Top Things to Do in Horton Plains, Nuwara Eliya: A Complete Travel Guide

Known as the “Maha Eliya Tenne” or Great Open Plain in early Sri Lankan history, the scenic Horton Plains National Park in Nuwara Eliya was opened in 1988. It was recognised as a Nature Heritage site by UNESCO in 2010. Known for its endemic species of flora and fauna, the park is full of beautiful forests and waterfalls. The most famous attraction in Horton Plains is World’s End, Sri Lanka. Here is a guide to exploring the area:

Horton Plains is located in the Nuwara Eliya district and is 2100 metres above sea level and spans 32 square kilometres. This windy, mist-covered plain consists of upper montane rainforests, grasslands or ‘Patanas’ and cloud forests in Sri Lanka. The average temperature is around 130c, although on warm days it can rise to 270 c. There are two routes to the plains, off the Ambewela-Pattipola road from Nuwara Eliya (30 km) or from the Ohiya Railway Station (6 km).

Begin your visit early – the park opens at 6 am. A Visitor’s Centre has information on the plains and books for sale. There is a strict policy of ‘no plastics’ and visitors are requested to bring back any empty plastic water bottles.

Less than a kilometre on, there is a junction, with the left trail leading to the World’s End escarpments. The path loops back past ‘Chimney pool’ to the right side trail, leading back to the junction. A fairly steep climb down after Big World’s end will lead you to Baker’s Falls, named after Samuel Baker, a colonial explorer and big time hunter. This beautiful waterfall is not just impressive, but is easily accessible within the plains. The picturesque surroundings make the visit worthwhile.

The trail is well signposted with information on Sri Lankan flora and fauna, insects and fish found in the plains. The rhododendron with its gorgeous red flowers is the dominant tree among more than 150 plant species, which include the giant tree fern, dwarf bamboo, and the endemic flowering Strobilanthes (Nelu).

You can also catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. There are 24 mammals, the largest being the Sambar deer, leopard, wild boar and the purple-faced Langur. Elephants too once roamed the plains but were hunted to extinction. 21 endemic bird species, as well as over 10 migratory species, can be found. It is difficult to spot most animals during the day but keep a lookout for the deer that can be spotted close to the entry.

The headwaters of three of Sri Lanka’s biggest rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani and the Walawe begin here and the country’s second and third-highest peaks, Kirigalpotta and Thotupola Kanda rise from the plains.

The Mini world’s end trek is about two kilometres, and offers a view of the ravine. However, it can be disappointing, especially if the mist is up. You’ll need to do a world’s end hike to reach Big World’s End. It is at a higher elevation and is more awe-inspiring, as the plain ends with an almost vertical drop of 900 metres. If you arrive before the mist and the haze form, you can enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, with an unimpeded view to the distant southern coast and the shimmering blue of the Indian Ocean. This nine kilometre trek will take about three hours, but it’s one of the best things to do in Horton Plains, Sri Lanka.

If you have more time, attempt the ascent of Thotupola Kanda, Sri Lanka’s third-highest peak. The one-kilometre hike and the climb to the summit will take about an hour. A bird’s eye view of the plain can be seen from here.

For visitors to the Horton Plains, hotels are not difficult to find. There are many five-star establishments in Nuwara Eliya, as well as comfortable villas such as The Cottage by Jetwing and Jetwing Uva Ben Head Villa , where you can unwind in colonial-style comfort.

Travelling to the Horton Plains is an unforgettable experience. It’s an area of great biodiversity, is hugely important to the ecosystem – and full of incredible wild beauty!