The Horton Plains National Park is a beautiful, protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a mystical mix of cloud forests and mountain grasslands. Loosely resembling the African savannah, the plains are at an altitude of 2100m to 2300m. Once you enter, you’ll feel like you’re in another world, eerily covered in mist with a serene, peaceful sense of quietness. The park is rich in wildlife and is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. The plains are also the headwaters of 3 major Sri Lankan rivers, Kelani, Walave, and Mahawelli.
The Horton Plains offer a number of great hiking trails along two of Sri Lanka’s highest mountains; Kirigalpotta and Totapola. Wild grasslands, patches of thick forest, filigree waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and lakes rising and falling over 2000m high form the mesmerising plains. This plateau’s abrupt 880m drop is a stunning end to your experience and is known as ‘World’s End’. It is a sheer cliff that drops off into an 870-meter (2,854-foot) abyss, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trek to World’s End is a moderate hike of about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) each way and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail passes through beautiful forests and grasslands, and visitors may also encounter wildlife such as sambar deer and purple-faced langurs along the way.
Moreover, Kirigalpotta and Thotupola Kanda are two of the highest peaks in Sri Lanka, both located in the Horton Plains National Park. Kirigalpotta is the second-highest mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at an elevation of 2,388 meters (7,835 feet), whilst Thotupola Kanda is the third-highest, standing at 2,357 meters (7,733 feet). The trek is a challenging and strenuous hike and may take around 6-7 hours to complete. The trail takes visitors through dense forests, grasslands and rocky terrain, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Hikers may also come across a variety of wildlife such as barking deer, wild boars, and various species of birds.
Highlights
Spectacular views, immersed in nature.
Exhilarating hike in cool climes.
The chance to spot unique wildlife.
Includes
Water, your guide to and from and entrance fees.
Kid Friendly
Yes. Recommended for older children.
Difficulty and accessibility
Strenuous. This is categorized so because of extreme weather conditions as well as waterlogged paths and gravel-worn hiking trails.
Not advisable for travellers using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations.
Timings
A trek usually lasts for around 4 hours. The drive from Nuwara Eliya to the starting point usually takes about 45 minutes.
Things to keep in mind
Wear light, comfortable clothing. It is recommended that you bring a windbreaker or a raincoat as it often rains and layers such as a sweater or a jumper as it can get cold on the summit.
Sturdy walking shoes are recommended and it’s best if you wear trousers (that you don’t mind getting wet) and a sweater in the evenings and early mornings.
The clearest months to visit are January to March. The rest of the year is heavily foggy with very poor visibility. If it rains, you may come across leeches.
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