Why Visit Horton Plains National Park?
Experience Travel Group
ABTA, ATOL, and B Cert Logos
Experience Travel Group Start Planning
Call Explore
Experience Travel Group
Explore 020 7924 7133 Start Planning
Why Visit Horton Plains National Park?
ABTA, ATOL, and B Cert Logos

Why Visit Horton Plains National Park?

Lying 32 km south of Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park, along with the adjoining Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, constitutes Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area of almost all major rivers. The Plains are also of outstanding natural scenic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the country’s wet and montane zones, with the western slopes supporting the most extensive area of montane cloud forest surviving in the country today.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Discover more in our guide to Sri Lanka.

The park, upgraded to national park status on March 1988, comprises a gently undulating highland plateau at the southern end of the country’s central mountain massif. Dominating the area to the north is Mount Totupolakanda (2,357m) and to the west, Mount Kirigalpotta (2,389m), both just falling short of Sri Lanka’s largest peak, Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak). Two escarpments falling from the Horton Plains have contributed significantly to its awe-inspiring features, the ‘Small World's End’, dropping by 274 metres, and the ‘Big World's End’, dropping by a rather larger 884 metres. The altitude of the park ranges from around 1,800m to 2,389m.

Traditionally known as ‘Mahaelilya’, the area was renamed as ‘Horton Plains’ after Sir Robert Horton, a former British Governor who travelled to the area to meet the Ratemahatmaya of Sabaragamuwa Province in 1836. Stone tools dating back to the Balangoda culture of prehistoric times have been found within the park boundaries, but no other cultural relics have yet been discovered.

Well recognised for its rich biodiversity, Horton Plains’ flora has a high level of endemism, with 5% of the species thought to be endemic. The plateau, at 2,100m, supports grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense montane cloud forest. The forest canopy grows to around 20 m and is dominated by the endemic Keena. The tree fern maha meewana dots the forest openings, whilst binara and nelu are endemic and exhibit beautiful flowers. ‘Patanas’ or plains vegetation occurs above 1,500m asl and a rich herbaceous flora flourishes in these areas with numerous species of both temperate and tropical origin.

With regards to fauna, elephants disappeared from the region almost a century ago. Sambar deer are a common sight at dusk and in the early morning hours, whilst other mammals occurring in reasonable numbers include the endemic Kelaart’s long-clawed shrew, slender loris, toque macaque, purple-faced langur, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, leopard, wild boar and barking deer.

Twelve endemic bird species can be found in the park, such as the Sri Lankan blue magpie, the dull-blue fly-catcher, the white-eye and the wood pigeon. Not only great for bird watching, but it's also a haven for butterfly enthusiasts too.

A 10 km trail runs through the park, which takes in a swim at Baker’s Falls and the two main attractions of 'Big' and 'Little' World's End. Locals regard these escarpments as the finest in the country, looking over the southern plains to the sea 60km away.

Horton Plains is best visited in the early morning, so aim to get to the gate for around 5am for the trek up to the Big World's End. Going later in the day will increase the chances of your view being swallowed by cloud. The park is reachable from bases in Nuwara Eliya, Belihul Oya, Koslanda and Haputale. Talk to our consultants today to help plan your holiday.

Please read our guide for comprehensive information on Sri Lanka.

 

Selected Wildlife Holiday Ideas:

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.

Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

Sri Lanka's Big Mammals

Calling wildlife enthusiasts. Travel off-the-beaten-track with expert guides in search of elephants, leopards, whales and far more.

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.


~
Not sure what you’re looking for?
Let us inspire you
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

Start Planning

Call us 020 7924 7133

Call us 1-888-577-8452



Experience Travel Group
More Sri Lanka
Holiday Inspiration
  • Classic Holidays
  • Family Holidays
  • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
  • Luxury Holidays
  • Slow Holidays
  • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
  • Off the Beaten Track Holidays
Guide to
Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka Guide
  • Weather & When to go
  • Hotel inspiration
  • Experiences inspiration
  • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
Places in
Sri Lanka
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The South Coast
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • National Parks
    • Overview
    • Bundala National Park
    • Flood Plains National Park
    • Gal Oya National Park
    • Horton Plains National Park
    • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
    • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
    • Lahugala National Park
    • Lunugamvehera National Park
    • Maduru Oya National Park
    • Minneriya National Park
    • Somawathiya National Park
    • The Knuckles Range
    • The Sinharaja Rainforest
    • Udawalawe National Park
    • Wasgamuwa National Park
    • Wilpattu National Park
    • Yala National Park
ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.
Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration...

How it works
  • Get in touch
  • Booking with confidence
  • How much does it cost?
  • Financial protection
  • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
  • Working with in-country partners
  • My Online Account
  • Come and see us
  • Request a Brochure
About Us
  • Why choose ETG?
  • Our Story
  • Meet the Team
  • Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • In the Press
  • Our Offices
  • Jobs
Information
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
Sustainability
  • Travel Better
  • Give Back Experiences
  • Partnerships
  • Carbon Roadmap
  • B Corp Certified
  • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel Group Ltd
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Website Terms of Use | Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy

  • Sri Lanka
  • India
  • Maldives
  • Nepal
  • Bhutan
  • Oman
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • Indonesia
  • Borneo
  • Multi-country

Explore
  • Use our Smart Search
Get in Touch
Sri Lanka Holidays
  • Classic Holidays
  • Family Holidays
  • Sri Lanka & the Maldives Holidays
  • Luxury holidays
  • Slow Holidays
  • Nature & Wildlife holidays
  • Off the beaten track holidays
Guide to Sri Lanka
Curious Traveller's
Guide to Sri Lanka
Get Your Copy
Inspiration
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
  • Weather & when to go
  • ETG newsletter: inbox inspiration
  • Unique hotels in Sri Lanka
  • Unique experiences in Sri Lanka
  • Travel gems in the ETG blog
Jungle River Safari in South Asia
"The possible's slow fuse is
lit by the imagination"
Inspire Me
About Us
  • Our Story
  • Why Choose ETG?
  • The Important Bits
  • Meet the Team
  • Sustainability
  • Come and see us
  • Make an Enquiry
Get the Newsletter
  • Destinations
    • Bhutan
    • Borneo
    • Cambodia
    • India
    • Indonesia
    • Laos
    • The Maldives
    • Myanmar
    • Nepal
    • Oman
    • Sri Lanka
    • Thailand
    • Vietnam
    • Multi-country
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Give Back Experiences
    • Partnerships
    • B Corp Certified
  • Come and see us
  • My Online Account
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog