Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park
4.5
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$46.29
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- RickyNew York City, New York420 contributionsExcellent HikeYes, the ticket price is high but it’s the same at other places like Udawalawe. I paid $13,500. The total duration was about 2:45 minutes (worlds end-baker falls loop). Trails are very muddy this time of the year so wear proper footwear. You need to go early to get a proper view at World’s End before the clouds roll in. Baker falls was raging with all the rainfall. Note for tourists. Please pack out your plastic bottles.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 5, 2023
- Gail W25 contributionsInteresting hikeDid a 10 k hike and the path was rocky and wet so had to really watch my steps. Saw lots of deer near entrance and near office. Pretty waterfall and nice views. You hike to “The End Of The World”. Great spot for pictures! Recommend good footwear and prepare for lots of steps up and down.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 6, 2023
- Ceylon Silk Route TravelsBadulla, Sri Lanka15 contributionsStunning beauty of Sri LankaSimply Awesome. Horton Plains National Park offers a mesmerizing escape into nature. The surreal landscapes, highlighted by the iconic World's End viewpoint, make it a must-visit destination. The trek through mist-laden forests and unique flora is a photographer's delight. However, the chilly climate demands layered clothing. Ensure an early start to witness the breathtaking sunrise. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate encounters with Sambar deer and vibrant bird species. Admission fees are reasonable, and guided tours enhance the experience. Remember to carry water and snacks for the trek. A truly unforgettable adventure for nature lovers!"Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 6, 2023
- Alex PPerth, Australia133 contributions3 hour round hike.We were lucky with the weather for this hike. We left Nuwara Eliya at 5am to get to the ticket office for 6am. The hike is relatively easy if you are fit. Some awesome scenery and amazing views. Really glad we had the chance to do this hike. Would recommend!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 24, 2023
- Zameer M14 contributionsWord of Advise on visiting Horton Plains National Park Sri LankaVisiting Horton Plains in Sri Lanka offers a unique experience where the lush greenery and serene landscapes remind one of the Scottish Highlands or the Irish countryside. The highlight of the area is the 'World's End' - a spectacular viewpoint with breathtaking vistas. However, travelers should note that reaching this spot is quite a challenge. The path to World's End is not just a leisurely stroll; it involves navigating steep, uneven terrain with multiple climbs. It's essential to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to tackle these paths. This trek might not be suitable for those with physical limitations, knee injuries, or families traveling with small children due to its demanding nature. Moreover, it's crucial to consider the weather before planning your visit. The rainy season can be particularly hazardous in this region, with risks of sudden floods. Therefore, it’s best to avoid monsoon periods for a safer and more enjoyable experience. In summary, Horton Plains offers a stunning natural escape for the active and adventurous traveler, but it requires good preparation and a consideration of physical abilities. It's a place that leaves you in awe of nature's beauty, but also reminds you of its demandsVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 22, 2024
- Janet BWindsor, United Kingdom137 contributionsWonderful Place to Visit - Highly RecommendExcellent Trip to Horton Plains. Fabulous 9k walk in a loop with great views and stunning scenery. Our guide helped us enjoy the day here. We stopped on the way up to watch the sunrise which was spectacular. Highly recommend a visitVisited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- Nik_singHong Kong, China73 contributionsUnforgettable nature BeautyHorton Plains in Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit gem. With breathtaking landscapes, thrilling hikes, and serene surroundings, it's an unforgettable experience. Don't miss World's End viewpoint and Baker's Falls. Pack your essentials and prepare for an adventure like no other! Highly recommend.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 27, 2024
- petewilliams202358 contributionsGreat hike but be prepared.This is like no other part of Sri Lanka, if you start early be prepared to wear suitable clothing, it can get very cold. The landscape is unique and not dissimilar to New Zealand in appearance. It took my wife and I just over 3hrs to complete the full circuit and it’s reasonable difficult in many areas, not easy. If you do the circuit in a clockwise fashion it’s probably easier but make sure you wear decent footwear.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- Lee B62 contributionsDo it !! It is beautiful!!Honestly we had seen mixed reviews but are so glad we went and did the trail. Yes there is a pretty hefty cost, but it is a UNESCO site and you do get to walk through multiple environments. We had no issues at all at the ticket office, they were awesome. The trail is pretty easy to moderate - big tip - when you get to the start point there are two ways to go - go to the right, way less stairs and much better walk.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 21, 2024
- Ebaad C.Saudi Arabia13 contributionsA Breathtaking Adventure at Horton Plains National ParkOur visit to Horton Plains National Park was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all our expectations. We started our trek early in the morning, and the cool, crisp air coupled with the breathtaking sunrise made for a perfect beginning. The landscapes were stunning, with rolling grasslands, dense forests, and pristine waterfalls creating a picturesque setting. The highlight was reaching World's End, where the sheer drop and panoramic views were simply awe-inspiring. Along the way, we encountered diverse wildlife, including sambar deer and an array of vibrant bird species, adding to the magic of the experience. The trail was well-marked and moderately challenging, making it accessible yet rewarding. The park's commitment to conservation and the natural beauty it preserves is commendable. Horton Plains is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers, offering a serene escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s stunning wilderness.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jason C
Australia9 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keithY651
London, UK408 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kai Wah
Malaysia3,824 contributions
Feb 2020 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boony
7 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silvia
5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Since it is really difficult to find anything concerning the exact cost of horton plains, I took a picture of our ticket. As you can see, we (2 foreigners, our driver & a tuktuk) paid 7534.08 LKR. Prices vary according to vehicle, from what I could tell. We also paid the tuktuk driver 3500 LKR to pick us up in Nuwara Eliya at 5am and return around noon.
All in all, it's a very nice park with beautiful viewpoints and nice waterfalls - but it's also expensive (compared to sri lankan standards) and they should really add more ticket counters. We had to wait for half an hour in the freezing cold because many people wanted to get in early in the morning & there was only one counter! It's worth it to go early though, seeing the sunrise from horton plains was amazing.
All in all, it's a very nice park with beautiful viewpoints and nice waterfalls - but it's also expensive (compared to sri lankan standards) and they should really add more ticket counters. We had to wait for half an hour in the freezing cold because many people wanted to get in early in the morning & there was only one counter! It's worth it to go early though, seeing the sunrise from horton plains was amazing.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niels Selleslach
Leuven, Belgium27 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were searched bottom to top upon entry of the park to avoid any plastics, tobacco, lighters etc to enter the park, despite being nature respecting people ourselves.
After entry, we saw groups of locals carrying gas bottles and tents around a random place they decided to camp inside the park. While we were robbed of our breakfast, they were cooking it in the park, while washing their hair and brushing their teeth in the river.
The park is expensive (3500 rupees per person) for two viewpoints and a meagre waterfall.
On top, we saw quite some wildlife, but all on the outside of the park.
There’s no need to pay this fee, be searched and go through the hassle. The views, the ecosystem can be better just outside of the park.
After entry, we saw groups of locals carrying gas bottles and tents around a random place they decided to camp inside the park. While we were robbed of our breakfast, they were cooking it in the park, while washing their hair and brushing their teeth in the river.
The park is expensive (3500 rupees per person) for two viewpoints and a meagre waterfall.
On top, we saw quite some wildlife, but all on the outside of the park.
There’s no need to pay this fee, be searched and go through the hassle. The views, the ecosystem can be better just outside of the park.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vista-Ceylon
Hanwella, Sri Lanka86 contributions
Oct 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Morris
Palma de Mallorca, Spain63 contributions
Nov 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lihini Rodrigo
Colombo, Sri Lanka47 contributions
Aug 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
exploreslk
Colombo, Sri Lanka645 contributions
Sep 2019
Horton Plains National Park is a beautiful and must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka. It is a plateau with a amazing natural beauty and a very rich bio-deversity. It is one of very few parks in Sri Lanka where you are allowed to walk inside.
World's End, Little World's End, Bakers Falls are some of special features the park contains. Horton Plains National Park is the head waters of number of major rivers in Sri Lanka.
The total circuit around the park is about 9km.
World's End, Little World's End, Bakers Falls are some of special features the park contains. Horton Plains National Park is the head waters of number of major rivers in Sri Lanka.
The total circuit around the park is about 9km.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
we need transport to go from generals house Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains
Written August 1, 2024
Ceylon Transit
Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka
7 contributions
Please check ceylontransit com
Written August 12, 2024
Bella
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Hi, Is it easy that drive to Horton plains from Nuwara eliya grand hotel my self?
Written April 6, 2023
How and where do i see leapords? What is the best time to see them?
Written January 6, 2023
Go to Yala National Park and take a morning safari for the best chance to see leopards in the morning.
Written January 23, 2023
I’m traveling with my puppy, can I bring her with me for this tour in the national park?
Written January 22, 2022
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.
Written January 25, 2022
Hi,
Does Mahaeliya bungalow has 4G?
Thanks
Written December 2, 2021
Hi, so these ranger staff is always drunk or only on weekends ?
Written October 24, 2020
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 !
Written October 28, 2020
Can I use Public transportation to this place from Nuwara Eliya town?
Written September 1, 2020
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.
Written September 2, 2020
It's a pretty tough road - would not recommend it
Written February 23, 2020
Y D
Lucknow, India
Can we cover Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains National park in a day trip from Kandy
Written January 24, 2020
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 🙏
Written January 25, 2020
Irina M
Kyiv, 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?
Written October 29, 2019
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