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Horton Plains National Park
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya District

Horton Plains National Park

4.8
4.5/5
211 reviews

Horton Plains National Park is an important natural heritage of Sri Lanka and a national park that allows tourists to hike. The "plain" itself is a plateau about 2,000 meters above sea level, covered with virgin grasslands and dotted with several dense forests. 1. Scenic History Horton Plains was formerly known as MahaEliyaThena, which means "Great Plains". During the British colonial period, it was named after the British governor of Ceylon, Wilmert Houghton (also said to be his wife, Anne Houghton). It was not until 1969 that the Houghton Plain was designated as a wildlife reserve. Because of the biodiversity of Horton Plains, it was planned as a national park for tourists to visit in 1988. In July 2010, Sri Lanka's central highlands, including Horton Plains National Park, the summit wilderness reserve where Adam's Peak is located, and the Knuckles Mountains were inscribed on the World Heritage List. 2. Scenic features Horton Plains, if literally translated, are actually "Horton Plains", from which we can intuitively feel Horton's topographical features - flat and open, but not static. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable and Horton is notoriously windy. Hiking on the wide slopes of the Horton Plain, there are ups and downs along the way. In front of you are vast hills, small rivers and various tropical plants, and the blue sky and fresh air are more enjoyable. In addition to the attractive World's End cliffs, you can also see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elk and various birds while hiking in the Horton Plains National Park. The entire scenic spot is very primitive, please do not go to areas outside the prescribed route when hiking to avoid danger. On the way back you will pass Baker's Falls, which is not spectacular but adds to the fun of your hike. 3. The trekking route to Horton Plains National Park generally requires a chartered car. After arriving at the gate and purchasing the ticket, you can drive in for a while, and then start the hiking tour from the parking lot. There is a circular hiking route in the national park, with a total length of about 9.5 kilometers. Tourists can only walk within the specified range according to the road signs (it is strongly recommended to walk in a clockwise direction). It takes about 3-4 hours to walk the whole way. Walk from the entrance to the end of the world for about 4 kilometers, then walk 2 kilometers to a Baker Falls, and then walk 3.5 kilometers back to the entrance. 4. Wildlife Due to its location at the turning point of many rivers, the Horton Plain has very rich wildlife species, often leopards, deer and wild boars. Lanka's local "Purple-faced Vervet Monkeys" sometimes flicker through the forest along Ohiya Road, and sometimes peek in the woods near the end of the world. This area is also great for bird watching. Native Yellow-eared Nightingale, Fantail Warbler, Grey-headed Thrush, Lankan White-Eyed, Lankan Thrush, Lankan White-eyed Arrenga, Lankan Blue Magpie, Mountain Eagle, etc. 5. Natural Plants There is a grass called Chrysopogon that covers the grasslands on the plateau, while the swamp is a breeding ground for the rich species of Sphagnum. The white-flowered delphinium is the dominant vegetation in mountain forest areas. Dwarf trees and shrubs are joined by mosses and lichens. There is also Rhododendronzelanicum, which produces blood-red flowers. Strobilanthes with sharp leaves bloom every five years.

Nuwara Eliya District · 28.2km from Ella

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What travellers say about Ella

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虎公公20 September 2025
5.0
It's definitely worth the trip. The natural scenery is stunning, and the pristine feeling is fantastic! I was in high spirits after the 10-kilometer walk. Although a little tired, I was very happy. The misty mountains, gravel roads, rushing waterfalls, and clear streams along the way were all incredibly beautiful. I felt like I had completed another challenge for myself. (The photos were taken with my phone, no filters at all)

Horton Plains National Park

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Uliana Aleksandrova9 November 2026
5.0
Epic hike! ✨🗻 2.5h round trip instead of 4h. Took a PickMe bike (600 LKR, 20 min from Ella). No signs—ask locals! Leeches and rain are real, but the view is absolutely worth it! 940 LKR entry.

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What are the must-do things in Ella?

Don't miss these attractions in Ella: Honey bee garden cooking class, Horton Plains National Park, and Porawagala Viewpoint. If you like Day tours, try Ella: Ella Tea plantation Tour with Tasting & Snacks. If you enjoy Culture & history, try Sky Walk in Ella.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Ella: Ella Tea plantation Tour with Tasting & Snacks, Ella Wonders: Zipline, Falls, Spice, Nine Arches & More, and Nanuoya (Nuwaraeliya) to Ella Train Tickets (Reserved Seats). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 11 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ella is around EUR 9.75 – EUR 57.91. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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