Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park (හෝර්ටන් තැන්න) is a high plateau of montane grassland and cloud forest in the southern part of Sri Lanka's central highlands, lying above 2,000 metres. It is part of the Central Highlands World Heritage property and one of the most important catchment areas of the island's rivers.

The park is best known for World's End, where the plateau ends in a sheer escarpment dropping about 870 metres towards the lowlands. On clear mornings the view stretches across tea country to the distant south coast, but clouds usually roll in by late morning. A circular walk of about nine kilometres leads across open grassland and through stunted forest to World's End, Mini World's End and Baker's Falls. Show more

Sambar deer graze on the grasslands, and the forests are home to endemic birds, the purple faced langur and other highland species, while leopards live here but are rarely seen. Sri Lanka's second highest mountain, Kirigalpotta, and the peak of Thotupola Kanda rise from the plateau. The cool, often windy climate and the frost that can form on clear nights make the park feel very different from the rest of the island.

Horton Plains is reached by road from Nuwara Eliya or from Ohiya station on the hill country railway. An early start is best for views. Plastic is restricted, visitors must stay on the marked trail, and the driest months are January to March.