The Horton Plains are one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful tourist attractions. This national park known to many as the Horton Plains National Park or Maha Eliya National Park is found in the central highlands at an altitude of 2,000 metres.
Named after the wife of the then Ceylon Governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, Lady Anne Horton, the Horton Plains has always been majestic to the eyes.
Surrounded by the cool climate and mild breeze, the Horton Plains is considered one of the paradise island’s most beautiful and untarnished green spaces. With temperatures reaching around 16 Celsius, the cool plains have the right amounts of perfection to enjoy an embarkation into the discovery of some of Sri Lanka most loved attractions such as World’s End. Spanning nearly 31 square metres, the park is made up of many geographical formations such as wet grasslands and tousles of highland forestry.
philautus femoralisHorton Plains can be accessed in a number of ways, one being through a small town called Ohiya when coming from Nuwara Eliya, and for the likes of hikers, they are able to gain entry into the park through a trail from the town of Belihul Oya. The hiker’s trail is one that leads them all the way to World’s End, which is the park’s central attraction that brings forth many a visitor each year.
World’s End offers visitors with a great vantage point of its surroundings at the heights of 1,050 meters. When returning from this precipice, make sure to take the scenic route alongside Baker’s Falls. However, it is advised for hikers to embark their journey early in the morning, before the mist sets in, to take in the views all around.
Horton Plains wildlife
With many rare species of animals residing with Horton Plains, such as the native Slender Loris which are said to become extinct, there is much to see all around. Take a peak at the Leopards, Sambar Deers and go bird watching as you hike or safari on the greens of Horton Plains. Some of the birds that nature enthusiasts will be lucky enough to see are the endemic home to the highlands of Sri Lanka such as the White Eye, Wood Pigeon, Bush Warbler and the Dull Blue Flycatcher. A dawn start is advisable as the clouds often roll in by mid day morning.
Horton Plains is home to so much beauty that cannot be described with mere words, and one must truly visit this beautiful mass of greenery when in Sri Lanka. Travel all around the central highlands and enjoy what nature has gifted mankind and be awed by all its glory. Visit Central region, and find out more information about this paradise land’s glorious attractions and places of visit.