Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
2,564 reviews
Excellent
1,488
Very good
710
Average
253
Poor
81
Terrible
32
Smrutishree
Pune, India3 contributions
Friends
Get ready for a walk, walk and walk for approximately 9.4 kms !! (Pheww)
Undoubtedly this hike will give you a beautiful experience of walking in sweat, clouds, mist, rain and breeze ! One can experience all of them in the total hike !
To consider for people who are not so adventurous and who prefer less walking. The plains may mislead you about the difficulty level !
There are levels of walking and they are easy, difficult and more difficult!!
And there are definitely the same the way they are listed. In the rains the rocks, the waking passage can be slippery making your hike really challenging. Till you reach bakers fall you will get an insight of your journey anyways !! One should be with very good quality hiking shoes with good grip which will be helpful while waking. Rain Coats, cap and some food stuffs are very important along with you. Remember to carry them in a paper bag as no plastics are allowed inside. They will remove the plastic covering of the water bottle too ( a good initiative though)
Do try to start your journey maximum by 7:30 am to see a clear view near the world end ( if you fortunate). Else the clouds will cover you well and give another experience for photography only 🙃
You will enjoy the named places called and mini worlds end and worlds end. They are the places where you can have a breathtaking views if there are no clouds.
Be very careful of the steep elevation of the worlds end while doing some photography.
This may take a minimum of 3 to 4 hours depending on the walking speed and time.
Apart from this: undoubtedly this will give an amazing feeling once you finally see the finish gate 😎
# leaving your foot prints behind 🙂
# mythological: In the story, Hanuman set fire to Horton plains and that fire lasted for a long time. The original name, Maha Eliya Thenna carries the meaning, 'The hugely lighten ground'. Even now the upper layer of soil can be seem in a blackish grey colour. There had been some soil tests done by local universities, and it revealed that upper layer contains a high amount of Calcium Carbonate and Potash.
Undoubtedly this hike will give you a beautiful experience of walking in sweat, clouds, mist, rain and breeze ! One can experience all of them in the total hike !
To consider for people who are not so adventurous and who prefer less walking. The plains may mislead you about the difficulty level !
There are levels of walking and they are easy, difficult and more difficult!!
And there are definitely the same the way they are listed. In the rains the rocks, the waking passage can be slippery making your hike really challenging. Till you reach bakers fall you will get an insight of your journey anyways !! One should be with very good quality hiking shoes with good grip which will be helpful while waking. Rain Coats, cap and some food stuffs are very important along with you. Remember to carry them in a paper bag as no plastics are allowed inside. They will remove the plastic covering of the water bottle too ( a good initiative though)
Do try to start your journey maximum by 7:30 am to see a clear view near the world end ( if you fortunate). Else the clouds will cover you well and give another experience for photography only 🙃
You will enjoy the named places called and mini worlds end and worlds end. They are the places where you can have a breathtaking views if there are no clouds.
Be very careful of the steep elevation of the worlds end while doing some photography.
This may take a minimum of 3 to 4 hours depending on the walking speed and time.
Apart from this: undoubtedly this will give an amazing feeling once you finally see the finish gate 😎
# leaving your foot prints behind 🙂
# mythological: In the story, Hanuman set fire to Horton plains and that fire lasted for a long time. The original name, Maha Eliya Thenna carries the meaning, 'The hugely lighten ground'. Even now the upper layer of soil can be seem in a blackish grey colour. There had been some soil tests done by local universities, and it revealed that upper layer contains a high amount of Calcium Carbonate and Potash.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LucyErickson
London, UK8 contributions
Lovely hike with amazing views. Took us about 4 hours total while carrying our 9 month old baby in a sling. We saw fluffy purple bear monkeys, reptiles, deer and even signs of leopards. It was chilly so bring layers! Make sure you hire a proper guide with a 4 wheel drive or a van to take you up - we saw some hair raising scenes of small cars struggling to drive up the mountain. I would highly recommend hiring a guide for the hike - you don't need one but you will learn so much more about the local wildlife and see so much that would otherwise miss! Can highly recommend!
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason C
Australia9 contributions
Interesting part of the tour of our trip. We were advised to go very early having left our hotel at 5am, we were lucky that our hotel catered giving us a awesome breakfast pack. We were greeted with other tours lining up in the morning to get tickets, one word of advice is also to dress warm as in the morning it was VERY cold. The national park also restricts bringing in any food and you are checked at the entry point, it was strange however to see other tourists eating at the peak, i wasn't sure why our drink was confiscated. The hike was amazing, one of the best experiences ever, in the morning the hike was sublime, the pure calm and beautiful scenery was amazing, the best part was that luckily we had a good guide and was able to take a different route where we didn't see anyone. It felt like the whole park was ours, it was an amazing hike, to the peak the view was amazing and by the time we made it fortunately was much warmer. The hike wasn't too difficult and on the way back we saw bucket loads of tourists coming so it was another benefit to go when we did.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael Morris
Palma de Mallorca, Spain37 contributions
Couples
The National Park is beautiful however the entrance ticket is expensive at 3000rps per person (tourist price). Locals pay a whopping rate of 60rps p/p!! This price disparity made us feel slightly exploited! You will need to pay an additional fee of 2100rps for tax and 100rps for a paper pamphlet! The park seems to be badly managed in general and overpriced for what it is. If you have an abundance of time in Nuwara Eliya and feel like a hike in nature then this could be worth jt.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vista-Ceylon
Hanwella, Sri Lanka86 contributions
Horton plans or “ Maha eliya tenna” called in Sinhalese. (මහ එළිය තැන්න) .Horton plane is montane grassland and cloud forest. this is the largest park (plane in the central hills ). I can advise you to visit this eye-catching place visit in the morning time because you can feel the wonder of mist. According to my experience, you need to stay at least half a day to work around this wonderful place.
When we entering the Horton plain there is a small museum about the Horton plan small shop as well you can buy warm clothes and memorial items.
When we entering the Horton plain there is a small museum about the Horton plan small shop as well you can buy warm clothes and memorial items.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nico B
3 contributions
Solo
Foreigners currently pay a total admission fee of 42$, which almost made me turn around at the gate even though I drove for 3 hours to get there. I see the reason for different pricing between locals and foreigners, but paying more than 10x makes me feel like I'm being ripped off, which ruins the experience.
Also the park has some of the worst roads I've seen in sri lanka, which doesn't help to justify this abomination of an admission fee.
Also the park has some of the worst roads I've seen in sri lanka, which doesn't help to justify this abomination of an admission fee.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Boony
7 contributions
We had a lovely walk around the park and saw the main sights plus lots of bird life. There were quite a lot of people also walking. The attendants were very strict about controlling litter and stopping people dropping plastic bottles, which was good. The visitors centre needs updating; it seemed very tired. The cafe was appalling; the people running in had no interest in looking after customers, the coffee was disgusting and they tried to rip us off by charging more than 10 x the price. We think the park should upgrade the cafe and find staff able to provide much better service and products for the many visitors. It was unacceptable. The toilets next to the cafe were dirty and poor. The ones next to the visitor centre were much better. If you charge people a high fee to enter the park it is reasonable for them to expect decent facilities.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
keithY651
London, UK427 contributions
You need to be here early to miss the build up of mist. We arrived around 06.50 and we certainly were not some of the first here. Despite what some people say, this is a pretty tough walk. I'm relatively fit but I'd still call it a challenging walk. My Fitbit recorded 17500 steps and 171 floors.
I hate to tarnish an entire country but we were again inflicted to Chinese tourist hooligans. These moronic individuals who are only interested in taking posed selfies of themselves with 'V' fingers need to be taught how to be a tourist and respect others. We had seen it at religious sites where they run everywhere, shouting and pushing and completely disrespecting other people's religion. Today it was the utter disrespect of nature. Signs ask to be quiet, this is a place to take in the landscape, to listen to the wind. This is not a place to have Timberlake coming out of your I Phone at full blast As no one else was saying anything I'm afraid some Anglo Saxon words about their parentage was uttered and I guess they understood as they put their earphones on!!!!
We were lucky to see the very rare bear monkey, an animal that is incredibly shy. Everyone around was hushed and we were able to see this amazing animal. Despite sushhhing and pointing to the monkey so they too could see it, these imbecilic people started to whistle at it like you would a dog. The monkey disappeared.
At Worlds End again it was the Chinese that pushed to get the best vantage point to get selfies of themselves. China has just started tourism and this problem will only grow. Everyone appears aware of it but no one is teaching them that there are ways to be a respectable tourist. Our guide said this happens all the time. Perhaps responsible tourism behavior needs to be taught in school?
The walk as mentioned is challenging, some good walking shoes should prevent slips. We saw people in flip flops. We also saw tourists with small children. This is not the place to take children. It is challenging enough on some of the steeper climbs, but looking after or carrying a child is an accident waiting to happen. It will be completely boring for them anyway and a pain for the parent.
The drive from Nuwara is in the dark and therefore you don't see much, but coming back its a great drive and you see plenty of local life with good photo opportunities.
I hate to tarnish an entire country but we were again inflicted to Chinese tourist hooligans. These moronic individuals who are only interested in taking posed selfies of themselves with 'V' fingers need to be taught how to be a tourist and respect others. We had seen it at religious sites where they run everywhere, shouting and pushing and completely disrespecting other people's religion. Today it was the utter disrespect of nature. Signs ask to be quiet, this is a place to take in the landscape, to listen to the wind. This is not a place to have Timberlake coming out of your I Phone at full blast As no one else was saying anything I'm afraid some Anglo Saxon words about their parentage was uttered and I guess they understood as they put their earphones on!!!!
We were lucky to see the very rare bear monkey, an animal that is incredibly shy. Everyone around was hushed and we were able to see this amazing animal. Despite sushhhing and pointing to the monkey so they too could see it, these imbecilic people started to whistle at it like you would a dog. The monkey disappeared.
At Worlds End again it was the Chinese that pushed to get the best vantage point to get selfies of themselves. China has just started tourism and this problem will only grow. Everyone appears aware of it but no one is teaching them that there are ways to be a respectable tourist. Our guide said this happens all the time. Perhaps responsible tourism behavior needs to be taught in school?
The walk as mentioned is challenging, some good walking shoes should prevent slips. We saw people in flip flops. We also saw tourists with small children. This is not the place to take children. It is challenging enough on some of the steeper climbs, but looking after or carrying a child is an accident waiting to happen. It will be completely boring for them anyway and a pain for the parent.
The drive from Nuwara is in the dark and therefore you don't see much, but coming back its a great drive and you see plenty of local life with good photo opportunities.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kai Wah
Malaysia2,783 contributions
Couples
This is a lovely trekking place with fresh air and beautiful scenery along the trekking paths. Some beautiful stops worth to check out are:
1. Little World’s End view point
2. Great World’s End view point
3. Baker’s Waterfalls
We were so lucky to be able to see a wild Sambar Deer right in front of us up close before the starting point of the trek. Entrance fee is quite steep at LKR3,850 per person. Suggest to go early in the morning as we departed from our hotel at Nuwara Eliya at 5am. On the way up to Horton Plains, before reaching the ticket booth, we stopped at the roadside to watch the sunrise above the sea clouds. Horton Plains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where is protected areas for its nature beauty. It is a plateau at 2100-2300 meters above sea level. Hence, be prepared for the warm clothing since it can be very chilly early in the morning. A complete route of hiking require at least half day time (4-5 hours depends on individual fitness level) and the trekking path is relatively easy for all age, but good walking shoes are necessary, plus adequate drinking water. Packing breakfast is advisable for people who do morning trek. Tight security check of the bag/ haversack at the entrance of trekking and no plastics allowed at the park. We were so glad that we did morning trek as the weather was cool and pleasant and completed our trek slightly before noon. Hence, most people do morning trek and be there early as there will be long queue for security check. An afternoon trekking would be warm and sweaty due to warmer weather in the day. We simply love this place and the beauty of Mother Nature!!!
1. Little World’s End view point
2. Great World’s End view point
3. Baker’s Waterfalls
We were so lucky to be able to see a wild Sambar Deer right in front of us up close before the starting point of the trek. Entrance fee is quite steep at LKR3,850 per person. Suggest to go early in the morning as we departed from our hotel at Nuwara Eliya at 5am. On the way up to Horton Plains, before reaching the ticket booth, we stopped at the roadside to watch the sunrise above the sea clouds. Horton Plains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where is protected areas for its nature beauty. It is a plateau at 2100-2300 meters above sea level. Hence, be prepared for the warm clothing since it can be very chilly early in the morning. A complete route of hiking require at least half day time (4-5 hours depends on individual fitness level) and the trekking path is relatively easy for all age, but good walking shoes are necessary, plus adequate drinking water. Packing breakfast is advisable for people who do morning trek. Tight security check of the bag/ haversack at the entrance of trekking and no plastics allowed at the park. We were so glad that we did morning trek as the weather was cool and pleasant and completed our trek slightly before noon. Hence, most people do morning trek and be there early as there will be long queue for security check. An afternoon trekking would be warm and sweaty due to warmer weather in the day. We simply love this place and the beauty of Mother Nature!!!
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lihini Rodrigo
Colombo, Sri Lanka48 contributions
Covered the entire trail of 9 KM in 2.5 hours. Started off around 1.30 pm and took the anti-clock wise trail, which is to go to the Chimney Lake first followed up by Baker's falls and then the World's end. I think this way is better than going clockwise as it is easier to go downhill on the bumpy road near Baker's hills than to climb it. Would not recommend to people who are over 60 if not in good health conditions as it could be really tiring and there's no emergency aid available. The attraction can be improved by adding a tempered glass deck, it would attract more adrenaline junkies. Also, there are no places to buy food nearby which is a great limitation. However the entire journey was amazing as you feel that there is only you and the nature, which is a hauntingly beautiful feeling.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amelie
Paris, France7 contributions
I’m traveling with my puppy, can I bring her with me for this tour in the national park?
Tharaka D
Minuwangoda, Sri Lanka348 contributions
Strictly not. The park office may not allow to bring him because it will be harmful to puppy itself. Also it will be hard to travel incide the park with a pet. It will be get lost among wilderness.
Kassapa Jayasinghe
Wadduwa, Sri Lanka15 contributions
Hi,
Does Mahaeliya bungalow has 4G?
Thanks
John doe
Kandy District, Sri Lanka1 contribution
Hi, so these ranger staff is always drunk or only on weekends ?
John doe
Kandy District, Sri Lanka1 contribution
Hello,
We went on 24th of october to Hortan Plains National Park and there wasnt much of a crowd because of covid19... my father got called for the office there for "feeding an animal"...thats what they say... we accepted the fault and we were ready to pay the fine or appear on court for the offence but he was kept there for more than 2 hours and once i go to see wther hes alrght, they hit both of us and sweared (used bad language) alot and threatened to cuff us... we smelled the alcohol on them clearly... and they dragged my father away and locked him in a room... we always collect trash into a bag even the stuff others left like beer cans and etc... and still these rangers blamed us and accused us for destroying the environment and they told others that we hit them - the other way around... my mother was there with me and they really disrespected her... they fined us 5000/= without an official note... when we tried to video this whole scene they tried to dragged us away... there were other tourists there and they also witnessed this mess... hope someone get the attention of these uneducated scums and we get justice and see inti this matter !
Danushka Basnayaka
Mawanella, Sri Lanka111 contributions
Can I use Public transportation to this place from Nuwara Eliya town?
sudumenike
232 contributions
There is no derect public transport to Horton plains from Nuwaraeliya.
Go go nuwaraeliya to nanuoya by bus.
Get a train to ohiya from nanuoya.
From ohiya train station you have to get a tuk tuk.
Karam Singh
3 contributions
Can we get there by scooter?
Simroch
Melbourne, Australia129 contributions
It's a pretty tough road - would not recommend it
Y D
Lucknow, India
Can we cover Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains National park in a day trip from Kandy
Ryan S
Island of Malta, Malta47 contributions
It is not the ideal as others said for horton Plains best to visit is 6-7am to be their. You will see sunrise and the wildlife waking up. You can go later the day but that beautiful part will be missed. Else you can go to Nuwara Eliya first and enjoy the village and then in the afternoon go to horton plains roughly the trek will take you 4hrs. Hope this helps 🙏
Irina M
Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine
Добрый день, Влад. Обычно плато Хортон посещают рано утром с объяснением что потом туман закрывает всю долину. Вы случайно не помните был ли туман во время вашего посещения?
yasith2727
Colombo, Sri Lanka6 contributions
Hi, Anyone stayed at Forest Department bungalow in Ohiya? want to know the conditions and the facilities.
Pigeon Island Tours
Nilaveli, Sri Lanka11 contributions
Yes
veverka177
Vienna, Austria23 contributions
Hello, we plan to drive through Horton Plains NP by scooter- from Ohyia to Nuwara Elyia. Is it possible to drive through without having to pay an entrance fee? (we are not planing to do any hike, just simply take the road that goes through the park...)
ulfgarvald
Gothenburg, Sweden124 contributions
Do not know. I just hiked there and did not see any road through the park at all. Sorry
Horton Plains National Park (Nuwara Eliya) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Horton Plains National Park
- Horton Plains National Park admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $46.29, while a popular guided tour starts around $6.25 per person. See all 177 Horton Plains National Park tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Horton Plains National Park can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 177 Horton Plains National Park tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Horton Plains National Park:
- Horton Plains National Park Entrance Ticket (From $46.29)
- Horton Plains-World's End Tour From Nuwaraeliya (From $40.00)
- Horton Plains National Park Tour With Scenic Train Ride (From $79.34)
- Best Sri Lankan Vacations (From $615.39)
- Spiritual Freedom | 7 Days (From $753.85)
- Hotels near Horton Plains National Park:
- (4.14 mi) The Glenrock
- (8.44 mi) Jetwing Warwick Gardens
- (8.67 mi) Melheim Resort and Spa
- (4.42 mi) Hill Safari Eco Lodge Ohiya
- (8.95 mi) Dream Cliff Mountain Resort