Misty Trails and Hidden Wonders: A Day in Horton Plains

Hortons Plains National Park is a national park in the central plains of Sri Lanka. It’s at an elevation of 6,900 – 7,500ft and is encompassed by a chilly cloud forest. This is located on the Southern plateau of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

The rocks found in the park belong to the Archaean age and belong to the high series of the Precambrian era and are made up of granitic gneisses. During the wet season the foggy mist can last the entire day. Horton Plains is considered as an important water source to Sri Lanka as many waterfalls and pools are seen here. And this place is the origin for many popular rivers like Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe.

A wide range of fauna and flora can be seen here. Around 750 species of plants can be found.16 endemic species of orchids and a rare endemic plant like a type of daffodil orchid can be seen here. The forest canopy reaches the height of 66ft.

Nearly 87 species of birds like the dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka white-eye and endemic birds like the Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, yellow-fronted barbet, orange-billed babbler, 24 species of mammals like the Kelaart's long-clawed shrews, toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, rusty-spotted cat, Sri Lankan leopards, Fishing cats, European otters are found here.

Another major reason that makes Horton Plains a popular and unique destination is because of the World’s End. It’s a precipice with a sheer drop of 2,854ft. It is situated at the southern edge of the park.

The presence of Bakers Fall, a 66ft waterfall formed by a tributary of the popular Walawe River is another reason many backpackers are lured to Horton Plains due to its natural grandeur. An interesting fact is that it’s named after a hunter and explorer named Sir Samuel Baker. The trail to the waterfall is a bit tricky but it’s totally worth it to the picturesque view at the end from the top of the world.

Not only this place is significant to its gorgeous wildlife but also its fascinating history. It’s said that on a mountain in this plain named Thotupola King Ravana landed his aircraft 'Dandumonaraya'. According to the story King Ravana captured the wife of God Rama that made him to lead an army with a leader called Hanuman who set fire to Horton plains that lasted for a long time. Even now the upper layer of the soil has a blackish grey color With its amazing biodiversity, its unique landmarks and its history Horton Plains will continue to marvel globe trotters for years after years.