Horton Plains National Park

Horton plain is one of the Biodiversity hotspots in Sri Lanka, This ecosystem gives birth to many rivers in Sri Lanka, and also it is a home for much endemic wildlife and fauna.

Horton plains national park in Sri Lanka is home to some of the most unique and beautiful wildlife on the planet. From the majestic elephants to the tiny leopards, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

About Horton plains national park Sri lanka

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane forest and grassland. This park is situated on the plateau which is at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) and extends over 3,169 hectares (7,860 acres). The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. These rivers flow into different parts of the island.
The Horton Plains National Park is home to many endemic species such as the Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, wild boar, and toque macaque. The park also has a variety of birdlife including some rare species such as the Ceylon wood pigeon, dull-blue flycatcher, and orange-breasted green pigeon.
Horton Plains National Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2010 due to its unique biodiversity and its importance as a catchment area for two major rivers in Sri Lanka.

Worlds end in Horton plains national park

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is home to a variety of wildlife. The park is also home to World’s End, a sheer cliff that drops 880m into a valley.

The park was established in 1969 and covers an area of 3,160 hectares. It is the country’s only national park that is located in the montane region. The park is named after British governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, who was responsible for establishing the park.

The climate in the park is cool and wet, with an annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000mm. The average temperature is 15-20 degrees Celsius.

The vegetation in the park includes montane forest, grassland and marshy areas. The forest is dominated by oaks and conifers, while the grassland is home to a variety of endemic plants.

Wildlife in the park includes Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan leopards, Toque macaques and a variety of birds.

World’s End is one of the main attractions in Horton Plains National Park. The cliff gets its name from the fact that it marks the end of the landmass that forms Sri Lanka. From the top of the cliff, there are stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Bakers falls in Hortion plains national park

Bakers Falls is one of the many waterfalls found in Horton Plains National Park. The falls are named after Samuel Baker, who was the first European to explore the area. Baker’s Falls flow over a sheer cliff and drop into a valley below. The falls are a popular spot for visitors to the park and offer a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

Kirigalpotta summit trail in Horton plains national park

The Kirigalpotta summit trail is one of the most popular trails in Horton plains national park Sri Lanka. The trail takes you to the top of Kirigalpotta mountain, which is the second highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The summit of Kirigalpotta mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for visitors to the park. The trail is a moderate to difficult hike and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Thotupola kanda in Hortion plains national park

Thotupola kanda is the third highest mountain in Horton plains national park and is a popular spot for visitors to the park. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The Thotupola kanda summit trail is a moderate to difficult hike and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Wildlife in Horton plains national park

Horton Plains National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan leopards, Toque macaques and a variety of birds.

The Sri Lankan sambar deer is a species of deer that is endemic to Sri Lanka. The deer is the largest mammal in the country and can weigh up to 180kg. The Sri Lankan leopard is a subspecies of the leopard that is found in Sri Lanka. The leopard is an apex predator and is one of the most feared animals in the country. The Toque macaque is a species of monkey that is found in Sri Lanka. The monkey is a popular tourist attraction and can be seen in many parts of the country.

Birds are also a common sight in Horton Plains National Park. Some of the bird species that can be seen in the park include the Ceylon junglefowl, red-faced malkoha, yellow-fronted barbet and blackbird.