Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka

Horton Plains

The area now known as the Horton Plains has been a protected area since 1873 when on the advice of the botanist Sir Joseph Hooker; it was decided to prohibit the clearing and felling of all forest above 5000 feet. It was finally upgraded to national park status in March 1988 having previously been designated a reserve. The local name for the place was Mahaelilya, but was rechristened Horton Plains in recognition of a previous governor of the island, Sir Robert Horton who travelled to the area to meet local dignitaries during his governorship.

Lying approximately 30 kilometres south of Nuwara Eliya the area offers visitors the opportunity to take a gentle trek around a circuit of this undulating highland plateau and experience some of the natural wonder. The trail from the visitor centre is clearly marked and visitors are expected to stay on the approved route, which enables walkers to see such spectacles as gushing Bakers Falls with its thunderous flow of water and Worlds End where the plateau literally ends in a sudden and spectacular 884 metre drop to the valley below.

If you intend visiting Horton Plains and taking the trail you will need comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water. Allow a morning for a leisurely trek and start as early as possible for the best chance of experiencing a clear view from Worlds End - the mist rolls in suddenly as the day warms up. December to January is the sunniest time to visit whilst the driest period is from January to March; expect a shower the rest of the year so it is advisable to arrive prepared.

Elephant disappeared from the area in the middle of the last century, but there are still herds of Sambar which are often seen at dusk and early morning. Leopards are common, but elusive to the visitor - other mammals include the long-clawed shrew, fishing cats, the striped necked mongoose and wild boar.

The sound of the bear monkey frolicking and playing in the trees provides a noisy background to this otherwise peaceful and tranquil place.

Please note you will need to telephone us and speak to a member of the team to reserve accommodation in Nuwara Eliya

Additional Nuwara Eliya information

• The 'Up Country'
• A brief history
• Elephants never forget
• Tea
• Nuwara Eliya to Colombo or Kandy by train