A cold, breezy, refreshing paradise in the hill country of breathtaking Sri Lanka, Horton Plains is generally regarded as the windiest place in the island, as it is located at an altitude of 2,100m above sea level, also making it the highest tableland. The great plains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka were discovered by the planter Thomas Farr in the early 19th century. In 1834, it was named Horton Plains in honor of then Governor of Ceylon (1831-1837) Sir Robert Wilmot Horton. In 1969, Horton Plains was declared a nature reserve. In 1988, it was elevated to the status of a National Park. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being home to many endemic fauna and flora, in July 2010.
Horton Plains has got something to offer for everyone,with its picturesque backdrops, crisp and clean air, plethora of animals to marvel at, colourful flowers, cascading waterfalls, and a hike that will spark up the adrenaline rush in you. Ticking all the boxes, Horton Plains is certainly among the top attractions of Sri Lanka.
Ecological Importance:
Considering that Horton Plains consists of multiple ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands, and an aquatic ecosystem, it comes as no surprise that this place is a miracle of nature. The main land, surroundings and the adjoining Peak Wilderness is where the most important catchment of major rivers take place. The plains are home to endemic plants and animals that should be protected at all costs, so be mindful when you trek along these scenic routes. The western slopes support the most extensive area of Montane cloud forest surviving in the island. The rich biodiversity of Horton Plains remains largely unexplored, and its forests are mainly virgin land, despite how many people visit the National Park annually.
Terrain and Climate at Horton Plains:
The Climate of Horton Plains is that of a wet Montane forest, and has a relatively low humidity level of 65%. Horton Plains records over 5000 mm of rainfall annually. During the dry season, the temperature drops to around 5⁰c during the day, with cases of overnight frost sometimes.
The gently rolling plateau of Horton Plains at the southern end of the central Montane massif of Sri Lanka is interspersed with streams and channels. The land is also the source of three major rivers of Sri Lanka: Rivers Mahaweli, Walave and Kelani. Still more, Horton Plains is bounded by the country’s second and third highest mountain peaks of Sri Lanka: Mount Kirigalpotta Kanda (2389 m) and Mount Thotupola Kanda (2357 m). The escarpment with a depth of 900m named “World’s End” offering stunningly dangerous views and the mesmerizing Baker’s Falls are some of the highlights of the Horton Plains.
Visit during the months of November to March to experience nature at its finest at Horton Plains.
Trekking:
Horton Plains is spread over the southern ridge of the central highlands in between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, and there’s one entrance at Pattipola for tourists on the Haputale route, and one at Ohiya for those approaching from Haputale. The Visitor’s Centre is located 3km away from either direction. It is the starting point for the 9km trek (3 hours) at Horton Plains. The trail opens up with an expansive view of flora, bare patina grassland and densely wooded cloud forest. Take a deep breath to savor the aroma of spices grown amidst the forests, like pepper, cinnamon and cardamom.
Wildlife at Horton Plains:
Sambar Deer are a common sight at Horton Plains. Among the other mammals in the park are Stripe-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel Wild Boar, the Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey. Sri Lanka bush warbler, Dull-Blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka whistling thrush and the yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Spur-fowl and Sri Lanka Jungle-fowl are some of the birds that can be seen on a trek at the grand plains.
