Hortons Plains National Park, A serene trek into the heart of nature

Ohiya, Sri Lanka

The scenery of the Horton Plain is more like a wilderness

4.5

Introduction

Horton Plains National Park is one of three protected areas in Sri Lanka's central highlands and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located at an altitude of between 2100 and 2300 meters, and is covered with mountain grasslands and cloud forests, making it extremely rich in biodiversity. Although the area was named after Governor Wilmer Horton during the British colonial period, it was not designated as a wildlife sanctuary until 1969. In 1988, the government planned it as a national park for visitors. The park covers an area of 3,160 hectares, with large areas covered by cloud forests. In July 2010, the park was included in the World Heritage List, including Adam's Peak, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Horton Plains is the source of three major rivers in Sri Lanka, with many unique woody plants. It is a habitat for animals such as Sri Lankan water buffalo, long-clawed shrew, purple-faced langur, Sri Lankan leopard, and an important bird habitat. Horton Plains is one of Sri Lanka's popular tourist destinations, and visitors can hike through designated routes, take a suspension bridge to the "end of the world" cliff, and visit Baker's Falls. The weather is cold and windy, so visitors should prepare warm clothes and an umbrella.