Horton Plains National Park

The highest plateau in Sri Lanka is 32km2 in size and is made up of highland forest and wet grassland. The plateau is located between 2000 and 2100 meters above sea level. The park’s most renowned and breathtaking feature is the World’s End, a 1200m straight vertical plunge that is mostly shrouded in mist.

Nearly 700 plant species have been identified, with 27 of them being indigenous to Sri Lanka. The habitats of indigenous birds, animals, butterflies, reptiles, and fish may be found in Horton Plains National Park. Samber is a regular sight at twilight and early in the morning. Leopards live in the park but are rarely seen.

Horton Plains was recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, a national park in 1988, and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2010.

Horton Plains has been the site of the discovery of prehistoric stone tools dating back 14000 years. Researchers have also uncovered food particles such as barley, oats, and other cereal pollen dating back four millennia, as well as indications of forest removal and grazing.

Almost all significant rivers in Sri Lanka flow through this area, making it the country’s most important catchment basin.

Horton Plains is the only national park on the island that can explore by foot. The whole length of the track is around 14 kilometers.