Horton Plains National Park
Where Nature Thrives In Its Purest Form.
Central Province, Sri Lanka
31.6 sqkm
Est.1969
About The Park
Horton Plains National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic highland wilderness areas, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, unique montane ecosystems, and exceptional concentration of endemic wildlife.
History & Heritage
Horton Plains was once known locally as Maha Eliya Thenna (“great open plain”), a name dating back before British rule. The British later renamed it Horton Plains after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, a colonial governor of Ceylon in the early 19th century. Stone tools from prehistoric Balangoda culture have been found here, showing ancient human presence.
The area was first protected by an administrative order in 1873 to preserve upland forest, became a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, and was elevated to national park status in 1988 due to its biodiversity importance. In 2010, it became part of the Central Highlands World Heritage Site for its outstanding ecological value.
Geography & Climate
Horton Plains is a highland plateau in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands at about 2,100–2,350 m above sea level, making it one of the highest plateaus on the island. It features rolling grasslands, montane cloud forests, marshes, and wet patana vegetation. The Plains are bounded by Kirigalpoththa (2,389 m) and Thotupolakanda (2,357 m), the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka.
The climate is wet montane with cool temperatures — average around 13–16 °C, often dropping to ~5 °C at night in cooler months, with ground frost possible in the dry season. Annual rainfall is high (often >2,500 mm and locally much more), especially during monsoon and inter-monsoon periods.
Rich Ecosystems
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Rich Ecosystems
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Rich Ecosystems
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Rich Ecosystems
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Wildlife & Biodiversity
Discover the incredible variety of life that calls our park home. From majestic mammals to vibrant birdlife,
reptiles, and unique plant species.
Reptiles
Green Forest Lizard
A bright green agamid lizard native to Sri Lanka’s forests and highlands, known for its vivid color, spines, and territorial behavior.
Birds
Sri Lankan Junglefowl
Sri Lanka’s national bird, recognized by the male’s striking red, orange, and blue plumage. Commonly seen in forested areas including Horton Plains.
Flowers
Ceylon Rhododendron
A rare, bright-pink rhododendron native to Sri Lanka’s highlands, specially adapted to cool montane climates.
Mammals
Sri Lankan Sambar Deer
The largest deer species in Sri Lanka, commonly seen in Horton Plains, especially during early mornings when they graze in open grasslands.
Mammals
Leopard
An endemic leopard subspecies. Although elusive in most regions, it is occasionally sighted in the forested areas surrounding Horton Plains.
Mammals
Otter
A sleek, semi-aquatic predator found near streams and wetlands; feeds on fish, frogs, and crustaceans.
Birds
Owl
A small, endemic Sri Lankan owl with striking yellow eyes and a rounded head. Usually found in dense montane forests.
Birds
Woodpecker
A brilliantly colored woodpecker with a red crest and black-and-red plumage, found in forests across Sri Lanka including highland regions.
Visitor Information
Plan your perfect visit with all the essential information you need for an unforgettable experience
Open Hours
Park Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM for clear views at World’s End.
Entry Cutoff: Visitors are usually required to enter before 3:00–4:00 PM.
Entry Fees
• Entrance Fee (Foreigners): ~USD 40–80 (varies by official rate/taxes)
Accommodations
•Accommodation available only outside the park.
• Options include guesthouses and eco-lodges in Ohiya, Pattipola, and Nuwara Eliya, plus mid-range and boutique mountain hotels.
• No lodging inside Horton Plains National Park.
Experience & Activities
Immerse yourself in nature through a variety of adventures tailored for all interests and fitness levels.
Worlds End
Camping
Scenary Watching
Gallery & Media
Explore stunning moments captured in the park – from breathtaking landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters.
Contact us
Get in touch with us for inquiries, or to learn more about how you can support our conservation efforts.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is a unique highland sanctuary in Sri Lanka, renowned for its sweeping grasslands, mist-covered cloud forests, and dramatic escarpments. Home to rare wildlife such as the Sri Lankan sambar deer and diverse endemic bird species, it offers some of the island’s most breathtaking viewpoints—including the iconic World’s End—making it a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.