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Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site expanded over 316 square kilometres. The park houses the Sri Lankan leopard, sambar deer, birds, butterflies, cloud forests, shrublands, grasslands, and endemic plant species. Visitors can enjoy trekking trails, watching birds, and photographing. The most popular route involves a circuitous trail to World’s End and Baker’s Falls. The park has some cultural value for the local communities, and to some of them, it is a sacred location. Therefore, it is a must-visit place for people who love nature or thirst for adventure.
Location
Photo: Madhawa Mihiran / Wikimedia Commons
Horton Plains National Park is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is a plateau-like area of outstanding natural beauty, lush grasslands, cloud forests, and dramatic cliffs. It is, therefore, a destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike, with altitudes ranging between 2,100 to 2,300 metres above mean sea level.
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How To Reach
Photo: Saqib Qayyum / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) is the leading international gateway to Sri Lanka. From the airport, tourists need to travel by road to Nuwara Eliya.
By Rail: One can travel from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Nuwara Eliya. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours and offers scenic views of the hill country.
By Bus: A bus ride from Colombo’s main bus stations (like Pettah Bus Station) to Nuwara Eliyab takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Places To Visit In And Around Horton Plains National Park
1. World’s End
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
World’s End is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the national park. It lies at the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 2,100 metres above sea level. This view spreads an expansive scene over the lowlands and valleys of the surrounding area—panoramic views of rolling hills, dense forests, and plains stretching up to the horizon. The landscape comprises rolling grasslands, thick forests, and moorlands that all blend to enhance the visual beauty of World’s End.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
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2. Baker’s Fall
Photo: A-wiki-guest-user / Wikimedia Commons
Baker’s Falls is located within a protected area. It is one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Horton Plains National Park. The waterfalls lie around 6 km from the main entrance to the park at Ohiya. Flowing over rugged rock features, graceful multi-tiered waterfalls cascade down the scene of wild beauty and tranquillity. The beauty is surrounded by lush greenery, not to mention cloud forests and moss-covered rocks. There are well-trodden access treks from the park through Horton Plains to Baker’s Falls.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
3. The Circular Trek
Photo: Sallyjaya / Wikimedia Commons
The National Park circular trek is a popular and scenic hiking route, displaying varied landscapes and some of the essential features. The difficulty level of the trek falls into the medium-difficult category. The main attractions are World’s End, Baker’s Falls, Cloud Forest, grasslands, and moorlands. It commences at the park entrance near Ohiya or Patana and follows a well-marked route. The course includes flat grasslands, gentle slopes, and forested areas, which may contain mud and unevenness. A nature enthusiast or hiker can’t miss the opportunity to conquer this circuit when visiting the park.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
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4. The Seetha Amman Temple
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
Seetha Amman Temple is an important Hindu shrine in Sri Lanka. It is bound with the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. The temple lies in Seetha Eliya, around 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, Midigama, and it is considered the place where Goddess Sita was kept in captivity by Ravana. The temple features typical South Indian Hindu architectural elements with colourful carvings of deities, frescoes, intricate sculptures, and sacred sites like the Sita Bathing Pool and holy groves. Different Hindu festivals are celebrated here, such as Ram Navami and Diwali.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
5. Ravana Falls
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Ravana Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, and it is named after the famous King Ravana of the Ramayana epic. The waterfall has an impressive width and shape, seasonal variations, and serene surroundings. It flows from an oval-shaped concave outcrop of rock, resembling an areca flower with withering petals during the wet season and turning significantly thin during the dry season. The Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary offers a beautiful setting for photography and a refreshing swim at the waterfalls.
Timings: 24*7
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Where To Stay
Photo: Nik Lanús / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Although the park has no accommodation facilities, surrounding towns offer several accommodations, mainly in Nuwara Eliya and Ohiya. Nuwara Eliya offers accommodation at the Grand Hotel, The Hill Club, Heritage Tea Factory, and Jetwing St. Andrew’s. About 10 km away lies the small town of Ohiya, offering basic accommodation. It’s about 45 km from Ella, a beauty-adorned city with scenic beauty and accommodations available, such as 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella Jungle Resort, and The Secret Ella.
Where To Eat
Photo: Janice99999999999 / Wikimedia Commons
The eating options are limited within the park itself. However, near the park, the towns of Nuwara Eliya and Ella have plenty of dining options, like the Grand Hotel, Hotel Suisse, The Tea Lounge at Heritance Tea, The Chill Café, Carbon The Nine Arches Restaurant, Roti Hut, and many more options that serve delicious Sri Lankan snacks. Near the park entrance, a small café serves easy snacks, drinks, and light food.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo: A-wiki-guest-user / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Horton Plains National Park is early morning from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM during the dry season, December to March, when the weather is clear and people hiking is minimal. Moreover, visiting this site early in the morning will give a better view of various land-market sites. Therefore, early morning visits are preferred at the park.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The total trip cost for Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka is around LKR 1,500 / ₹420 for Sri Lankan nationals and LKR 3,000 / ₹840 for foreign tourists. This includes the entry fee to the park, transportation from Nuwara Eliya, accommodation in budget hotels, and basic rest houses. Food and beverage costs vary depending on the meals and snacks available. A guide is extra and optional, around LKR 2,000 / ₹560 onwards.
Tips For Travellers
- Plan your visit early, arrive before 6:00 AM, and visit during the dry season from December to March.
- Prepare for the weather by wearing layers, rain gear, hiking boots, and a backpack with essentials.
- Pay the entry fees at the park gate, hire a guide, respect the environment, and stay on trails.
- Pack snacks and lunch for a full day, as the park has no restaurants or food stalls.
- Respect wildlife, avoid feeding them, and bring a camera with extra batteries and memory cards for photography at Horton Plains National Park.
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Horton Plains National Park is a masterpiece painted by nature, where every corner reveals a new shade of wonder. From the misty grasslands to the dramatic cliffs, the park offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. Witnessing the sunrise at World’s End is a moment etched in memory forever. Plan a trip with TripXL to handle the logistics, ensuring your journey is as seamless as the park’s beauty.
Cover Photo: Ishan Kahapola Arachchi / Unsplash
