Horton Plains and World's End

The Horton Plains, a key element of Sri Lanka’s highlands World Heritage Site status, are a must for the lover of the strange but gorgeous. This unique, fascinating but very slightly weird, indeed prehistoric feeling, National Park sits at a bit over 2,000m at the far south of the central highlands, leading out to a line of cliffs, some approaching 1,000m high, known as World's End. Here you will gaze in rapture our across the descending ridges to the plans far below - IF the weather allows.

Given the remoteness and altitude/dampness, the vegetation and animal life are extraordinarily rich and varied, including several endangered species such as the Horton Plains slender loris, and there are leopards lurking although you are very unlikely to see them. The main plains are a sternly beautiful undulating area of grassy tussock and low shrubs intersected by streams, with belts of thick cloud forest separating them. 

It is often in thick cloud, cold and windy, so come with layers and patience. 

World’s End, Baker’s Falls circuit

The main walk here is a circuit of 9km+, out across the plain and through forest down to the lesser and main World's End viewpoints. Take your time to enjoy them. You then turn inland across magnificent expanses of plain, to climb steeply in woodland and drop down to the beautiful Baker's Falls. Then climb on up and out of the wood, and back across more plains, a real joy, back to the start.

The trails is excellent, although a bit too much of a walking motorway for Walko's taste. The place is usually heaving at weekends. It is easy to find your way, so no guide is needed although one would no doubt add real value.

Not to be missed. Walko took the best part of 4hrs to walk the circuit, a measure of how interesting it is.

The 'other' walks at Horton Plains which are well worthwhile if your time allows are:

Mt Kirigalpotta

This 2,395m peak, the country's second-highest, in the west of the Park makes for a fascinating 4-5hr return walk, climbing steadily through classic Horton Plains moorlands and cloud forests before making a steep finishing climb to gain your reward, in the form of superb views back across Horton Plains and westward to the lowlands.

Mt Totapola

Sri Lanka's third-highest mountain, at 2,375m, is a much easier 2 hr return walk, so is realistically combinable with the World's End circuit. Another intriguing journey through wonderful landscape. Walkopedia wanted to climb Totapola, but the cloud was well down on the day, and there seemed to be little point.

Few people come to either mountain, and the paths are indistinct, and confusable with animal tracks, so either great care or hiring a guide are vital. There will be little point climbing them in thick cloud, so you may want to keep your transport options open.

The drive from Nurawa Eliya is an hour or so, and is itself a treat, especially the second half as you get up to the park. In 2023, it cost 12,000Rs to hire a van and a steep 14,000Rs for park entry. 

These can be tough walks in highish remote mountains with unpredictable weather and unclear paths. Come prepared.

Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Central Highlands (Click) walk page.