Joanna James
Located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands at an elevation between 2100 and 2300 metres, the Horton Plains is on every hiker’s bucket list when they arrive in Sri Lanka. If you’re one of these outdoor enthusiasts, here are a few key tips for your hike.
If you want to enjoy the best views and atmosphere at Horton Plains, you’ve got to be an early riser! Try to be at the entrance before the official opening time, which is 6 a.m. This may seem a little extreme, but it's the best way to ensure that you start your hike at the earliest time. As you continue ascending along your journey, you’ll witness many breathtaking sights, made more spectacular by the golden rays of the rising sun.
Whether you’re arriving independently or through hotels like Heritance Tea Factory, an early start will mean being out in the cold before sunrise. It is best to bring a long-sleeved shirt or a light sweater. As you continue your hike, the cold will ease up so you can remove your external layers of clothing. However, the weather can be unpredictable and you might need those extra layers of warmth later on your hike. Also, make sure you wear a good pair of hiking boots or comfy sneakers and bring a cap and some sun lotion.
If you are hiking independently and not as part of an organised tour group, you’ll need to choose the right direction for your hike. The hike at Horton Plains is a 10 km loop and around 5 minutes after you walk through the entrance you’ll need to decide between a left or right turn. A left turn will take you towards Mini World’s End (a smaller version of the World’s End cliff drop) while going right will lead you towards Baker’s Falls. Whichever direction you take, try to reach World’s End before 10 am so that you get to see the incredible views instead of a blank screen of fog.
What makes a hike at Horton Plains one of the best things to do in Nuwara Eliya, is the chance to visit World’s End. This is where the plateau ends at a sharp precipice where the drop extends to nearly 900 metres! The stunning views that you observe from this point will definitely be the highlight of your trek but it’s important to think about safety first. There is no safety rail or fence near the edge and the plateau is a lot smaller than many expect. So it's better to keep your distance from the edge, especially if you find other hikers crowding in on the plateau.
Horton Plains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important location for its biodiversity. This means that all hikers have a responsibility to preserve the natural environment around them during their walk. Plastic items are not allowed on site except for water bottles, but you’ll need to remove the cover wrappings before entering the park. Disposing of trash inside the park is also prohibited - no bins are provided along the trail so you’ll need to wait till you exit the park to dispose of any waste collected. You’ll also need to remain quiet during the trek so that nearby animals aren’t agitated or scared away.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
