With breathtaking views and mesmerising flora and fauna, Horton Plains is an alien ecosystem found in the hill country of Sri Lanka. An exquisite mix of montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystems, Horton Plains is found at a chilly altitude of 2,100 metres above sea level and spreading across over 31.69 square kilometres (3,169 hectares) of the highest tableland in the island.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2010, Horton Plains, its surroundings, forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness Nature Reserve constitute the most important catchment area for almost all the major rivers in Sri Lanka.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Horton Plains also holds considerable importance in conservation as it is home to most of the endemic plants and animals in the island’s wet and montane zones. The western slopes of this highland plateau support an extensive cover of the country’s last surviving montane cloud forest.
The main trek, which is a circular route, takes about three hours. The trail begins with a sprawling view of dew covered moorlands and dense wooded cloud forest. As the trek continues through the cloud forest you will come across the famous World’s End at an altitude of 2,140 metres.
World’s End is a 900 metre sheer fall. With an awe-inspiring panorama, a clear day will give you a view as far as the southern coastline of the island. A little away from World’s End is Baker’s Falls where you can enjoy an adrenaline pumping waterfall hike. The trek through Horton Plains will have you come across a variety of wildlife such as sambar deer, mongoose, giant squirrels, endemic bear monkeys, fishing cats and otters, while brilliantly coloured flycatchers, pigeons and thrushes flitter along the path.
Nicola loves nature/wildlife photography, creative designing and travelling.
