Horton Plains National Park is a spectacular protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, renowned for its unique blend of montane grasslands and cloud forests. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 to 2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) above sea level, this cool, mist‑covered plateau is rich in biodiversity, with many plant and animal species that are endemic to the region. The park was officially designated a national park in 1988 to protect its rare ecosystems and fragile environment.
Horton Plains lies about 32 km from Nuwara Eliya, 8 km from Ohiya, and 6 km from the breathtaking Ohiya Gap (also known as Dondra Watch), where sweeping views of the plains and valleys unfold. As the headwaters of Sri Lanka’s three major rivers — the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe — the plains play a vital ecological role in the island’s hydrology and natural heritage.
The landscape of Horton Plains features rolling grasslands dotted with cloud forest patches and a variety of endemic woody plants adapted to the cool, high‑elevation climate. Stone tools linked to the ancient Balangoda culture have been uncovered in the area, offering insight into its prehistoric human presence.
The park is home to impressive wildlife, including large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer, and is recognized as an Important Bird Area, hosting numerous bird species found nowhere else on Earth or restricted to the highlands.
Horton Plains National Park is also famous for its scenic hiking trails, especially those leading to World’s End, a dramatic cliff with a near‑vertical drop and expansive views on clear days, and Baker’s Falls, a photogenic cascade hidden within the misty grasslands. These highlights, combined with the park’s cool climate and vibrant biodiversity, make Horton Plains a must‑visit destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country.