Horton Plains National Park: How to Reach, Timings & Attractions

Here are the best trails in Horton Plains National Park which you should follow in the park for best hiking experience.

1. World's End Trail

This popular hiking trail in the park and difficulty level is moderate. You can follow this trail and reach to the world end cliff which is plateau which stands 900 meters from the plain below.

When following this hiking trail you will get to pass through the Baker’s fall which is a beautiful waterfall. At the top of the World’s End cliff when the skies are clear you can views of the Sri Lanka Southern coast.

2. Baker's Falls Trail

This trails leads to Baker's fall and the difficulty level is moderate. When you get to the waterfall, you will love the scenery because the surrounding area is rich with flora and fauna. Many tourists strive to get to the fall to take a picture while in the nature.

3. Kirigalpotta Trail

This trails which difficulty level is challenging leads to the second highest peak in Sri Lanka Kirigalpotta. You can take the challenge and hike through the park traversing the cloud forests and montane grasslands.

This trails which difficulty level is challenging leads to the second highest peak in Sri Lanka Kirigalpotta. You can take the challenge and hike through the park traversing the cloud forests and montane grasslands.

4. Thotupola Kanda Trail

If you love quite hike this is the trail to use and lead to the third highest peak in Sri Lanka Thotupola Kanda. The difficultly level is moderate but it is less frequented compared to other trails in the park.

The hiking experience in this trail is worth it because you will get to enjoy the beautiful views of the landscape and seeing different plant species.

5. Cloud Forest Trail

You can use this trails to explore the pristine natural environments in the park. The trail leads through dense cloud forests and you can get to enjoy birdwatching and see several endemic species.

There are several activities and attractions you can explore when you visit Horton plains national park. Here is a list of those activities and attractions.

1. Wildlife Sighting

When you visit the park, among the attractions which you should not miss to explore are sighting wildlife animals such as ferns, orchids, lichens, Wild Boa, Purple Faced Langur, Sri Lanka Superfowl, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Red Slender Loris and other animals.

If you love birdwatching you will to see different bird species no matter if they are small or big it is easy to spot them in this park. You can spot even the endemic animal species while hiking such as e rhino horn lizard, Stripe-necked mongoose and giant squirrels.

2. World’s End

This is the main attraction in the park. It is the sudden end of the plateau in the park. When you hike to the end and the skies are clear you get to see the Adam’s Peak. For clear views from the World end you should visit during morning hours. You will love the views and appreciate the Sri Lankan highlands natural beauty.

3. Baker’s Fall

The baker’s fall is around 20 metres high and is an ideal spot to take picture surrounded with plenty of flora. There is a trail which lead to the waterfall you should follow it. The water which led to this fall is from tributary of the river Belihuloya.

4. Farr Inn

Before you start hiking in the park you can visit this hunting lodge. It was once a lodge for decorated British Officials.

Today the lodge has beautiful cafe and visitor centre. And it is where you leave your car and then proceed to the park on foot. If you want to know about the park history there is a small souvenir shop next door with books all about the park.

Check out best places to visit in Dambulla

January to March is best time to visit the Horton Plains National Park because the weather is ideal for great views. Most of the time all year around, the weather in the park is cloudy and misty which hinders better views. You should plan your visit during morning hours when it is even less crowded and will also the skies are clear.

• Sri Lankan Nationals: INR 30
• Sri Lankan Nationals overnight visit: 60 INR
• Foreigners: INR 1150
• Foreign tourists for a day and overnight visit: 2,090 INR

These are the means of transport you can use to reach to the Horton Plains National Park.

By Air

No matter where you are in the world, you book a flight to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and from there take a taxi, hire a car or use public transport to the park

By Road

You can drive to the park through Nuwara Eliya town. There are several rent car rental companies in Colombo. The other means you can opt is hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to get to the park. The best option is to hire a taxi or rent car in grounp so that can share the cost.

By Train

You can board a train to Haputale, Ella and Nanu Oya becaue the park is accessible from these towns. There is train station which is 10 km from the park in the Ohiya village. The other closest station is at Pattipola.

If you are nature and wildlife lover or hiking enthusiast you will have unparalleled experience when you visit Horton Plains National Park. The hiking trails are well marked out and when hiking will get to enjoy great scenery and even spot wild animals.

The overall environment in the park is amazing and serene making is a great getaway from the city hustle and bustle. If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature splendour plan a visit to this park.