Horton Plains: A magical place in the clouds
Visiting Horton Plains
If you plan on visiting Sri Lanka, make sure you put Horton Plains in your schedule. This unusual place is not to be missed. I have personally been here 5 times and always look forward to going back. One can never get tired of its exotic breathtaking scenery.
Adam’s Peak in the distant at sunrise
Getting There
It’s just an hour and-a-half drive from Nuwara Eliya and the views to the plateau are well worth it at sunrise! Your hotel can arrange this for you. You can also take the train to Ohiya and get a ride from there.
Entrance Fees
Starting at around US$24 (2014 rates), you can hire a car and driver to take you up there and back. The entrance is US$15 per adult.
Why Go
As soon as you reach the plateau heading up from Nuwara Eliya which is about a 1.5 hours drive, one can see breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. The exotic landscapes will make you feel like you have just stepped onto an uninhabited planet. At this forest in the clouds there are around 188 plant species, of which 63 are native to Sri Lanka, 57 tree species, 101 plant-flowering species, 64 bird species, and 19 mammal species. The friendly “welcome deer” will greet your arrival.
The “Welcome Deer”
Exotic plants
Exotic Flowers by the Reflecting Pond at Horton Plains
When to Go
You must start the World’s End, Baker’s Fall’s Loop Trail by 8am or you risk getting stuck in the fog and not being able to see the spectacular views. The entire loop takes about 4 hours with lots of rest stops. The trail is well paved and well-marked in some places, but in others, it is possible to get lost and the erosion can twist an ankle if you are not careful. Make sure you bring water, snacks, warm clothes, and hiking boots. The annual mean temperature is 13C and the driest months are usually November, December, January, February, and March. During this time, there is also frost at night. The annual mean rainfall is over 2,000mm so be prepared for sudden rain too. This is also the only national park in Sri Lanka where you are allowed to walk around on your own. Why not take advantage of this and enjoy the scenery at your own pace?
Trekking down some slippery terrain
“Big World’s End” from a higher point
Trail to Baker’s Falls
Baker’s Falls
A Word of Caution
You must start the World’s End, Baker’s Fall’s Loop Trail by 8am or you risk getting stuck in the fog. The entire loop takes about 4 hours. The trail is well paved and well-marked in some places, but in others, it is possible to get lost and the erosion can twist an ankle if you are not careful. Make sure you bring water, snacks, warm clothes, and hiking boots. This is also the only national park in Sri Lanka where you are allowed to walk around on your own along the trail.
