Horton Plains is a beautiful and a sensitive ecosystem which is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It lies about 2100m above the sea level. This beautiful place is rich in biodiversity, giving life to so many plants and animals endemic to Sri Lanka.
Earlier it was called “Maha Iri Tanna”. It was a nature reserve in 1969 and later became a national park in 1988. Due to the especial ecosystem and the value of this environment, it was named as a world heritage in 2010.
Three of the main rivers of the island, Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe begin their amazing journey across the country from Horton plains.
These plains stand as habitats for endemic plants and animals. It is a home for over 750 species of plants and around 150 animals.
The largest and the most commonly seen mammal is the Sri Lankan sambar deer.
Sri Lankan leopards, wild boars, Stripe-necked mongooses, grizzled giant squirrels and Fishing cats are some species of mammals that can be seen in Horton Plains.
About 495 species of plants are found here while 164 are endemic to this national park. 10 orchids out of 12 species are endemic. 20 species of birds out of 34 are endemic and 5 out of 60 butterflies are endemic as well.
As a whole, 60 out of 248 species of butterflies in the island can be seen here in Horton Plains. Sri Lankan blue magpie, dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka white eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon are some endemic bird species occur in the national park.
From December to January the plains undergo extreme weather conditions, turning the plains into a heavenly paradise with the continuous rain and the dew.
Baker’s Falls
Baker’s Falls is a famous waterfall which is situated in Horton Plains national park. It is 66ft in height. This waterfall is extremely beautiful and it gives stunning views at different angles. This magnificent water fall feeds the Belihuloya reservoir. Furthermore, this place is a home to unique and endemic flora and fauna.
World’s End
The World’s end is an amazing place that is located in Horton Plains which has already caught the attraction of the tourists. This can be considered as one of the major attraction in Horton Plains. The tourists can have a great experience of a hike as it is an ideal place for people those who are willing to go on a hike.
Unless the visitors go there early, the world’s end is often obscured by the mist, especially in the rainy seasons. Additionally, the Mini world’s end and Chimney Pool are another beautiful creations of the nature in Horton Plains.
Ambewela
Ambewela is also an amazing place which can see while traveling to Horton Plains. The cool mist makes this place a more beautiful place. The Sri Lanka’s largest dairy farms are located in Ambewela. Not only that, but also a dairy company is located in this place.
Yet, the visitors who come to this place can visit only the New Zealand dairy farm. There are two roads to come to Ambewela.
One is coming via Nuwara Eliya – Nanu oya road and turning left.
The other one is, coming via Nuwara Eliya-Passara road and turning right. Ambewela is also a good place to experience a cool climate as well as spectacular views.
Kande Ela Reservoir
Kande Ela reservoir is another spectacular place that is located on the way to Horton plains. It is located in Badulla district and Welimada divisional secretariat division. This reservoir was built by D.S. Senanayake in 1949. Generally, this reservoir supplies water to about 2300 acres of cultivated lands.
This reservoir provides sufficient water for both Yala and Maha seasons for the cultivation purposes and this water also is used for drinking purposes as well. The river-wall is 50ft in height. The tourists can have a boat ride experience to enjoy the beauty of this reservoir.
However, this is another place located on the way to Horton Plains which is able to win the tourists’ attraction. Around this place there is a tourist bungalow which provides accommodation facilities to around 11 people.
The major issue is; the tourists make this beautiful environment a mess by leaving their garbage behind.
Therefore, it is very important to keep in mind it is all of our responsibility to protect these places properly for our next generation while experiencing the ultimate beauty of the nature.
A Kollywood movie has been created in a plain near this reservoir, building a two floors house in 2001. In order to create the location they have spent Rs.60 lakhs. Nowadays, the tourists can use this place for a camping site.
A beautiful experience of a boat ride is also possible where the water is concealed with thousands of water lilies dancing to the heavenly breeze coming from the far mountains.
Pattipola
Pattipola is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka which is located on the way to Horton Plains. It has an elevation of 6204ft above the sea level and it is about 223km away from the island’s commercial capital, Colombo.
Sir Henri Ward who was the governor during that time period has led to build this railway station in 23rd of August 1858.
Pattipola is an area with a lower population. The tourists who come to Horton Plains, Worlds-end and Bakers falls are coming through this railway station to have an amazing experience. Pattipola has its unique climate condition, changing the weather instantly within a few minutes.
Sometimes the area is covered with the mist but sometimes it is pouring rain. Though the Nanu Oya railway is the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya, Pattipola is the closest railway station when coming across Ambewela.
When going along this railway line, the highest tunnel in Sri Lanka can be seen. It is the third longest tunnel in Sri Lanka as well, having 1054ft of length. It is known as No 18th Pattipola Tunnel.
Finally, it is important to mention that it is all of our responsibility to protect these valuable and the wonderful resources for the next generation.
Source: “Wasuliya” and “Sobadhara” Documentary programs.
