Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is an important natural heritage of Sri Lanka and a national park that allows tourists to hike. The "plain" itself is a plateau about 2,000 meters above sea level, covered with virgin grasslands and dotted with several dense forests. 1. Scenic History Horton Plains was formerly known as MahaEliyaThena, which means "Great Plains". During the British colonial period, it was named after the British governor of Ceylon, Wilmert Houghton (also said to be his wife, Anne Houghton). It was not until 1969 that the Houghton Plain was designated as a wildlife reserve. Because of the biodiversity of Horton Plains, it was planned as a national park for tourists to visit in 1988. In July 2010, Sri Lanka's central highlands, including Horton Plains National Park, the summit wilderness reserve where Adam's Peak is located, and the Knuckles Mountains were inscribed on the World Heritage List. 2. Scenic features Horton Plains, if literally translated, are actually "Horton Plains", from which we can intuitively feel Horton's topographical features - flat and open, but not static. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable and Horton is notoriously windy. Hiking on the wide slopes of the Horton Plain, there are ups and downs along the way. In front of you are vast hills, small rivers and various tropical plants, and the blue sky and fresh air are more enjoyable. In addition to the attractive World's End cliffs, you can also see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, elk and various birds while hiking in the Horton Plains National Park. The entire scenic spot is very primitive, please do not go to areas outside the prescribed route when hiking to avoid danger. On the way back you will pass Baker's Falls, which is not spectacular but adds to the fun of your hike. 3. The trekking route to Horton Plains National Park generally requires a chartered car. After arriving at the gate and purchasing the ticket, you can drive in for a while, and then start the hiking tour from the parking lot. There is a circular hiking route in the national park, with a total length of about 9.5 kilometers. Tourists can only walk within the specified range according to the road signs (it is strongly recommended to walk in a clockwise direction). It takes about 3-4 hours to walk the whole way. Walk from the entrance to the end of the world for about 4 kilometers, then walk 2 kilometers to a Baker Falls, and then walk 3.5 kilometers back to the entrance. 4. Wildlife Due to its location at the turning point of many rivers, the Horton Plain has very rich wildlife species, often leopards, deer and wild boars. Lanka's local "Purple-faced Vervet Monkeys" sometimes flicker through the forest along Ohiya Road, and sometimes peek in the woods near the end of the world. This area is also great for bird watching. Native Yellow-eared Nightingale, Fantail Warbler, Grey-headed Thrush, Lankan White-Eyed, Lankan Thrush, Lankan White-eyed Arrenga, Lankan Blue Magpie, Mountain Eagle, etc. 5. Natural Plants There is a grass called Chrysopogon that covers the grasslands on the plateau, while the swamp is a breeding ground for the rich species of Sphagnum. The white-flowered delphinium is the dominant vegetation in mountain forest areas. Dwarf trees and shrubs are joined by mosses and lichens. There is also Rhododendronzelanicum, which produces blood-red flowers. Strobilanthes with sharp leaves bloom every five years.