horton plains

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Dr Scott from ITV’s This Morning programme was on the search for Leopard in Sri Lanka.

He visited Sri Lanka’s second largest National Park, Yala, which is located on the south of the island.

The Sri Lankan Leopard

(Panthera pardus, Linnaeus, 1758)

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard species that is native to Sri Lanka.

It is the most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, and also the shrewdest.

The Sri Lankan leopard has a tawny or rusty yellow coat with dark spots and close-set rosettes, which are smaller than in Indian leopards.

Watch ITV This Mornings Dr Scott

You can watch the episode which was broadcast on the 11th November 2024 here.

 

Maybe one day!

I unfortunately, have not seen a Leopard in Sri Lanka (Yet!).

The photos I have used are stock photos and not me own.

I hope to see a Leopard myself in Horton Plains National Park, like one of our guests from GlenMyu Estate, did last year.

Leopards in Sri Lanka

Animals of Asia

Dr Scott previously was searching for Elephants and you can watch the following clip to see what he found.

Supporting the Street Dogs with Janey of WeCare Worldwide

Ben Fogle on his New Lives in the Wild series had met Janey, the British vet who lives on the south coast of the island and cares for street dogs.

The original programme was launched in 2020 and there was a follow up programme in May 2024.

Dr Scott visited Dr Janey on his recent series Animals of Asia for ITV’s This Morning programme.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

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.

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka Read More »

Lesser World's End, Horton Plains National Park

What is Lesser World’s End, Sri lanka

What is Lesser World's End, Sri Lanka?

What is Lesser World’s End, Sri Lanka?

Where is it? How do I get there? What do I need?
What is the cost? Where should I stay? Is it worth seeing it?

So many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate love their hike around Horton Plains National Park and visiting World’s End.

We answer your questions.

A spectacular viewing point in Horton Plains National Park

The Horton Plains plateau comes to a sudden end at Lesser World’s End, a stunning escarpment that plunges 270 m (886 ft). This stunning cliff is also known as Little World’s End.

It offers a stunning landscape to admire and photos of you sitting by the precipice is something to be added to your Instagram account.

You access World’s End on the 11 kilometre circular hike around Horton Plains National Park. 

It is a welcome spot to rest before carrying on your walk in this unique environment in Sri Lanka.

Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Where is Lesser World's End, Sri Lanka?

Horton Plains National Park is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka of Nuwara Eliya District. 

Please see the location on the map.

You get to World’s End during part of the 11 kilometre circular hike around this montane cloud forest.

The other main stopping places on the hike Lesser World’s End and Baker’s Falla.

How do I get to Lesser World's End, Sri Lanka?

There are two entries to Horton Plans National Park named as Pattipola and Ohiya gates.

The Pattipola entrance is from the Nuwara Eliya side.

You can enter the Ohiya gate when travelling from Haputale or Ella.

It takes around one hour  to reach to park entrance if you are travelling from Nuwara Eliya or Haputale.

What will I need for my hike?

We would recommend that you bring the following items:

  1. Suitable footwear (walking shoes, sandals with a good grip or training shoes.
  2. A lightweight windproof jacket (you will probably need this for part of the hike).
  3. A hat and suncream (you are at a high elevation and the UV can be high)
  4. Some water to drink
  5. Some tissue paper (there are two toilets on the hike)
  6. Some snacks (We send you off with a pack breakfast from GlenMyu Estate)
  7. A smal rucksack to take your possessions.
  8. A phone/camera  (there will be plenty of Instagram opportunities).
  9. Binoculars (there is plenty of birds and other wildlife to spot)
  10. Walking poles (not essential as most of the walk is relatively easy).

What is the cost?

There are different prices for local and foreign tourists.

We visited Horton Plains in January 2024 and the total cost for two foreign tourists was LKR 24,000 (circa US$80/Euro €74).

Although this is one of the more expensive things to do in Sri Lanka, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and we still believe that it gives good value. 

You will also be supporting local people that are employed at Horton Plains along with protecting this unique environment.

The hike around Horton Plains National Park is reasonably well marked and does not require you to use a hiking app to help you navigate.

However, it’s worth viewing the route to see what it entails.

Please click on the following  All Trails Hiking link to see the trail.

Where should I stay when visiting Lesser World's End?

There is some accommodation close to the park which is cheap and basic.

We expect better quality accommodation to be built in the future however there are lots of options of good quality places to stay in and around Nuwara Eliya and Haputale.

Many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate do a day trip to the park. GlenMyu Estate is a luxury bed and breakfast located near to Haputale.

Guests love being able to swim in the natural spring-fed swimming pool after their hike and enjoy the food and drink we offer.

Is World's End, Sri Lanka worth seeing?

We certainly think that it is.

Despite the high entrance fee compared to other experiences in Sri Lanka, it is something that we recommend to all our guests. 

Apart from a little disappointment on not getting a clear view at World’s End on a cloudy day, everyone love the outing. 

There is a sense of achievement as our guests return and an appreciation of a dip in our swimming pool to ease their muscles.

Resting on the hike through Horton Plains National Park.

We love it at Horton Plains National Park!

Horton Plains National Park is one of our favourite places to visit from GlenMyu Estate.

We have been lucky to get near views from World’s End (t’s not guaranteed!).

The exhilaration that you feel when you complete the hike is the icing on the cake. 

We do feel very lucky to live close to the park and have the ability to visit it often seeing how it changes during the year. 

The hike always appears to provide something new for us. We see wildlife that we have not seen before and the water flow at Baker’s Falls changes every time we see it.

I love chatting to other walkers that we meet on the trail. Some find it more challenging than others but they all are mesmerised by what they have seen. 

I also really enjoy seeing the large groups of local Sri Lankans, who are normally starting the hike as we are finishing. The sharing of the experience with friends and family is really heart-warming. 

I am amazed to see fathers carrying their children on the 11 kilometre hike. Grandparents are included and walk at their own pace. They mainly hike in flip flops which provides me with feeling of admiration of their ability and concern that they are not wearing suitable footwear.

Our guests also love World's End and the Horton Plains Hike

Our guests feel fabulous when they return to the luxury of GlenMyu Estate after their adventure at Horton Plains National Park. 

The sense of achievement is plain to see. Although the hike is not too difficult, there are places which are a challenge if you do not walk or hike regularly.

Walking at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft) above sea level, then you do feel that you have had a bit of a workout.

Most guests are surprised about what they see in terms of flora and fauna on their hike. It’s such a different landscape from what they have experienced around the island at the beaches or in the historical and cultural sights.

Horton Plains National Park.
Lesser World's End, Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains in January 2024

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 World’s End at Horton Plains National Park.

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.

What is Lesser World’s End, Sri lanka Read More »

Horton Plains in January 2024

What is World’s End, Sri Lanka?

What is World's End, Sri Lanka?

What is World’s End, Sri Lanka?

Where is it? How do I get there? What do I need?
What is the cost? Where should I stay? Is it worth seeing it?

So many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate love their hike around Horton Plains National Park and visiting World’s End.

We answer your questions.

A spectacular viewing point in Horton Plains National Park

The Horton Plains plateau comes to a sudden end at World’s End, a stunning escarpment that plunges 880m.

It offers a stunning landscape to admire and photos of you sitting by the precipice is something to be added to your Instagram account.

You access World’s End on the 11 kilometre circular hike around Horton Plains National Park. 

It is a welcome spot to rest before carrying on your walk in this unique environment in Sri Lanka.

Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Where is World's End, Sri Lanka?

Horton Plains National Park is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka of Nuwara Eliya District. 

Please see the location on the map.

You get to World’s End during part of the 11 kilometre circular hike around this montane cloud forest.

The other main stopping places on the hike Lesser World’s End and Baker’s Falla.

How do I get to World's End, Sri Lanka?

There are two entries to Horton Plans National Park named as Pattipola and Ohiya gates.

The Pattipola entrance is from the Nuwara Eliya side.

You can enter the Ohiya gate when travelling from Haputale or Ella.

It takes around one hour  to reach to park entrance if you are travelling from Nuwara Eliya of Haputale.

What will I need for my hike?

We would recommend that you bring the following items:

  1. Suitable footwear (walking shoes, sandals with a good grip or training shoes.
  2. A lightweight windproof jacket (you will probably need this for part of the hike).
  3. A hat and suncream (you are at a high elevation and the UV can be high)
  4. Some water to drink
  5. Some tissue paper (there are two toilets on the hike)
  6. Some snacks (We send you off with a pack breakfast from GlenMyu Estate)
  7. A smal rucksack to take your possessions.
  8. A phone/camera  (there will be plenty of Instagram opportunities).
  9. Binoculars (there is plenty of birds and other wildlife to spot)
  10. Walking poles (not essential as most of the walk is relatively easy).

What is the cost?

There are different prices for local and foreign tourists.

We visited Horton Plains in January 2024 and the total cost for two foreign tourists was LKR 24,000 (circa US$80/Euro €74).

Although this is one of the more expensive things to do in Sri Lanka, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and we still believe that it gives good value. 

You will also be supporting local people that are employed at Horton Plains along with protecting this unique environment.

The hike around Horton Plains National Park is reasonably well marked and does not require you to use a hiking app to help you navigate.

However, it’s worth viewing the route to see what it entails.

Please click on the following  All Trails Hiking link to see the trail.

Where should I stay when visiting World's End?

There is some accommodation close to the park which is cheap and basic.

We expect better quality accommodation to be built in the future however there are lots of options of good quality places to stay in and around Nuwara Eliya and Haputale.

Many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate do a day trip to the park. GlenMyu Estate is a luxury bed and breakfast located near to Haputale.

Guests love being able to swim in the natural spring-fed swimming pool after their hike and enjoy the food and drink we offer.

Is World's End, Sri Lanka worth seeing?

We certainly think that it is.

Despite the high entrance fee compared to other experiences in Sri Lanka, it is something that we recommend to all our guests. 

Apart from a little disappointment on not getting a clear view at World’s End on a cloudy day, everyone love the outing. 

There is a sense of achievement as our guests return and an appreciation of a dip in our swimming pool to ease their muscles.

Resting on the hike through Horton Plains National Park.

We love it at Horton Plains National Park!

Horton Plains National Park is one of our favourite places to visit from GlenMyu Estate.

We have been lucky to get near views from World’s End (t’s not guaranteed!).

The exhilaration that you feel when you complete the hike is the icing on the cake. 

We do feel very lucky to live close to the park and have the ability to visit it often seeing how it changes during the year. 

The hike always appears to provide something new for us. We see wildlife that we have not seen before and the water flow at Baker’s Falls changes every time we see it.

I love chatting to other walkers that we meet on the trail. Some find it more challenging than others but they all are mesmerised by what they have seen. 

I also really enjoy seeing the large groups of local Sri Lankans, who are normally starting the hike as we are finishing. The sharing of the experience with friends and family is really heart-warming. 

I am amazed to see fathers carrying their children on the 11 kilometre hike. Grandparents are included and walk at their own pace. They mainly hike in flip flops which provides me with feeling of admiration of their ability and concern that they are not wearing suitable footwear.

Our guests also love World's End and the Horton Plains Hike

Our guests feel fabulous when they return to the luxury of GlenMyu Estate after their adventure at Horton Plains National Park. 

The sense of achievement is plain to see. Although the hike is not too difficult, there are places which are a challenge if you do not walk or hike regularly.

Walking at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft) above sea level, then you do feel that you have had a bit of a workout.

Most guests are surprised about what they see in terms of flora and fauna on their hike. It’s such a different landscape from what they have experienced around the island at the beaches or in the historical and cultural sights.

Horton Plains National Park.
Lesser World's End, Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains in January 2024

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 World’s End at Horton Plains National Park.

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.

What is World’s End, Sri Lanka? Read More »

Our Horton Plains Special Offer

Horton Plains Special Offer

Horton Plains Special Offer- it's back!

Our Horton Plains Special Offer

Our Horton Plains National Park Special Offer

If you manage to get a clear view at World’s End you will be amazed at the view from the 870 metre precipice.

Horton Plains in January 2024
Horton Plains Sambar Deer

There are lots of flora and fauna to enjoy as you hike the 11 kilometre circuit. 

There are lots of Sambar Deer that roam the plains. Here is a male, which was sitting near the car park, who is enjoying a meal in the long grass.

Hiking through this wondrous environment makes you feel great. You will have a great sense of achievement when you finings your hike.

An active holiday in Sri Lanka

We love Horton Plains so much that we regularly visit the National Park with friends and family.

Here is a short video of one of our experiences.

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 experience Horton Plains National Park.

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.

Horton Plains Special Offer Read More »

Horton Plains National Park.

The Best Hike in Sri Lanka

What is the Best Hike in Sri Lanka?

What is the Best Hike in Sri Lanka (which is not too strenuous)? We think it is Horton Plains National Park and here’s why.

Well, I suppose it is all down to how much experience, how fit you are and how tough you want your hike to be.

There are many options to choose from in Sri Lanka which will provide a different experience and variety.

The newest hiking option is the Pekoe Trail which was launched in 2023.

This is a twenty-two stage, 300 kilometre trail which traverses the Central Highlands of the Island. This experience which

allow visitors to discover the varying terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities across Sri Lanka by foot.

The first stage of the trail starts in Hanthana (near Kandy). And the final stage finishes in Kandapoloa (Nuwara Eliya).

Sections 11 to 16 of the Pekoe Trail are within a drive from GlenMyu Estate. 

An easier type of hike.

As we are not seasoned hikers, and most of our guests are not conditioned for, or want to do, a strenuous hike on their holiday. We think that a hike around Horton Plains National Park is the best hike in Sri Lanka.

Horton Plains National Park - a UNESCO Heritage site.

Horton Plains National Park is a montane grassland and cloud forest located in the Central Highlands. It is on a plateau at an altitude of 2100-2300m. In 1988 it was declared a national park due to its biodiversity and geographical importance.

It is a popular tourist destination consisting of several tourist hot spots such as World’s End, mini World’s End, Bakers Falls and the peaks of Kirigalpoththa and Totupola Kanda.

What's in a name?

The area was originally called Maha Eliya Thanna by the local people.

It was renamed as Horton Plains after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton (the British governor of Ceylon from 1831-1837) by Lt. Albert Watson, who “discovered” the plateau.

The flora and the fauna.

Horton Plains consists of two distinct vegetation – montane grasslands and evergreen forests, with nearly 700 species of plants being recorded of which 27 are endemic to Sri Lanka.

24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, nine species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are found in the park.

No Elephants but beware the Leopards!

Since the Sri Lankan elephant was last seen here in the 1940s, the largest, most commonly seen mammal at present is the sambar deer. Leopards, wild boars, mongooses and giant squirrels are a few among the many species that can be spotted here. 

Birds.

Horton Plains forms an Important Bird Area (IBA) together with Ohiya, Pattipola and Ambewela, and contains 21 endemic bird species with four endemic to Horton Plains alone (Sri Lankan blue magpie, Sri Lankan white-eye, Sri Lankan wood pigeon and dull-blue flycatcher.

If you can, we would recommend that you avoid weekends as it can be quite busy with local tourists. 

Why do we think that Horton Plains National Park is the best place to hike?

The circular trail is around eleven kilometres and is enough of a hike (at altitude) to make you feel like you have achieved something (but not killed yourself!).

Horton Plains is at an elevation between 2,100 and 2,400 metres above sea level. As the air is little thinner your body works a little more and you feel like you have had a workout. 

The flora and fauna that you will see on the trail is different from many parts of Sri Lanka.

 

Look for the information boards as you walk the trail which will give you information about the landscape and some of the unique flora and fauna.

The route for a hike around Horton Plains National Park

Mount Thotupola Kanda (2357 m) - the best hike in Sri Lanka?

If you are up for a challenge then you can opt to take the trail to Mount Thotupola Kanda (2357 m) which is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka. It is also known as (Totapolakanda or Thotupolakanda).

The trail to the top of the mountain starts a few metres away from the Pattipola entrance to the Horton Plains National Park. The trail is around about two kilometres in distance.

One of our adventurous French guests did this and really enjoyed the more strenuous hike.

Mount Kirigalpoththa (2,388 m) - the best hike in Sri Lanka?

Even more challenging is the hike to the highest point in Horton Plains National Park: Mount Kirigalpoththa.

Read more in this article we found in TripAdvisor.

This is the 2nd highest Mountain of Sri Lanka after Pidurutalagala. It is also the highest peak accessible to the public. The peak elevation is 2,388 metres above sea level.
This 7 kilometre trail (one way) will take around five and a half hours of trekking, hiking & mountaineering.

Attempting Kirigalpoththa is for the more experienced and daring adventurers only as the conditions can be treacherous due to the difficulty of the terrain and weather.

An opportunity awaits the brave.

There are not many quality videos showing the hike to Mount Kirigalpoththa. We see this as an opportunity for a YouTuber or Social Media Influencer to create some fantastic content that we would be happy to share on our page. 

So , if you are adventurous and a skilled mountaineer with good video skills the challenge is there for you.

We consider this to be the best hike in Sri Lanka however….

There are so many more options as you travel around this paradise island.

A religious pilgrimmage.

Adams Peak 

This is a religious pilgrimage which you start early in the morning to experience the sunrise.

During the season the hike is very busy with people and you may well have to queue for some time as you get towards the top. 

In the off season you will have no problem with the crowds, however the weather may not be great, so prepare for rain.

There are lots of steps on this hike and we had guests arrive from their overnight experience who were very tired. The next day their legs were very tender due to the number of steps that they had to climb up and down. They were quite fit however did suffer the next day. Several dips in the swimming pool and a relaxing day at GlenMyu Estate helped them to recuperate. 

A hike for the more experienced

Knuckles Mountain Range

We had some German clients that did a hike in Knuckles before they stayed at GlenMyu Estate and they were quite exhausted. They had a great hike and their guide was amazing (like many others in Sri Lanka). This hike needs proper walking boots and leech socks. You have to be fit enough to tackle this hike. 

The Poster Boy of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya – The Lion Rock

Pictures of the iconic Lion Rock is used a lot to promote tourism to Sri Lanka, for good reason. If you read the history of this UNESCO Heritage site you will discover the amazing technology and endeavour used in creating this former Royal Palace. 

The hike is a “must do” on your first visit to Sri Lanka. 

We had some guests that tackled the Lion Rock in the morning and Pidurangala Rock in the evening. I was amazed that they managed this and they had a great experience.

Hikes near Ella Town.

Little Adams Peak and Ella Rock

Several of our guests do a stay trip to Ella and take in some of the sights. Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall and Ravana’s Cave are some of the great sights to see.

Many of our guests climb Little Adams Peak which is a short hike.

Less of our guests have climbed to Ella Rock. The hike is a little bit harder and it’s good to do this early and see the sunrise.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and hike Horton Plains National Park.

We normally send guests off at 6 am in the morning with a delicious packed breakfast to Horton Plains National Park. Getting there early is good as you are more likely to see the views at Lesser World’s End and Greater World’s End. 

As Horton Plain National Park is a montane cloud forest, the clouds do come in and obscure the view!

By setting off early you can be back at GlenMyu Estate in the mid afternoon and enjoy a dip in our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool to soothe your muscles. A delicious meal in the evening prepared by Ru. It’s a good reward for the energy you will have expended on your hike.

Find out more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate by visiting our website

Look at our reviews from our guests on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor and Google.

For our best rates contact us directly by the WhatsApp button on our website or send us an email.

The Best Hike in Sri Lanka Read More »

Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Photos of Horton Plains National Park

Photos of Horton Plains National Park

We love a day trip to Horton Plains National Park from GlenMyu Estate and wanted to share photos of our experience there. Our guests at GlenMyu Estate also love the experience and have also kindly shared their photos with us.

As we make other trips to hike around Horton Plains National Park and see Greater World’s End, Lesser World’s End and Baker’s Falls we will continue to update this article.

We want to thank our guests for permitting us to share their photos of their experience of Horton Plains National Park so that you can get a glimpse of what you will discover on your hike.

Mike and Ru's Photos of Horton Plains National Park

We will start with our own photos that we have taken on our hikes at Horton Plains National Park.

Quentine and Marine's Photos of Horton Plains

Ridhi and Janhavi's Photos of Horton Plains

GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Sri Lanka.

GlenMyu Estate is around one hour fifteen minutes drive from the entrance at Horton Plains National Park.

We normally send our guests off around 6.30 a.m. with a sumptuous packed breakfast and flasks of ginger tea so that they can eat something on arrival. The remaining part of the breakfast is taken with the guests and enjoyed at either Lesser World’s End of Greater World’s End.

The drive to Horton Plains National Park is via Haputale and Ohiya. We can arrange a car and driver to take you on your trip so that you can relax and enjoy the views on your journey to the park.

What will I experience at GlenMyu Estate?

Three luxurious bedrooms with a stunning view.
Five acres to explore.
Two lounges to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool. Delicious meals creafted by Ru.
A climate that doesn’t require any air conditioning.
We make you feel at home whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Airbnb and Booking.com. However, please contact us directly by WhatsApp for our direct booking rates.

Photos of Horton Plains National Park Read More »

Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Hike Around Horton Plains National Park

January 2023 Hike around Horton Plains National Park

Hiking at Horton Plains National Park is one of our favourite places which is within reaching distance of GlenMyu Estate. My wife and I have been three times with friends at different times of the year. It’s great to have such a wonderful landscape close to where we live. This is a summary of our experience of our hike around Horton Plains National Park in January 2023.

We would have completed a lot more hikes since moving to GlenMyu Estate however we were hampered by the building of the house, landscaping of the land and Sri Lanka’s fuel crisis.

Fortunately the country is in a better position now and we can get petrol regularly which enables us to travel a bit more.

My oldest friend visited Sri Lanka for the first time since our wedding some seven years ago. It was great to have him at the estate to show him what we have created and understand why we live on this paradise island.

We had some guests whilst he was here and he could see how we love having more people enjoying the house and estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate when visiting Horton Plains National Park

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb

Our hike around Horton Plains National Park.

It was also important to show my friend what marvellous sights and places of interest are close to GlenMyu Estate.
Before coming over I had given him a few places that I really wanted for him to see and Horton Plains was one of them.

The weather had not been kind during his holiday (however he still managed to get sunburnt at our pool) so we had to time our hike.
The weather looked okay in Viharaghalla and Beragala. However, it can change a lot when you get to Horton Plains which is a much higher elevation that GlenMyu (2,100 metres compared to 990 metres).

It took around 1 hour 15 minutes to get to the park and a light drizzle of rain was waiting for us there.

The entry price has gone up!

It has been while since I have been to Horton Plains and I last remember the entry fee to be around 5,000 rupees.
Since the financial crisis and the depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee prices have changed in the country.
The price we paid in January 2023 was as follows:
Sri Lankan Rupees
1 Foreign Adult    8,833.75
Other fee             150.00
Service Charge    3,533.50
VAT                 1,900.00
Total                  14,417.25

This is around US$40/Euro€37/GBP£32

I don’t know whether the Service Charge is fixed for multiple adults.

If you are converting from US$, £ Sterling of € Euros it probably still is a reasonable price for such a wondrous place to visit. 

You will need to check the price when you visit as I have no doubt that there will be further increases. 

Also, we paid in cash and I don’t think that they have credit card facilities available there.

Pricing Update - March 2023

Two of our guests visited Horton Plains National Park in March 2023.

They kindly provided a copy of their ticket giving a breakdown of the entry fee.

The cost for two Foreign Adults and additional fees was Sri Lankan Rupees 23,890.50.

The cost breakdown in Sri Lankan Rupees was as follows:

2 x Foreign Adults     16,900

JOCOV???                    300

Service Charge         3,360

VAT                       3,109.50

Total                23,830.50

Here is a copy of an entry ticket for May 2023 which is a slightly lower price.

Meeting a Samba Deer

After parking the car we had a small bite of breakfast that my wife had thoughtfully prepared for us. We normally provide a takeaway packed breakfast for our guests when they visit Horton Plains so that they have some early sustain to start their hike.

We met a Samba Deer in the car park who was very interested in what we had to eat and no doubt is used to visitors. Of course, we didn’t share our food however the deers antlers did bump my head as he got a bit too close.
As these are wild animals you need to keep your distance.

A drizzly start to our hike around Horton Plains.

There was a light dusting of rain as we started the hike and we both used rain jackets. The temperature was around 16 degrees celsius and with a slight wind it was a little chilly.

Clockwise or Anti Clockwise?

As you start the hike you have a choice in what direction you tackle the 11 kilometre hike.
To the left is a harder start and to the right is a little bit easier.

Taking the left you see the main sights in this order
Mini Worlds End
Greater Worlds End
Bakers Falls

Taking the right hand track reverses this order.

There, of course, is plenty of other things to see on the way with the variety of flora and fauna that awaits you.

I have been both ways and always take the left track for the following reasons:

I prefer the easier walk at the end of the hike.
There is a better chance of seeing the views at Mini Worlds End and Greater Worlds End earlier as it is more likely to cloud over later in the day.

However there were lots of people going anticlockwise around so the choice is yours!

A change in weather

It was not long after we started that we had to remove our jackets as the weather improved and we were in sunshine.
It was interesting seeing the clouds blowing through the hills.

Put your sunscreen on!

Although there may be cloud cover you can easily get sunburnt at Horton Plains. We have had guests that have suffered a little by not taking precautions. Suntan lotion and hats are recommended for the walk (and a rain jacket).

Read the Information Boards

There are lots of information boards on the walk which give you information about the geography, flora and fauna that you will see. Some plants, birds and insects are either endemic to Sri Lanka or too Horton Plains itself.

A tough start to our hike at Horton Plains

Initially the walk is quite easy however you will come across some rougher patches which are more tricky. You will need to be careful climbing down through this red coloured rock.

Mini Worlds End

We approached Mini Worlds End and there was a short opening in the clouds where you could get an idea of the 270 metre drop to the bottom of the precipice.
There were other people enjoying the view (and the rest) and we had a short chat about there experience in Sri Lanka.

We spent a bit of time there catching our breath and the view.

On the way to Greater Worlds End

The walk to Greater World End was not as difficult.
We saw some beautiful scenes and cloud formations on the way.

Got there but no view!

This is the reason why we recommend guests to go early to Horton Plains. You are more likely to get a good view of the precipices from both Mini Worlds End and Greater Worlds End if you do.

We caught a small glimpse of some of the 1,200 metre drop below Greater Worlds End but it was not clear enough to get a really good view. Well, I guess we will have to go again!

On to Bakers Falls

The hike to Bakers Falls was lovely and not too difficult. However, if you are not primed for hiking it can be quite tiring.

There are steps down to Bakers Falls and the scene at the bottom is worth it.

There is a beautiful cascade of water coming down the wide rocks creates wonderful patterns.

One of the local Sri Lankans was disappointed with the amount of water coming down the fall however we were very happy. We sat for some time enjoying the cool spray and movement of the water.

Completing the Circle of our Horton Plains Hike

After some rest at Bakers Falls we continued our walk towards our original entry point. It is X km and does takes some time. We were in no rush so we enjoyed the scenery as we went on our way and spoke to some fellow travellers.

Success- we made the hike at Horton Plains

Back to the starting point generated a feeling of achievement and we had some refreshments when we got back to the car.

There is a small shop where you can get drinks and Sri Lankan snacks however we had some leftover cake and Cinnamon Tea in a flask waiting for us.

The road home

It was a good feeling driving the car out of the National Park and we could see some more Samba Deer in the distance foraging in the fields.
Leaving the park and climbing down through the cooling forest before reaching Oyiha was enjoyable and was the start of our way home to GlenMyu Estate.

Would I recommend hiking Horton Plains National Park?

Although the price of entry has increased I still think that it is a fantastic experience.

The park is a UNESCO Heritage site and is a unique area in Sri Lanka.
It is well maintained by the park staff and they were working on improving some pathways when I last visited.

The flora changes throughout the year and I still plan to visit at different times to get the full experience of Horton Plains.

If you are fit enough to do the hike I would certainly recommend it. I would consider it as a great experience to do when staying at GlenMyu Estate or other hotels within reaching distance of the park.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall - an alternative

We also recommend our guests to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall which is only a 40 minute drive from GlenMyu Estate. The hike is a lot less arduous however it is beautiful going from pool to pool as you walk down the spectacular scenery.
You can read more about our trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall at this link.

Hike Around Horton Plains National Park Read More »

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