupola Kanda, and Totupola Mountain. Kirigalpoththa is the second-highest mountain in Sri Lanka and is a popular hiking spot. Thotupola Kanda is known for its stunning views and is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. Totupola Mountain is the third-highest mountain in Sri Lanka and is also a great place for hiking.

Horton Plains Plateau The Horton Plains Plateau is a unique landscape in the park, known for its rolling hills, grasslands, and misty valleys. The plateau is home to several small streams and is surrounded by forests and mountains. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

horton plains safari

Activities in Horton Plains National Park:

This unique park is known for its biodiversity, scenic beauty, and hiking trails. Visitors to Horton Plains National Park can enjoy a range of activities that offer a chance to explore the park’s natural wonders.

Hiking Trails Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Horton Plains National Park. The most popular hiking trail in the park is the World’s End Trail. This trail is approximately 9 km long and takes visitors through beautiful forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. The trail culminates at World’s End, a breathtaking cliff that drops off 880 meters. From World’s End, visitors can see stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Bird Watching Horton Plains National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species. Visitors to the park can spot several endemic bird species, including the Sri Lanka White-eye, Dull-blue Flycatcher, and Yellow-eared Bulbul. The park is also home to several migratory bird species, which can be seen during the winter months. Birdwatchers can explore the park’s trails and look out for the colorful bird species that call the park home.

Wildlife Safaris Horton Plains National Park is home to several wildlife species, including sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, and Sri Lankan leopard. Visitors can explore the park’s grasslands and forests on a wildlife safari. The best time for wildlife viewing is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active. Visitors can also book a guided safari tour to learn more about the park’s wildlife and their natural habitats.

Nature Photography Horton Plains National Park is a nature photographer’s paradise. The park’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and bird species provide a wealth of opportunities for photographers. Visitors can capture stunning images of the park’s forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. Wildlife photographers can capture images of the park’s diverse range of animal species, including the rare and elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Picnicking Horton Plains National Park offers several scenic spots that are perfect for picnicking. Visitors can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the park’s beautiful landscapes. Popular picnic spots in the park include Baker’s Falls and the Mini World’s End viewpoint. Visitors should be mindful of the park’s rules and regulations regarding littering and fire safety.

Horton Plains National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. The park’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and hiking trails offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, wildlife safaris, nature photography, or picnicking, Horton Plains National Park has something for everyone.

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Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park

Wildlife Park

September to April

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The Pearl of the Indian Ocean (Sri Lanka) is one of the best places in the world for Hiking and the Horton Plains is one of star hiking places in Sri Lanka! The park comprises the montane ecosystem of evergreen forest, grasslands, marshy lands, and the aquatic ecosystem. The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three main Sri Lankan rivers, the Kelani, Malweli, and Walawe.

The flavor of Horton Plains is most undiluted when accompanied by trekking; it is more accessible mainly because of the well-maintained paths. The plains are not only of scenic beauty but are also of conservation importance, containing most of the habitats of flora and fauna. The Horton Plains National Park is a 9 km looped track that leads you to the World’s End (the viewpoint). You will realize the name is well suited for the place when you reach the 2854 ft high precipice. The plains spread across 3169 hectares of the highest tablelands of the island.

While wandering on the plains of the National Park you will stumble across the beautiful Bakers Falls.

Arriving at daybreak when the sun rays slash through the mist there lays a very high chance of a deer grazing silently in the long grass. The very likely experience will leave you spellbound as Sambar Deer is the most commonly found animal at the plains. Additionally, 750 species of plants belonging to 20 families have been recorded from the park. The fauna of the region includes 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles, and 8 species of amphibians. UNESCO declared Horton Plains as a world heritage site on 30th July 2010.

Location: Nuwara Eliya

Nearest Airport: Colombo

How to reach: by air/road

Famous for: Trekking and Scenic Panorama

Best time to visit: November to March

WHAT TO SEE

Witness the rich flora

Horton Plains

Bird watching

Ecological importance of the plains:

Horton Plains National Park together with its surrounding forest and the adjoining peak wilderness constitute Sri Lanka’s most important watershed area of almost all major rivers.

The park is of conservational importance as it is the home for many floras and faunas. Horton plains are grossly underexplored which in turn brings immense invaluable opportunities to those engaged in educational and research activities.

horton plains safari

The original name of Horton plains was Maha Eliya Thenna translated as a Great open Plain. During the British period, the area was renamed after Robert Wilmot-Horton, the British governor of Ceylon. The Horton Plains also makes connections to the epic Ramayana. It is believed that the Thoupala mountain of the Horton plain is the spot where king Ravana landed his aircraft and where Hanuman set a fire that lasted for a very long time. In 1969 Horton Plains were declared to be a national reserve. In 1988 the status of the reserve was elevated to a National Park.

horton plains safari

Wildlife in Horton Plains:

All the montane habitat of Sri Lanka are found in Horton Plains. There is a pretty good chance of capturing a glance at the Sambar Deers as they travel in herds and are highest in number. There are also other animals in the park such as stripe necked mongoose, long-tailed giant squirrel, wild boar, bear monkey, and toque monkey.

There are a countless number of birds whom you will hear singing almost at all times. The happiest animals in the plains are the Sambar deers. Because of the deers, the population of leopards has also increased.

The round-eyed small faced Slender Lois had a disappearing act for 65 years which led researchers to believe that they had been extinct. But some researchers never lost hope and after more than a thousand night time surveys, the creatures were rediscovered in this Sri Lankan forest. Now Slender Lois is commonly found in the forests of Sri Lanka and India.

Nearby attractions:

Nuwara Eliya: Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of Sri Lanka. The city is one of the most exuberant places in Sri Lanka. Here you can spend time amidst rich greenery. Some of the places where you can enjoy a relaxing and stress-free time are Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Estate, Gregory Lake, and many more!

horton plains safari

Other attractions:

Horton Plains National Park is one of the few parks in Sri Lanka that offers visitors to walk on their designated circular paths. The main focus of the park is on the World’s End, but don’t underestimate the glee of the walk across the grassland plains. The path is pretty easy to clear.But if you are a trekking enthusiast then you have an option to take up a challenge of climbing on Mt Kirigalpotta and Mt Totapola.

Hiking and Bird watching

The best activity you can do in Horton Plains is Hike your way up to the peak. Breathe the enlightening air atop of Adam’s peak while the adventure’s highest moment blesses your soul. The 9 Km fun hike will unleash not only the beauty and mystery of Sri Lanka but also your wanderlust side.If you are a bird enthusiast then this place is a paradise for you. It is highly recommended to carry binoculars and cameras with you so you can spot the beautiful birds and show off their pictures to your family and friends.

Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Activity Level: Moderate

No. of days: 11

Best season: October - April

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Horton Plains

The famous Horton Plains is a nature reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. The highest plateau in the island, spanning approximately 10,000 hectares, is home to 24 species of mammal - such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard. The park also hosts unique vegetation and offers a perfect ground to observe many rare and endemic highland birds (87 species, 14 of which are endemic). An impressive physical feature in Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the "World’s End" , the precipice boasts a fabulous view of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline.

Horton Plains, or 'Mahaeliya' as it is traditionally named, is a popular weekend destination amongst locals. Therefore, we recommend to visit the park on a weekday when it is more peaceful.

Climate and Vegetation in Horton Plains National Park

The Horton Plains are located on Sri Lanka's highest plateau, between altitudes of 2,000 and 2, 300m. The landscape consists of undulating lands covered with tropical cloud of forests or verdant montane savannah grasslands, locally known as patannahs.

The best time to visit is early in the morning when the sky is the clearest and you can enjoy the best of the views. In the afternoons, clouds tend to descend and the area becomes submerged in mist. This is equally enthralling though and provides evidence for the evolution of this forest type. Allowing a half-day should give you plenty of time to enjoy it all at a leisurely pace.

History and Wildlife

Horton Plains were named after Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, a rather selfish and bloody-minded Brit who was singularly responsible for the slaying of all of the elephants in the area between 1831 to 1837. Although there is little hope of elephants ever returning, you may walk around admiring the many other interesting creatures around and about.

These highlands are home to one of Sri Lanka's least known mammals, the mouse-deer . For many years, it was believed that the mouse-deer found in Sri Lanka was the same species as in Southern India. In June 2005, Colin Groves a British taxonomist published a paper in a special supplement (No 12) of The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology whereby he distinguished three species of mouse-deer from Sri Lanka and India. The Indian mouse-deer (Moschiola indica) was split as a new species, and is considered now endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India. Also, the mouse-deer found in Sri Lanka was split into two new species: the white-spotted mouse-deer found (Moshiola meeminna) in the dry zone of Sri Lanka and the yellow-striped mouse-deer (Moschiola kathygre) found in the wet zone. Both species are endemic to Sri Lanka . Presently, this raised the number of endemic mammals found in Sri Lanka to eighteen species.

In his paper on mouse-deer from India and Sri Lanka, Colin Groves stated also that “a single skull from Sri Lanka's Hill Zone may prove to represent a fourth species”. The 'mountain mouse-deer' is evidently a very scarce animal. Most of the field staff in Horton Plains National Park had not seen one although they regularly encounter other nocturnal mammals including leopard .

In February 2008, a mountain mouse-deer was seen in quite exceptional circumstances by the wildlife populariser Gehan de Silva Wijerathne and Nadeera Weerasinghe, naturalist at St. Andrew's Hotel. With the permission from WLDC, it was temporally held captive for research and observation purposes and released back to the wild 2 days later.

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Hiking Horton’s Plain and Worlds End Sri Lanka

If you’re spending a few days in Nuwara Eliya, then it’s worth making the trip out to Horton’s Plains National Park and exploring World’s End Sri Lanka. We’ve spent time in Nuwara Eliya twice now and visited Horton’s Plains on our first trip to Sri Lanka.  Horton’s Plains National Park is about an hour by car from Nuwara Eliya and it is not particularly close to anywhere else, so you’ll need to stay here to visit.  Here’s our guide to visiting Worlds End Sri Lanka and to hiking Horton Plains National Park.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

There’s no public transport to get to World’s End, which is inside Horton Plains National Park, so you’ll need to arrange transport, either a tuk-tuk, a car, or a tour.  Your accommodation will be able to help, or you can book a tour to World’s End from Nuwara Eliya.

#1 Way to Visit

Worlds End Sri Lanka

Visit Horton’s Plain and Worlds End

Experience the dramatic landscapes on this door-to-door private guided tour of Horton Plains National Park and the vertiginous World’s End cliffs.

The World’s End & Hortons Plain Hike

The central highlands of Sri Lanka is a UNESCO-designated site for outstanding natural beauty.  You’ll find dramatic landscapes, untouched lands, and a sense of peace here.  There’s wildlife here – birds, monkeys, and sambar deer on an easy 9.5-kilometer (6 miles) hike that takes you from the entrance to the National Park to World’s End, and then back via Baker Falls to the entrance.

View from Worlds End Sri Lanka

How to Get to Horton Plains National Park

You’ll need transport from Nuwara Eliya, as there are no buses that go here.  So either check the PickMe app for a tuk-tuk or car, book a tour , or ask at your accommodation.  You’re going to want to leave early (before dawn), as the views are definitely best in the morning. It tends to get cloudy, misty, or fogged in later in the day.

Entrance Fees for Horton Plain’s National Park

You need to pay to enter Horton Plain’s National Park.  There’s a fee for each visitor and there’s also a fee to pay for any vehicle that you’re in to get into the park.  Back when we visited it was 2,500 LKR for a foreign visitor.  The van we were in cost 6,000 LKR (and we shared it between the four of us who were traveling).  You can check the current entrance fees for Horton’s Plains National Park with the Sri Lankan government here , but in 2023 it is priced at US$25 per foreign adult visitor plus other fees and charges.

Entrance to Horton Plains National Park

What it’s like to hike to Worlds End Sri Lanka

We’d arrived in Nuwara Eliya on our first visit a few days earlier, (on the glorious train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya ) it was our first stop in Hill Country. We were here to hike Horton’s Plain National Park see World’s End and take some tea. So we found ourselves in a minivan with a German couple.

A 5 a.m. start held the promise of a sunrise en route to the park, but the early morning fog put paid to that.

We could see Adam’s Peak in the distance (read our guide to hiking Adam’s Peak here ), and then the fog cleared for a glorious day.

Adams Peak from Horton Plains

We paid our entrance fees and herein lies the disappointment. The entrance for four foreigners to Horton’s Plains was 2,500 LKR each. Plus it cost us 1,500 LKR each for the minivan.  Today the cost is US$15, or whatever rate the Sri Lankan Government has decided.   It’s not as expensive as going on a Yala National Park Safari , even though that was actually really good value!

Whereas our hike to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak and our hike up to Adam’s Peak itself were all free, this hike and visit cost us 4,000 LKR each.  Don’t get me wrong the views are stunning, and the walk is easy and pleasant, but there’s not a huge amount more.

There are few animals to see here, we spotted sambar deer, but that’s about it.

Sambar Deer Hortons Plain

We hiked from the entrance to “mini-worlds end”, then to “World’s End”, then to the Bakers Fall waterfall, and back. It’s a circular route of around 9 kilometers that takes around 3 hours.

Bakers Falls Horton Plains National Park

Some of the route is through the trees, some along tracks that are well maintained, and others that are not.

Other parts of the route are on open grassland.

Little World’s End is a cliff that drops off for a view of the valley below.

Mini World's End Sri Lanka

World’s End is a bigger cliff (an 880 meter drop – 2887 feet) with a view of the valley and “as far as the ocean on a clear day”.

However.  It’s not a long hike and you’ll be back in Nuwara Eliya in time for a good cup of tea and lunch. If tea plantations are on your Sri Lanka bucket list (and they should be), then I’ve written more about visiting them here.

Key Tips on Hiking World’s End & Hortons Plain

If you’re thinking of visiting World’s End and hiking Horton’s Plain National Park in Sri Lanka, then here’s the key information that you’ll need to prepare for this Sri Lanka day hike.

How long does it take to hike World’s End & Hortons Plain?

It takes about 3-4 hours to hike the circular route, depending on how long you stop at the viewpoints and the waterfalls.  It’s about an hour to go from Nuwara Eliya to the National Park.

What should you wear to hike World’s End & Hortons Plain?

We hiked in t-shirts, with a fleece for the morning, until it warmed up.  I wore shorts and my regular Merrells.  I took sunglasses and a sunhat.

Do you need Hiking Poles to trek to World’s End & Hortons Plain?

No.  Going to Horton Plain’s National Park and hiking World’s End Sri Lanka is an easy circular hike on mostly well-made tracks.  There are very few – if any – inclines and downhill sections.  It’s all very flat.

What’s the trail like to World’s End & Hortons Plain?

The trail to World’s End Sri Lanka is well-made and reasonably well-maintained.  It’s not a difficult hike at all and taking 3 hours to do this hike is a leisurely day out.

Trail at Horton Plains

How hard is it to hike World’s End & Hortons Plain?

This is an easy hike, more of a walk really.  It’s a circular trail.  There are a few rolling hills, but nothing particularly difficult.

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Final Words on Visiting World’s End Sri Lanka

Horton’s Plain National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.  It’s located at an elevation of just over 2,100 meters ( 6,900 feet)  and you’ll find grasslands and cloud forests here.  The park was named after the British Governor of Ceylon, Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton.  The most famous part of the park is the World’s End cliffs, where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean.

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  • Visit The World’s End At Horton Plains National Park

18 May 2021

One of the most beautiful World Heritage Sites in the world is definitely the Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka. The park is spread over the two highest mountains in the area called Kirigalpotta and Totapola. The plateau-like structure along with plains on one end, thick forests and mountains on other make the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. You will find a number of waterfalls, lakes, rocky hills and views of the ocean in this part of the country. The forest is home to a number of wild animals and birds, however, most large animals remain elusive and unapproachable.

Horton Plains National Park Basic Info

Horton Plains National Park Basic Info

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Read on to know more about the Horton Plains Park, the only park in Sri Lanka where you can get out of your vehicle and take a walk in the wilderness, making hiking a star feature here.

Location: Sri Lanka Area: 31.6 Sq. Km. Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In December: 8 Remarkable Experiences You Cannot Miss

Horton Plains National Park Map

How to reach horton plains.

How To Reach Horton Plains

By Air: You can fly to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo from anywhere in the world.

By Road: The town of Nuwara Eliya usually serves as the point where most backpackers and travelers spend the night before starting early the next day to Horton Plains. The journey will take around two hours and is usually done in hired taxis or tuk-tuks. It is best to visit the park in a group of more than three people as the vehicle cost gets divided equally.

By Train: Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya is easily accessible from Haputale, Ella and Nanu Oya due to direct train services. There is a train station in the Ohiya village (10 KM away from the park entrance), another one is at Pattipola (highest railway station in Sri Lanka at around 6200 feet) on the way back to Nuwara Eliya from the park.

Suggested Read: The Definitive Guide To National Museum Of Colombo In Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance Board

There are a number of sites in this region which are free to access, however, the Horton Plains National Park entry fee is definitely on the costlier side if you are not from the country itself. Vehicle charges are levied separately (up to INR 500), which makes the park one of the most expensive places you can go to Sri Lanka.

Horton Plains National Park ticket price

Sri Lankan Nationals: INR 30 Foreigners: INR 1150

Best Time To Visit Horton Plains National Park

Best Time To Visit Horton Plains National Park

The best time to visit the park is the start of the year, especially from January to March. The Horton Plains National Park weather is quite cloudy and misty around the year, however, the beginning of the year has less precipitation which leads to better views. You would also come across lesser crowds. It is also best to start early for your journey to the park and reach the World’s End by nine in the morning to ensure a good view.

Suggested Read: 8 Best Homestays In Sri Lanka To Relax, Revive, And Rejuvenate At One’s Own Pace

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Things To Do In Horton Plains National Park

Wondering what to do in this beautiful paradise tucked away in Sri Lanka? We got you a list of the best activities in the park right here:

1. Wildlife Sighting

Wildlife Sighting

The national park is home to over 750 species of plants and around 150 animals. You can spot different types of ferns, orchids and lichens in the area. The forest is also home to Wild Boa, Purple Faced Langur, Sri Lanka Superfowl, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Red Slender Loris among other animals. However, the birds and smaller animals are easier to be spotted, so much so that the place is considered to be a heaven for bird watchers.

A number of endemic species, native to these forests like the rhino horn lizard, Stripe-necked mongoose and giant squirrels can easily be spotted on hikes around this park in Sri Lanka. You will also find a handful of deer which make for a good photo opportunity. The Sri Lankan leopard is another beauty that only a few claim to have spotted here.

Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Kandy For Couples That Assure Ultimate Fun In Sri Lanka!

2. World’s End: Go hiking

natural beauty

The star attraction of this national park is the World’s End, which is where the plateau of the park comes to a sudden end and has a deep plunge of over 800 meters. On clear days, you can see Adam’s Peak from the World’s End. In fact, these mountains turn into plains which goes up to the ocean, around eighty kilometers away, which can be seen lurking in the horizon. Again, it is best to arrive at the World’s End in the morning to see clearer views. The natural beauty of this point is simply extraordinary.

The hike up to World’s End is an easy one. The trail is circular so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Around 9 kilometres long trek will reveal to you the beauty of Sri Lankan highlands.

3. Baker’s Falls: Click pictures!

Baker’s Falls

A tributary of the river Belihuloya leads to these beautiful falls in the middle of the Horton Plains National Park. About 20 metres high, this frothy, misty collection of water makes for good pictures. The place is surrounded with plenty of flora crowding the basin.

Suggested Read: Kandy Shopping: 10 Best Places In The City That’ll Compel You To Stop And Shop!

4. Farr Inn: Enjoy a cup of coffee

Coffee

This beautiful hunting lodge is the gathering place for most people to start their trek from. It is right next to the parking where you leave your vehicle and proceed on foot for the remaining trek. Once upon a time, the place served as a lodge for decorated British Officials but today, it houses a beautiful cafe and visitor center. You can spot different pictures displayed here of the local flora and fauna. There is a small souvenir shop nextdoor as well, where you can browse books related to the park and its history.

Further Read: 6 Best Museums In Sri Lanka That’ll Walk You Through The Country’s Rich Historic Past

Intrigued? We bet you are! Plan a trip to Sri Lanka with your explorer buddies and head over to the Horton Plains National Park for a thrilling vacation! You’ll surely be surprised by the natural splendor and mysticism that this place carries.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Horton Plains National Park

Still confused? See these commonly asked questions to clear your doubts:

Is there any option for Horton Plains National Park camping?

There are three different sites for camping in the park, which is something many backpackers choose to do to stay close to nature. However, remember that unlike other parks you would have to carry all your luggage from the park entrance to the site, so travel light. Also, no plastic is allowed inside the camp, so please be mindful.

Are there trails to hike in the park?

Horton Plains National Park hiking is a famous affair. The trails around the park can be explored on your own or with a local guide. In fact, you will find no Horton Plains National Park safari here, which is why the park has stayed in all its natural glory even after so many years.

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View from World's End within the Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka.

©Shutterstock / PhilipYb Studio

Horton Plains National Park

Top choice in The Hill Country

Horton Plains is a beautiful, stark world with excellent hikes in the shadows of Sri Lanka’s second- and third-highest mountains, Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totapola (2357m). The ‘plains’ form an undulating plateau over 2000m high, covered by wild grasslands and interspersed with patches of thick forest, rocky outcrops, filigree waterfalls and misty lakes. The surprising diversity of the landscape is matched by the wide variety of wildlife , although many of the larger animals are very elusive. Birdwatchers will be well rewarded.

The plateau comes to a sudden end at World’s End , a stunning escarpment that plunges 880m.

Entrance fees for foreigners are now extremely steep. Get here for a 6am start when the paths are not too crowded with hikers.

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COMMENTS

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    Best Horton Plains National Park Safari Tours. Pick the perfect Safari tour package in Horton Plains National Park. There are 15 Horton Plains National Park safaris to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 21 days. The most popular month for these tours is April. Click here to see all African safari tours .

  2. Horton Plains National Park Safari

    This park consists of open grasslands interpenetrated with patches of umbrella-shaped montane forest patches. Slopes of Horton Plains national park comprises of the most extensive breathtaking montane cloud forests surviving in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's second and third highest mountains namely, mount Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totupolakanda ...

  3. Hill Safari Ohiya

    Distance from Ohiya station to Hill Safari : 4 kms. There are a few tuk tuks at the station. If you want me to arrange a tuk tuk then let us know of the time you hope to come to the Ohiya station. Tuk-Tuk Charges: (subject to variation) Ohiya Railway Station to Hill Safari LKR 1,200. Hill Safari to Horton Plains Car park and after the walk (3 ...

  4. Horton Plains National Park

    According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Horton Plains National Park: Horton Plains National Park Tour With Scenic Train Ride (From $79.34) SriLanka Country Side Tour (From $575.00) Hike to Horton Plains Border via Rail Tracks (From $157.95) Horton Plains Day Tour with Short Train Journey from Ella (From $220.00)

  5. Horton Plains National Park

    Sri Lanka's Highlands along with Horton Plains National Park, the Peak Wilderness Protected Area and the Knuckles Conservation Forest was declared a World Heritage site in 2006.It is accessible via Ginigathena (185.4 km) or via the A5 Road (228.5 km) which connects Peradeniya with Chenkalady in the east via Gampola & Nuuwara Eliya.

  6. HORTON PLAINS & WORLDS END SRI LANKA HIKE Guide

    2 day tour to a Tea factory in Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda falls, Horton Plains and more. Visit the scenic hill country, surrounded by the evergreen valleys and tea estates. Witness the beautiful Ramboda waterfall and Horton Plains National Park. Tuk-Tuk Safari Day Trip and Tea Fields Hike with Lunch from Ella. Drive through the Sir Lankan ...

  7. Horton Plains National Park

    Horton Plains National Park (Sinhala: හෝර්ටන් තැන්න ජාතික උද්‍යානය, romanized: Hortan Thanna Jathika Udyanaya) is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100-2,300 m (6,900-7,500 ft) and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest.

  8. Complete Guide on Horton Plains National Park

    Hortons Plains National Park is open every day: Monday to Sunday. The venue has a fixed daily schedule: from 6am to 6pm. It is possible to use the service of a guide from the NP (National Park) office for only 800 Rs. If you prefer a volunteer guide, remember to thank him with a donation after the visit.

  9. Horton Plains National Park Afternoon safari

    Situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park is a protected area which is covered by mysterious cloud forests +94 77 226 1530 [email protected]

  10. Horton Plains National Park: An Unforgettable Experience

    Wildlife Safaris Horton Plains National Park is home to several wildlife species, including sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, and Sri Lankan leopard. Visitors can explore the park's grasslands and forests on a wildlife safari. The best time for wildlife viewing is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active.

  11. Horton Plains National Park

    The Horton Plains National Park is a 9 km looped track that leads you to the World's End (the viewpoint). You will realize the name is well suited for the place when you reach the 2854 ft high precipice. The plains spread across 3169 hectares of the highest tablelands of the island. While wandering on the plains of the National Park you will ...

  12. Horton Plains National Park

    Horton Plains. The famous Horton Plains is a nature reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. The highest plateau in the island, spanning approximately 10,000 hectares, is home to 24 species of mammal - such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard. The park also hosts unique vegetation and offers a perfect ground ...

  13. Hiking Horton's Plain and Worlds End Sri Lanka

    The entrance for four foreigners to Horton's Plains was 2,500 LKR each. Plus it cost us 1,500 LKR each for the minivan. Today the cost is US$15, or whatever rate the Sri Lankan Government has decided. It's not as expensive as going on a Yala National Park Safari, even though that was actually really good value!

  14. The Handy Horton Plains National Park Guide For Trippers

    Horton Plains National Park Basic Info. Image Source. Read on to know more about the Horton Plains Park, the only park in Sri Lanka where you can get out of your vehicle and take a walk in the wilderness, making hiking a star feature here. Location: Sri Lanka. Area: 31.6 Sq. Km. Opening Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM.

  15. Horton Plains National Park

    Asia. Top choice in The Hill Country. Horton Plains is a beautiful, stark world with excellent hikes in the shadows of Sri Lanka's second- and third-highest mountains, Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totapola (2357m). The 'plains' form an undulating plateau over 2000m high, covered by wild grasslands and interspersed with patches of thick forest ...

  16. Horton Plains fullday safari Sri Lanka

    Horton Plains is an ecological resource where one can experience the wet zone of Sri Lanka in the face of ever-changing climatic conditions. Skip to content +94 77 226 1530 . [email protected]. Login; ... Safari in Sri Lanka Adventures by Earth Lanka Events.

  17. Visit Horton Plains And Nuwara Eliya From Ella

    Itinerary. Embark on an immersive 8-hour journey departing early morning from Ella to explore the enchanting landscapes and cultural gems of Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya. Scenic Drive: Enjoy a picturesque drive through verdant hills. Trek Worlds End Trail: Trek the 9.5-kilometer Worlds End trail to witness breathtaking views.

  18. Horton Plains Sri Laka

    Horton Plains National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, teeming with both aquatic life and wildlife. The serene environment it offers is so calm and soothing that it is a perfect retreat away from the harsh metropolitan area. Horton Plains national park is located at an altitude of 7500 feet above sea level.

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    These places are best for safaris in Moscow: Easy Russia Tour Guide; UTS GROUP #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD; 365AltaiMongolia; BASK TOUR; See more safaris in Moscow on Tripadvisor

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