Horton Plains National Park - what you need to know.
Horton Plains National Park is a fabulous place to visit when you are staying at GlenMyu Estate on your holiday in Sri Lanka. What do you need to know about Horton Plains National Park?
We have had many guests visit Horton Plains and we also love it there.
Here is our basic guide on what you need to know before you go.
What is it? What do you need to know about Horton Plains National Park?
Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
It is a Montane Grassland and Cloud Forest in the Hill Country located in between Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Welimada and Balangoda.
Our guests love to hike the 11 kilometre circuit which takes in Lesser World’s End, Greater World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
During your hike you will experience a unique landscape which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to Sri Lanka.
What will I see when I get there?
The Highlights are:
The 270 metre precipice and view at Lesser World’s End.
World’s End view from the 870 metre precipice.
A stunning waterfall called Baker’s Falls.
The unique flora and fauna that inhabit this unique landscape on the island. Â
Where is it? What do you need to know about Horton Plains National Park?
Horton Plains National Park is located between Haputale and Nuwara Eliya in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.
The elevation of the park is between 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft).
How do I get there?
From GlenMyu Estate/Beragala/Haputale
Get there early!
We recommend that you get to the entrance at Horton Plains National Park as early as you can. Our guests leave GlenMyu Estate around 6.30 am with a packed breakfast.
The reason that you need to leave early is because the clouds are likely to obscure the views at Lesser World’s End and Greater World’s End.
Travel from Haputale towards Boralanda.
Take the turning towards Ohiya.
Pass across the railway tracks in Ohiya and carry on to the entrance at Horton Plains National Park.
After paying the entry fee at the gate you will drive to the car park.
There is a short walk to the ticket booth to enter Horton Plains and start your hike.
What will I need to take?
Horton Plains is a hike of moderate difficulty. The first part of the hike takes you through a slightly more difficult cutting however, by taking your time, most people can manage this quite easily. The good news is that the remainder of the hike is much easier. Here is what you need to know about what you should take with you to Horton Plains National Park.
Footwear – I have seen Sri Lankans walk around Horton Plains in flop flips (jangles) however, I would recommend wearing sandals with fastenings.(Thats what I usually wear). Otherwise you can wear training shoes or walking shoes. For this hike walking shoes or boots are not necessary, but if you have brought them with you, why not use them?
Sunscreen  – Don’t get caught out by the cloud cover! As you are at an elevation of between 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft)  the UV level can be quite high. We have had guests return a little too red in colour, despite our warning.
Jacket – a light wind or rain jacket is all you need to bring along with you to Horton Plains. It is a little chilly at the start of the hike as you will start early in the morning. There could be a little wind or light shower during your walk. I tend to find that I need my jacket for the first fifteen to twenty minutes and then it goes into my small backpack for the rest of the hike.
Food and Drink – At GlenMyu Estate we send you off with a packed breakfast and you can take this on your hike and eat it at one of the sightseeing points. You will just need snacks and some water for the three hour or so hike.Â
There is a small shop at the entrance to Horton Plains where you can pick up some items if you need to. The selection is limited though.
Please take all you litter with you and keep the park clean.
Loo Paper and soap – There are a some toilets on the route however they don’t supply toilet paper or soap. Take some with you so you don’t get caught short!
Camera and Mobile Phone – you will have plenty of photo opportunities for those Instagram and Social Media moments.Â
A small backpack – you will need something to carry the items listed above.
Need to know more? Read more about it!
You can read more about Horton Plains National Park and photos that we and our guests have taken at our Hiking in Sri Lanka Articles and Posts Page.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
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,
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.