Stratification: Wet grasslands & Sub-Montane and Montane forest

Size: 3,160ha

Status: National Park & forest reserve

Altitude: 2100 – 2200m

Temperature: 15 c

Annual Rainfall: 2500 -5000mm

Best time of year to visit: November to March

Optimum duration of stay: 1 to 3 nights

Accommodation Options: Nuwara Eliya

Highlights: World’s end, Barker’s falls, Sambar Deer, Slender Loris.

Horton Plains comprises a gently undulating highland plateau at the southern end of the central montain massif of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s second and third highest peaks, Kirigalpotha (2,395m) and Thotupola Kanda (2,357m) are found here. Three important rivers; the Mahawali, Kelani and Walawe originate from the Horton Plains. The highlight for walkers is the trek to World’s End and Baker’s Falls.

Horton Plains is well recognized for its rich biodiversity. About 5% of the species of flora found here are endemic to Sri Lanka. The Plateau supports grasslands fringed and interspersed with patches of dense montane cloud forest. The forest canopy grows to about 20m and is dominated by the endemic Keena (Calophyllum walker). The tree fern Maha Meewana dots the forest openings. Binara and Nelu are endemic and have beautiful flowers. Bivitiya is another plant with strikingly pretty flowers. The main grass species of the patina are Tuttiri. Rhododendron arboretum is now common on the plateau, which has spread to Sri Lanka via the Western Ghats and mountains of the Southern India from Himalayas. These flowers bloom every 14 years and then the plant dies off.

A century ago, Horton Plains was rich with elephants though, sadly, British hunters shot them to near-extinction; however signs of a small population of elephants in the Peak Wilderness area are still evident. Now the park is frequented by Sambar Deer and due to their large numbers the population of the Leopard also has increased. Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Slender Loris, Fishing cat, Otter, Barking deer, Strip-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel are some of the other mammals found here.

All of the highland endemics are found in Horton Plains. A birdwatcher must visit Horton Plains to complete the list of endemics in Sri Lanka. Some of the highlights here include Sri Lanka Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka White-eye, Spot-winged Thrush, Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Scaly Thrush, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Spur-fowl and Sri Lanka Jungle-fowl. Other highlights are the Himalayan migrants Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycather & Indian Pitta. Black Bird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Jerdon’s Baza, Pied Bushchat, Hill Swallow and Hill Munia.

Some highland butterflies seen here include the Indian Red Admiral, Common, Tamil & Ceylon Tree brown, Common Jay and Indian Fritillary.

There are some endemic Lizards and amphibians found in these highlands as well. The Rhino Horned Lizard, Painted Lip Lizard are among them.

St. Andrews, Nuwara Eliya:  St. Andrew’s is a stately Tudor-style colonial mansion, built in the latter part of the 19th century.  It blends in well with Nuwara Eliya’s general outlook of determinedly preserving the feel of a bygone age. Standing alongside imposing pine trees, it has a rather stern exterior, but inside is a world of open fires, candlelit dinners and a well-stocked wine cellar. Those not particularly taken by cosy traditionalism may feel that some rooms would benefit from a sharpening up; others remain blissfully content. (More)

Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya: The Grand Old Dame of the hill country is a forgotten land of striped lawns and flowering hedges, crisply-attired waiters, billiard rooms and heavy wooden panelling.  Once the residence of Sir Edward Barns, a British Governor of Sri Lanka, this mansion was built a century ago and is typical of the Victorian architecture found in some of the heritage properties of Nuwara Eliya. (More)

Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya:  Flanked by Single Tree Mountain at the back and overlooking the Pidurutalagala Mountains in front, the Hill Club has one of the finest settings in Nuwara Eliya. This 130-year-old granite mansion, resembling a mini Victorian castle, is set on an extensive manicured lawn. The Hill Club has 39 comfortable rooms within the main building and a family chalet set in the gardens.  (More)

Hill Cottage, Nuwara Eliya: Situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town, adjoining the Hill Club and shadowed by Single Tree Mountain, Hill Cottage is a 7-bedroom restored colonial bungalow.  The Cottage is a few minutes walk to the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.  (More)

Tree of Life Bungalow, Nuwara Eliya:  This 120-year-old charming Colonial bungalow is located down Wedderburn Road in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town adjoining the Victoria Park.  Typical of most of the heritage properties found in Nuwara Eliya, this bungalow has hardwood floors, fireplaces and an exquisite flowering garden that is the pride of the property and has carried away the first prize at the prestigious annual Bloom flower show held in Nuwara Eliya.  Some of the rooms and bathrooms can do with an upgrade, but this is essentially a homely guesthouse with friendly staff that will do well for those wanting to explore Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains.  (More)

From Nuwara Eliya, about 6Km from the town on the A7 is a left turn towards Ambewala and Pattipola. This continues to the Hortain Plains. From Haputale, take the road via Ohiya.

'Trekking the Horton Plains Loop'
By Katrin Fernando, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 4 No 9