Horton Plains Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled within the enchanting Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park is a breathtaking destination that promises an unforgettable adventure. This stunning location is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rare wildlife, and mesmerizing natural beauty.
As you step into Horton Plains, you will be captivated by the vast expanse of rolling hills, verdant grasslands, and mist-covered mountains. The park is home to several iconic landmarks, including the famous World's End, a sheer cliff that offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. The sight of the clouds drifting below you as you stand on the edge of this precipice is truly awe-inspiring.
Exploring Horton Plains is a nature lover's dream come true. The park boasts an incredible variety of flora and fauna, with over 750 species of plants and numerous endemic and migratory bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive sambar deer, the playful purple-faced langur, and the colorful whistling thrush. If you're lucky, you may even spot the elusive leopard roaming through the wilderness.
One of the park's most popular attractions is the scenic hike to Baker's Falls, a cascading waterfall that plunges into a crystal-clear pool below. As you traverse through lush forests and moss-covered rocks, the sound of rushing water will guide you towards this natural wonder.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Horton Plains offers several designated trails that lead you through its stunning landscapes. The most famous trail is the 9-kilometer trek to World's End and back, which takes you through cloud forests, grasslands, and meandering streams. As you walk along the winding paths, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and serenity that can only be found in the heart of nature.
Nuwara Eliya
Horton Plains Attractions - What to See and Explore
Horton Plains offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Baker's Falls, Totapolakanda, Kirigalpotta, Kudahagala. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Horton Plains – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Horton Plains, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Temple of the Tooth (Kandy), Bopath Ella Falls (Ratnapura), Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya (Kataragama).
Best Time To Visit Horton Plains
Learn when is the best time to travel to Horton Plains weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Fishing cat
The fishing cat is a captivating medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia. Regrettably, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2016. These cats are frequently found near wetlands, rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, swamps, and mangroves.
Mammals
Sri Lankan elephant
The Sri Lankan elephant is a distinctive subspecies of the Asian elephant, endemic to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation.
Mammals
Wild Boar, Pig, Hog
Wild boars, also known as wild swine or wild pigs, are fascinating creatures found across many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Due to human activities, they have spread extensively, making them one of the most adaptable...
Mammals
Rusty-spotted cat
The rusty-spotted cat, one of the smallest members of the feline family, is native to India and Sri Lanka, with recent sightings in Nepal. Unfortunately, it is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Mammals
Toque Monkey
The toque macaque, an Old World monkey endemic to Sri Lanka, is locally referred to as the rilewa or rilawa. This species is classified into three subspecies: *Macaca sinica sinica*, *Macaca sinica aurifrons*, and *Macaca sinica opisthomelas*, each indigenous...
Mammals
Nuwara Eliya