Horton Plains National Park
Sri Lanka · Central Province · 2136 m
Description
Horton Plains (හෝර්ටන් තැන්න) is a highland landscape of wet montane grasslands and misty forests in Sri Lanka’s central highlands and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plateau is known for World’s End, a dramatic escarpment rising around 870 metres above the lowlands, as well as the scenic Baker’s Falls. A popular hiking trail leads through open grasslands and dense forest, with sambar deer often seen across the plateau. Numerous endemic plants and animals contribute to the area’s exceptional biodiversity. Horton Plains also forms an important source region for several rivers. Kirigalpotta, Sri Lanka’s second-highest mountain, rises from the surrounding highlands.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: January – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- World’s End escarpment
- Baker’s Falls
- Mini World’s End
- Horton Plains circuit walk
- Sunrise start before the cloud
- Sambar deer on the grassland
- Cloud forest and endemic birds
- Kirigalpotta summit trail
- Thotupola Kanda
- Chimney Pool
- Slab Rock Falls
- Ohiya station and the hill line
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Ohiya, Pattipola