Discover Horton Plains: Nature, Wildlife, and Iconic Lookouts
Discover Horton Plains with my personal tips on hiking, wildlife, viewpoints, and where to stay. Plan the perfect visit to Sri Lanka’s stunning highlands.
Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia and located in the Indian Ocean. The country is tormented for years by the civil war between the Singhalese dominated government and the rebels of the Tamil Tigers. The ethnic conflict took tens of thousands of lives. Even during the low point of the war foreigner tourists visited Sri Lanka. The civil war was concentrated in the northern and eastern regions of the island. It was relatively quiet in the western and southern regions and tourists were left alone. The civil war ended in 2009 and all regions in Sri Lank are now safe to visit. The last decade tourism increased rapidly.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island with a rich culture and natural beauty. They call it the pearl of the Indian ocean. At the coast are white sandy beaches with palm trees, idyllic fishing villages and secret swimming spots. Inland are the tea- and rubber plantations. The hill stations are villages located in the mountain landscapes were the British escaped the heat during the colonial period. As culture lover you should visit the old King’s cities and the remnants of the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial time. The national parks are perfect to spot wildlife and explore the flora of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya is also known as Lion Rock. It is an ancient rock fortress rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 5th century and has stunning frescoes, gardens, and detailed water systems. Climbing to the summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Dambulla Cave Temple complex is one of the best-preserved cave temple sites in Sri Lanka. It consists of five main caves filled with Buddha statues, murals, and detailed carvings. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, it give visitors a fascinating insight into the island’s Buddhist heritage and is both a spiritual and artistic marvel.
Kandy is located in the central hills. It is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. It is famous for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. You can stroll around the serene Kandy Lake, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya, and enjoy traditional Kandyan dance performances. Kandy is also the gateway to the hill country and tea plantations.
Horton Plains National Park is a high-altitude plateau renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and hiking trails. The park’s most famous trek leads to World’s End, a sheer cliff with breathtaking views over the misty valleys below. The trail also passes through Baker’s Falls and grasslands dotted with endemic species. The Horton plains park is a favourite for nature lovers and photographers.
Ella is a charming mountain town known for its scenic beauty and relaxed vibe. The Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel surrounded by tea plantations, is a highlight for visitors. Hiking to Little Adam’s Peak or exploring nearby waterfalls makes Ella a paradise for hikers interested in breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a wide variety of bird species. Safari tours in open jeeps allow visitors to spot wildlife in their natural habitat while exploring diverse landscapes ranging from forests to wetlands. Yala is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a beautifully preserved colonial fortress built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, boutique shops, and charming cafes make it a perfect place to learn more about the history while enjoying a coastal town atmosphere. The fort’s ramparts also have stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque hill town surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and green landscapes. Visitors can tour tea estates, enjoy boat rides on Gregory Lake, or stroll through the town’s colonial-era architecture. It’s cool climate and scenic landscapes make it a refreshing escape from Sri Lanka’s tropical lowlands.
Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain for multiple religions, famous for the “sacred footprint” at its summit. Pilgrims and hikers climb the peak, often at night, to witness the breathtaking sunrise from above the clouds. The experience combines spiritual significance, physical challenge, and inspiring natural beauty.
Polonnaruwa is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an ancient city full of well-preserved ruins, including temples, statues, and royal palaces. Cycling through the archaeological park allows you to explore its large grounds and appreciate the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and urban planning.
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations, known for its golden sands and turquoise waters. Here you have opportunities for whale watching, surfing, and relaxing by the beach. Nearby beaches like Unawatuna and Weligama also provide excellent spots for swimming and enjoying the laid-back coastal vibe.
Most festivals follow the moon calendar and dates changes every year. I have listed a few popular festivals throughout the year.
Thai Pongal: the harvest festival of the Tamils on January 14th, the first day of the month Thai.
Duruthu Perahera: a procession in Kelaniya to remind the first visit of Buddha in Sri Lanka.
Independence day: celebrated on February 4th with parades and folklore dancing.
New Years in April: celebrated by Buddhist and Hindus with games, dances and parades with decorated ox carts and elephants. The harvest is done and the southwest monsoon is starting around this time.
Vesak Festival: the holiest festival to remind the birth, the enlightenment and death of Buddha. According to the legend they all happened in months of April and May. Buddhists celebrate the festival on the day of the full moon. In the evening people hang thousands of lights, lanterns and mud lamps filled with coconut oil. The people dress in white clothes and go to the temple to bring flower offerings. On the streets pilgrims and less fortunate receive free drinks and food.
Poson Festival: at the full moon (Poson) in June they celebrate the arrival of Buddhism to the island. Pince Mahinda arrived in Sri Lanka in 247 BC. He converted the Sinhala King Devanampiya to Buddhism. Many people visit Mihintale to place lotus- and jasmin flowers on the same spot where the meeting of the prince and king took place.
Deepavali: in October or November Hindus celebrate the festival of lights. People decorate their houses and shops with lights. They celebrate the victory of Lord Shiva and the defeat of the demon Narakasura. The lights are to honour Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
The climate in Sri Lanka is affected by the mountains on the island and the monsoon. Sri Lanka has the same temperatures all year round, between 25°C and 30°C. There is no noteworthy difference in temperatures between summer and winter. In the mountains there may be night frost, but no snow or ice.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between October and April. Most tourists visit central Sri Lanka, the south and west regions. In the mountains it can rain in October and November. If you go to the east the best time to visit is between March and October. The monsoon shifts between west and east. It’s easy to avoid the monsoon and visit a different region in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a history that goes back over 3,000 years, shaped by ancient kingdoms and cultural traditions. The Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BCE – 1017 CE) was one of the island’s earliest major civilizations. They were known for its advanced irrigation systems, monumental stupas, and Buddhist heritage. It was followed by the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (11th–13th century), which left behind impressive palaces, temples, and statues that reflect the sophistication of medieval Sri Lankan society. Buddhism is introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka. He became the cornerstone of Sri Lankan culture, influencing art, architecture, and daily life for centuries.
From the 16th century onward, Sri Lanka experienced European colonization, beginning with the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, and finally the British. They ruled until independence in 1948. Each colonial power left its mark through forts, churches, and plantation economies, particularly tea, coffee, and rubber in the central highlands. Since becoming a republic in 1972, Sri Lanka has emerged as a nation that balances its historical and religious heritage with modern development. Today, visitors can explore ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and cultural festivals that show the island’s unique mix of traditions and history.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
ATM: There are many ATM’s in large cities and tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Most ATM’s accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro Cards. Bring a credit card in case a maestro-card doesn’t work. A tip: withdrawing money from an ATM is cheaper when using a credit card instead of using a debit card.
Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
Recognised language: English
Religion: Buddhism (70%), Hinduism (13%), Islam (10%) and Christianity (7%).
Capital city: Colombo
Visa: When travelling to Sri Lanka most nationals need to apply for an ETA online. The ETA is valid for tourism purposes and for stays less than 30 days. Read the article Visa Sri Lanka to know the details.
Local SIM Card: I recommend buying an Airtel, Dialog or Mobitel SIM-card. You can buy a SIM-card at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The shops at the airport only offer tourist packages and are often more expensive than the regular plans. If you prefer a standard plan it’s best to get a SIM-card at a shop in the city. You need to bring your passport.
Country Code: +94
Time: UTC +5:30 (SLST)
Official Tourism Website: Find travel ideas, accommodation and upcoming events and festivals at the Official Sri Lanka Tourism website.
Practical info: Are you planning a trip and you need some practical info? Read the ultimate planning guide when you are going for a long term journey or download the packing list. I share tips about setting up a travel budget. Vaccines are not mandatory for European travellers but a few are recommended. Check the list of recommended vaccines when travelling in Asia.
Sustainable travel: I have written a few articles about sustainable travel. I give tips about how to make your trip more sustainable and how to fly more sustainable. I believe even the smallest effort can help.
From the airport
The Bandaranaike International Airport is located 30km from Colombo. Taxi’s are available to drive you to Colombo, Kandy, Negombo and other long distance destinations. Check the taxi rates at the kiosk of Sri Lanka Tourism before you leave. There are buses and shuttlebuses to Colombo. The train takes you to Colombo Fort Station. From here you can travel further by taxi or bus.
Train
The railway network in Sri Lanka dates back to colonial times. The first train drove in 1867 between Colombo and Kandy. The network expanded fast in the early 20th century. The most scenic route is between Ella and Kandy. It’s considered to be one of the most scenic rail routes in the world.
There are three classes available. Normal trains only have second and third classes. The third class tickets don’t cost much and are usually very crowded. The second class is bit more expensive but you get a reserved seat. There is a fan and the second class is less crowded. The express trains from Colombo to Kandy have first class carriages with AC. Private railway operators offer deluxe journeys on some routes.
Tip: the easiest way to book train and bus tickets in Sri Lanka is via 12Go.
Buses
Every corner of the country is accessible by bus. The government buses (CTB) are used for long distances and local transport. These buses stop at every small village. Private bus companies drive on most routes. The most comfortable buses are the Intercity buses with AC. The private buses are more expansive as the government buses but faster.
Arrive in Colombo, the capital city. Explore the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the Pettah Market. Enjoy a sunset walk along Galle Face Green and try local Sri Lankan cuisine at seaside restaurants.
Travel to Sigiriya (approx. 4–5 hours). Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the surrounding gardens. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, with its impressive Buddha statues and murals. Stay overnight in Sigiriya or nearby Habarana.
Take a day trip to Polonnaruwa Ancient City, cycling or walking through the ruins of palaces, temples, and statues. In the late afternoon, enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park to see elephants in the wild.
Drive to Kandy (approx. 2–3 hours). Visit the Temple of the Tooth, stroll around Kandy Lake, and explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance in the evening.
Head into the hill country via scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Tour tea plantations, enjoy Gregory Lake, and explore colonial-era architecture. Optional: hike to waterfalls nearby or visit a tea factory.
Early morning trek in Horton Plains National Park to reach World’s End, a sheer cliff with breathtaking views. Return to Nuwara Eliya or continue to Ella in the afternoon.
Relax in Ella, a charming mountain town. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, visit Nine Arches Bridge, and explore local waterfalls like Ravana Falls. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and scenic vistas.
Travel to Yala (approx. 4–5 hours). Afternoon safari in Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife. Overnight near the park.
Head to the southern coast for relaxation. Spend a day exploring Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming streets and colonial architecture. Then relax on the beaches of Mirissa, Unawatuna, or Weligama. Optional: go whale watching in Mirissa.
Return to Colombo for your flight home (approx. 3–4 hours from the south coast). Depending on timing, you can do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Colombo before departure.
Discover Horton Plains with my personal tips on hiking, wildlife, viewpoints, and where to stay. Plan the perfect visit to Sri Lanka’s stunning highlands.
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