A Unique Experience in Sri Lanka - Nelu Flowers at Horton Plains
We were fortunate to have a unique experience at Horton Plains National Park.
Nelu Flowers ( scientific genus Strobilanthes) only flower every 12 to 14 years.
On the 30th of September 2025, we travelled from GlenMyu Estate to Horton Plains National Park to see the Nelu flowers which were in bloom for the first time since 2013.
Up early for a unique experience
We were up early in the morning to visit Horton Plains with some friends and neighbours.
The weather towards the end of September in the Sri Lankan hill country is normally a little rainy. However, this year the rains had not come yet.Â
We were concerned that either we would be hot by a heavy storm when we were in Horton Plains. Alternatively, it may be very hot towards the middle of the day.
Horton Plains elevation is between 2,100 to 2,300 meters (6,900 to 7,500 feet) above sea level. Therefore the UV levels can be high even if there is some cloud in this Montane Cloud forest environment.
We had heard that there were a variety of species on the trail to Thotupola Kanda, and therefore wanted to get to the summit early just in case the weather turned.Â
 Thotupola Kanda (Thotupolakanda), is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka at 2,357 m (7,733 ft) above mean sea level.
The road to Horton Plains was full of Nelu flowers
Our arrivals at the car park at Horton Plains was delayed as there were varieties of Nelu flowers lining the road before we reached the Ohiya gate ticket office.Â
It was quite exciting and we took lots of photos and videos of this event that last took place some twelve years ago.
Sustenance before our hike
At GlenMyu Estate we send our guests to Horton Plains with a  sumptuous breakfast in a hamper.Â
Ru had prepared the hamper and our friends also contributed some items for breakfast.Â
We had a delicious feast before we started the hike!
More delays
As we headed from the car park to the entrance point to the Thotupola Kanda hike we stopped again.
There were more varieties of Nelu as we drove and therefore lots more photos opportunities.
We came across a beautiful pond with a small covering of lilies. It was stunning and was reminiscent of a Monet painting.
The starting point for Thotupola Kanda
The car was parked and we read the sign boards about Thotupola Kanda before we started our hike.
A brief story about the top of the peak being the landing site for Ravana as she arrived in Sri Lanka.
There was also a notice board about Leopards which are resident in Horton Plains.
A slow climb for this unique experience
Although the pathway to the summit of Thotupola Kanda is not that steep were took our time.
There were lots of Nelu flowers lining the route along with many other interesting flora.
The lichens, mosses and beautiful trees added a special feeling which we had to savour.
Lots more photos were taken as the light was different in the enclosed pathways.
A windy day at Horton Plains National Park
The winds were strong at Horton Plains and this added to this unique atmosphere.
It was the first time that we had hiked up Thotupola Kanda and therefore we did not know what to expect.
The winds had been strong at the lower elevations and we captured the noise and grasses being harried on video.
Just like a fairy story
Walking through the tight pathways reminded me of fairy and adventure stories that I had read as a child.Â
The setting was beautiful and magical in my eyes. I really was not able to capture what it was really like in my photos or videos.
A stumble and a fall
When our guest visit Horton Plains I always recommend them to wear suitable walking shoes.
Although I was wearing good shoes, I still managed to stumble and fall. Luckily there was no damage done, apart from that of embarrassment and my ego!
I will bring some hiking poles next time I visit Horton Plains so that I can be even surer of foot!
Resting and taking in the view.
The hike from the entrance to the peak at Thotupola Kanda is around 2 kilometres.
When you enter the trail it is already at quite a high elevation.
You will ascend 160 metres or so from the entrance to the peak elevation of 2,357 metres.
There are some spots where you can rest on the way if required.
I enjoyed seeing the views of the beautiful landscape with the soundtrack of the high winds.
As we climbed the view got wider.
After enjoying the colours of the Nelu flowers that we had seen on our way, the views got wider as we ascended.Â
The flora and landscape changed as it opened up as we climbed.
Some of the pathways were still quite tight and therefore I was pleased that I had opted for long trousers and long sleeves.
To the top - next time
As the hike had taken  longer that planned as we had stopped to take lots of photos and videos we had a decision to make.
Some of the party made it all the way to the top. However, the clouds had come in and obscured the view. On their way back down they said that the view today was better from the spot we had stopped at.
So, the peak of Thotupola Kanda will need to wait for another outing to Horton Plains National Park.
Another unique experience in 2037?
We made sure that we made the time to hike in Horton Plains as this is a once in a 12 to 14 year phenomenon.
It is likely to be 2037 by the time the Nelu flowers bloom again.
Our intention is to have another unique experience in Horton Plains in twelve years time.
Maybe this time I will make it to the peak!
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Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
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The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.