Get Inspired by Nature - Horton Plains

17 December 2013 08:59 am Views - 3364

Horton Plains – One of best place that you can gaze the breath-stealing views of Sri Lanka. This unique bio diverse travel destination is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, which immerses you with nature and is in the highest plateau of the country and is 32km away from Nuwara Eliya and it is 2100m-2300m in altitude. Horton Plains, a unique ecological zone was stated as a national park in 1988 and it is the only national park in the hill country of Sri Lanka.
 
While this beautiful landscape is covered by Kirigalpoththa, Sri Lanka's second highest mountain (2,393m) and by 2,359 meters high Thotupola Kanda, Sri Lanka's third highest mountain, it stores rain water and feeds some of major rivers “Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe rivers” of the country and the beautiful Belihul Oya, Bogawanthalawa Oya and Agra Oya are some of reservoirs which are cradled by Horton Plains. And this Horton Plains is one of the most important catchment zones in Sri Lanka which is rich with various types of plant life and animal life. Montane forest, endemic plants including Royal Purple Binara (Exacum macranthum) Flower, flora, mammal species such as Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel, Bear Monkeys, Wild Boar, Wild Hare and Sri Lanka’s Leopard and Fishing Cats and 52 species of endemic birds and also 11 species of migrants species can be seen here.

Yellow Eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka White Eye, Whistling Thrush, Dull Blue Flycatcher, the Mountain Hawk Eagle, Majestic Sambar are common endemic bird views of Horton Plains that can be captured to your camera. In addition to the wildlife and plant life, Horton Plains is popular for the sheer precipice of World's End with the 870 meters drop, which is almost 5km along a flat path. And also travelers can view the beautiful Baker's Falls also. Rolling mist, crystal clear streams meander through the grasslands, cold nights, strong winds and wildlife infuse the atmosphere with a captivating sense of mystery in Horton Plains and “November to February” is the best time to explore this beautiful unique nature attraction.

In addition to this World Heritage – Horton Plains National park, which is declared by UNESCO in 2010, Victoria Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Kande Ela Forest Park are some of other bio diverse attractions in Nuwara Eliya, that all makes a sense of the rich eco-tourism in Sri Lanka while you fancy yourself in nature and tasting the delicious foods in Sri Lanka, experiencing the rich cultural events by staying at best Hotels in Sri Lanka, especially at Hotels in Nuwara Eliya.