Travel Guide to Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its rich biodiversity and the famous World's End cliff, which offers breathtaking views.

Reaching Horton Plains National Park

The Park is accessible via different modes of transportation. Below are the common routes and methods to reach the destination:

By Car or Taxi

• From Nuwara Eliya: It is the nearest city to Horton Plains. You can hire a car or taxi for the roughly 1.5-hour journey from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains. The distance is approximately 32 km.
• From Colombo: If you're traveling from the capital, Colombo, it is approximately a 5 to 6-hour drive covering around 200 km. You can take the Colombo - Ratnapura - Haputale - Boralanda - Ohiya route or the Colombo - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains route.

By Public Transport

• Bus: There are no direct buses to Horton Plains. Take a bus from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, and then a local bus or a tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya to the Horton Plains entrance.
• Train & Local Transport: Take the scenic train from Colombo to Ohiya or Pattipola, and then a tuk-tuk or a local bus to reach the park’s entrance. This journey combines scenic railway routes with a bit of local road travel.

By Tour or Trekking

• Organized Tours: Many travel agencies in Nuwara Eliya and Colombo offer day trips to Horton Plains, which include transportation and a guided tour.
• Trekking: For the adventurous, Horton Plains can be reached by trekking from nearby towns like Ohiya. This requires a good level of fitness and proper planning.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The park has a cool and windy climate, so dress in warm layers.
• The visitor center at the entrance charges an admission fee, which includes service charges, VAT, and all other taxes.
• Early mornings are the best time to visit, especially to view World's End before the mist settles in.
• The park opens at 6:00 AM and visitors are not allowed to enter after 10:00 AM.
• Be sure to adhere to park regulations and respect the environment by not leaving any trash behind.

Enjoy your visit to Horton Plains National Park, and make sure to capture its beauty with your camera while preserving its pristine environment.