Horton Plains

A patchwork quilt of tropical cloud forests and open grasslands, Horton Plains is unique among Sri Lanka’s nation parks. It is in the central hill country, on a high plateau some 2-3000 meters above sea level and encompasses two of the islands three highest peaks.

The park is an extraordinarily rich resource of plant life. The unusual conditions, to which plant (and animal) species have adapted, has meant almost 50% of the plant life here is endemic. The strong winds, mist and heavy rain conspire to leave the trees with twisted limbs and gnarled trunks, permanently dwarfed at heights of under 10 meters. Unusual and delicately coloured blossoms can be found throughout. These plants and trees leave a mysterious, magical, almost otherworldly impression on the visitor.

Large herds of sambur graze on the open grasslands and the elusive leopard is present but rarely seen by visitors. The purple faced langur, jet black giant squirrels, barking deer, fishing cats and wild boar all call the park home. Unfortunately English hunters wiped out the up-country elephant population through hunting in the 19th century. One of these hunters gave his name to a pretty waterfall in the park: Bakers Falls. The birdlife, as is usual in Sri Lanka, is impressive and for birders a stop here is essential.

A 10km trail runs through the park which takes in a swim at Bakers Falls, as well the two major attractions; the viewpoints at World’s End and Little World’s End. Here the plateau drops away almost a 1000 meters to the plains below. Locals regard these escarpments as the finest in the country, looking out over the southern plains to the sea, 60km away. The best time to visit the park is in the early morning, as the mist tends to descend later.

Visitors usually access Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya or Haputale. Neither is easy and an early start is a must. St Andrews Hotel in Nuwara Eliya will arrange excellent tours with naturalists. You may prefer to visit from the peaceful serenity of a tea estate such as Kelbourne Bungalows or Thotalangala , Thomas Lipton’s former home, both near Haputale.

It is also possible to camp here with the Mahoora Luxury and Mahoora Standardcamps.