Trails of Horton Plains Sri Lanka
Horton Plains is a national park located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is situated approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of Nuwara Eliya town and covers an area of approximately 3,160 hectares (7,809 acres). The park is known for its scenic beauty, unique biodiversity, and a number of endemic species.
The park features several popular attractions, including World's End, a sheer cliff with a drop of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), Baker's Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and the famous Horton Plains trek, a 9.5-kilometer (6-mile) trek that takes visitors through grasslands, cloud forests, and a variety of other landscapes.
Horton Plains is also home to a number of endemic species, including the Sri Lankan sambar deer, the purple-faced langur, and the Sri Lankan leopard. The park is also home to a variety of birds, including the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Sri Lanka bush warbler, and Sri Lanka white-eye.
Due to its unique biodiversity and scenic beauty, Horton Plains has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.
Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination in Sri Lanka for hiking and nature exploration. Here are some of the popular trails in the area:
- World's End Trail
This is the most popular trail in the park and takes visitors to the World's End viewpoint. The trail is around 4 km long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including deep valleys and cascading waterfalls.
- Baker's Falls Trail
This trail takes visitors to the Baker's Falls, a beautiful waterfall in the park. The trail is around 3 km long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can see many different types of flora and fauna, including the Sri Lankan sambar deer and the purple-faced langur.
- Mini World's End Trail
This trail is a shorter and less crowded alternative to the World's End Trail. It takes visitors to a smaller viewpoint that offers similar views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is around 1.5 km long and takes about 1 hour to complete.
- Kirigalpoththa Trail
This is a challenging and longer trail that takes visitors to the summit of Kirigalpoththa, the second-highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The trail is around 7 km long and takes about 6-7 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can see many different types of flora and fauna, including the Sri Lankan leopard and the rhododendron tree.
It is important to note that visitors are required to obtain a permit and be accompanied by a licensed guide when exploring the park. This is to ensure the protection of the fragile ecosystem and to minimize the impact of human activity on the park.
Please visit
Department of Wildlife Conservation