The state-protected Horton Plains National Park adds to Nuwara Eliya’s beauty. Wet patana and sub-tropical mountain evergreen forests are two different classifications for the park. There are 1,160 hectares of subtropical highland evergreen forest and 2000 hectares of wet patana. Horton plains are one of the most important watersheds in Sri Lanka. Three major rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe rivers, originate here.
This park has the widest variety in Sri Lanka. This park is home to sambar deer, various bird species, and many other endangered species. 24 different species of mammals, 87 different bird species, 9 different reptile species, and 8 different amphibian species exist. The park is adorned with about 750 types of plants from 20 different families. Additionally, Baker’s Falls and World’s End Falls give the park even more breathtaking views. Additionally, it has a long history that shows stone tools dating back to the Balangoda era.
Another mythological tale, the “Ramayana,” is associated with the Horton Plains. King Rawana is said to have made an airplane landing near Thotupala Mountain in the Horton Plains. According to the legend, King Rawana kidnapped Seetha, Rama’s wife, as payback for slashing his sitter’s nose. Then Rama arrived with an army and a human monkey (Hanuman). Hanuman was captured by Rawana’s soldiers, and his tail was set ablaze. With his tail, he raced and started a fire that burned for a very long time in Horton Plain.
It was designated as a national park in 1988 as a result of its historical significance and visual splendor of the natural world. It can be evaluated between 1,200 and 2,300 meters. The temperature varies greatly throughout the day, reaching as high as 27 Celsius during the day and 5 Celsius at night. The usual record for the temperature is 13 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season brings with it gale-force winds.
It is the most well-liked travel destination for both domestic and foreign travelers because of these distinctive traits. The park is 8 kilometers from Ohiya and 32 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya. Furthermore, the park lies 6 kilometers from the renowned Ohiya gap.
There are various ways to get to Horton Plains once you’ve reached the hill country. The highways Nuwara Eliya – Ambewela – Pattipola and Haputale – Boralanda lead to the park. Also, take the trains to Ohiya and Ambewela for a truly unique experience. From Sunday through Saturday, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
