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    Horton Plains National Park
    A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons / FAL

    Sri Lanka

    Horton Plains National Park

    Point of Interest

    Horton Plains National Park is a high plateau at around 2,000 meters, approximately 20 kilometers south of Nuwara Eliya and 20 kilometers west of Haputale.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sri Lanka
    7. Kandy & Highlands
    9. Horton Plains National Park
    Horton Plains National Park is a high plateau at around 2,000 meters, approximately 20 kilometers south of Nuwara Eliya and 20 kilometers west of Haputale. It is known for its circular trail to World's End cliff and Baker's Falls, the only national park trail in Sri Lanka you are allowed to hike without a guide.The 3,160-hectare park lies between Kirigalpotta and Totapola, the island's second and third highest peaks. Highland forest and wet grassland characterize the landscape, with an average temperature of about 16 degrees. Sambar deer are most frequently encountered, but wild boars and leopards also live here.It’s worth setting off early: From late morning onwards, clouds often roll in and obscure the view from World’s End.

    Sights in Horton Plains National Park

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Baker's Falls
    Attraction

    1Baker's Falls

    The waterfall is about 3.3 km from the start on the loop trail. From World's End, it's around 2 km to here.
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    Mini World's End
    Attraction

    2Mini World's End

    The smaller outcrop is on the circular path before the large cliff. It offers a first glimpse over the steep edge.
    Open in Google Maps

    Restaurants in Horton Plains National Park

    1

    Indian Summer

    Restaurant in Nuwara Eliya with views of Gregory Lake, approx. 20 km from Horton Plains. According to Lonely Planet, best for North Indian curries, prices tend to be high.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Milano Restaurant

    Long-established restaurant in the center of Nuwara Eliya, serving Sri Lankan, Chinese, and Western dishes. The decor is a bit dated, but the service is considered friendly.
    Show on Google Maps

    Admission, Hours and Rules

    Opening HoursPark daily 6 AM to 6 PM, ticket counter 6 AM to 4 PM. All vehicles must exit the park by 6 PM.AdmissionForeign Adults 25 US dollars, Children aged 6 to 12 15 US dollars, under 6 free. Additionally, a group fee of 10 US dollars per vehicle, 18 percent tax, and a vehicle fee of 300 LKR apply (Fee schedule 2025, as of October 2026).Other sources state varying prices; for current prices, contact the Government Information Centre at 1919.RulesPermits are checked at the checkpoint; alcohol, cigarettes, and lighters are collected. Within the park, there are only two lodges and three campsites, which must be booked in advance.

    Access

    By CarFrom Nuwara Eliya or Bandarawela, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Access is available via Pattipola and Ohiya.By TrainFrom Ohiya station, a footpath leads 3 to 4 hours uphill to the park. From June 20, 2026, trains will operate again between Nanu Oya and Badulla; check the current timetable with Sri Lanka Railways.In the ParkThe loop trail measures about 9.4 kilometers: After 600 meters of flat access, it splits and can be walked in both directions, taking approximately three hours at a leisurely pace.

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    Nearby

    Haputale

    Haputale

    Haputale is a mountain town on the southern edge of the Highlands, west of Ella, situated on a narrow ridge above tea slopes. You come for Lipton's Seat, the Dambatenne tea factory, and Adisham Monastery, all reachable on day trips.The small town center, with its train station, bus stand, and simple eateries, stretches along the ridge. To the east, the road leads through the Dambatenne plantations up to Lipton's Seat; to the west, Adisham Monastery lies in the forests.Haputale is located on the Highland Line, where trains have been running again between Nanu Oya and Badulla since June 2026.
    Nuwara Eliya

    Nuwara Eliya

    Nuwara Eliya is located at 1,868 meters in the heart of the tea country and is the most important center for Sri Lankan tea production. Founded by Samuel Baker in 1846, the city, with its British villas, is nicknamed "Little England" and serves as a base for tea factories, Horton Plains National Park, and onward train journeys to Ella.The city center is built around Victoria Park and the red-brick post office building from 1894. To its south is Gregory Lake with its park, and colonial hotels like the Grand Hotel and the Hill Club line Grand Hotel Road.The city's train station is Nanu Oya, approximately 10 kilometers west of the center. Since June 2026, trains have again run from there to Ella and Badulla.
    Ella

    Ella

    Ella is a small town on the southeastern edge of the highlands and the region's most popular hiking base. From here, you can reach the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella Rock on foot; the railway line from Nanu Oya ends here for many travelers.Life revolves around the main street between the train station and bus stop, where cafés, restaurants, and bars line up. East of the town lies the area around the Nine Arches Bridge near Demodara, while to the south, the road leads down to the Ravana Falls towards Wellawaya.Since June 20, 2026, trains have been stopping in Ella again, after the Nanu Oya to Badulla section was closed for about seven months due to cyclone damage.
    Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

    Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

    Adam's Peak, in Sinhalese Sri Pada, is a 2,243-meter high conical mountain in the western highlands and one of the island's holiest sites. Between December and May, pilgrims and travelers ascend at night via around 5,500 steps to reach the summit by sunrise.Near the summit lies a 1.8-meter long rock imprint, revered by Buddhists as the footprint of Buddha, by Hindus as that of Shiva, by Christians as that of Saint Thomas, and by Muslims as Adam's. At sunrise, the mountain casts a triangular shadow over the surrounding area, which rapidly shortens as the sun rises higher.Six paths lead up, with the ascent from Dalhousie (Nallathanni) near Hatton being the most frequently used, alongside the path from Ratnapura via Palabaddala.
    Udawalawe National Park

    Udawalawe National Park

    Udawalawe National Park is situated on the border of Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, approximately 165 kilometers from Colombo and north of the South Coast. It is renowned for excellent year-round elephant sightings and makes for a perfect day trip from the coast.The park was established on June 30, 1972, partly to protect animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. It covers approximately 308 square kilometers; a herd of an estimated 250 elephants lives here permanently, though tour guides often cite significantly higher total numbers.With 184 documented bird species, including 33 migratory birds, the park is also appealing to birdwatchers. Located at its edge is the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are raised. The nearest town is Embilipitiya.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI