Let’s get this out of the way — yes, Horton Plains National Park can feel overpriced. And yes, if you get there at the wrong time, all you might see is fog and regret. But these article is for you to know exactly why the so-called “Bad Reviews” Don’t Tell the Whole Story. Here’s the catch: the magic of Horton Plains isn’t for late risers. I’m not kidding, don’t underestimate the fog (clouds).
The Cloud Mist- And the Clear up
I know it doesn’t seem like we are off to a good start. But be patient, dear. The clouds do shake off for a bright day if you just wake early enough. We learned this the good way.
We left our cozy lodge — Nuwara Eliya Hill Cottage — at 4:00 AM sharp. Our ride (booked through the lodge) cost us around 10,000 Sri Lankan Rupees and took about two hours to get to the Horton Plains entrance. The drive itself was scenic and peaceful — a perfect prelude to the adventure ahead.
At the gate, tickets cost around $74 USD per person, but as we were from a SAARC country, we paid a bit less. A nice perk if you’re traveling on a budget. The moment we crossed the gate, we were greeted with clouds still floating around the plains like we were in an African savannah.
One thing that sets Horton Plains apart from other places to visit in Sri Lanka is its commitment to eco-tourism. You can’t carry any plastic packaging. If you bring a plastic water bottle, they’ll count it at the start and check again when you exit. Drop one on the trail? Not okay. Have any extra plastic? They’ll remove it on the spot. This strict policy helps keep the UNESCO World Heritage Site pristine.
The Horton Plains Hike
We started our Horton Plains hike at 7:30 AM sharp. The trail begins gently, winding through cloud forest and open grasslands. Everything is quiet and serene, perfect for nature lovers. Around 10:30 AM, we reached the iconic World’s End Sri Lanka, one of the top highlights of the park.
Pro tip: Reach World’s End before 10 AM. After that, dense fog often covers the view. We arrived just in time, caught a stunning view — and then watched the fog sweep in, erasing it all.
As we continued toward Baker’s Falls, the rain started. The back half of the trail became a bit challenging. It’s not steep, but the wet rocks and muddy trail made it slippery. Baker’s Falls is beautiful, though — even in the rain. Unlike World’s End, it’s still worth seeing even when the weather turns.
- Baker’s Fall
- Dam connected to Belihul Oya River
World’s End First or Baker’s Falls First?
Some travelers choose to see Baker’s Falls first. But we’d recommend the opposite: go to World’s End first while the sky is clear. The waterfall will still impress you even in fog or drizzle, but the cliffside views need good visibility.
There are two trail options at Horton Plains: an easier route and a more rugged one. We took the easier loop — and it was still quite a workout! Especially in the rain.
Wildlife Spotting in Horton Plains
Another reason to start early? Wildlife. On our way in, we saw a herd of elks grazing in the open plains. And around Mini World’s End, we spotted a purple-faced monkey — a rare and endemic species in Sri Lanka.
- Flora
- Fauna
Keep your eyes open for rainbow trout in the streams and colorful highland flowers and birds throughout the trail. And if you’re lucky, you might see a male elk near the Horton Plains checkpoint around noon — local rangers say he often shows off for visitors around that time.
Travel Tips for Visiting Horton Plains National Park
- Best time to visit Horton Plains: Start your hike by 7:00 AM to avoid fog and enjoy the best views.
- Pack a raincoat or umbrella – the weather can shift quickly.
- Avoid wearing regular shoes. Trails get muddy — opt for sandals or quick-dry hiking footwear.
- No plastic allowed. Bring reusable water bottles and pack eco-friendly snacks.
- Bring a camera or phone with good battery: the views and wildlife are worth capturing.
- Be alert for wildlife – purple-faced monkeys, sambar deer (elks), and many bird species call this place home.
Final Thoughts: Is Horton Plains Worth Visiting?
We finished our hike around 1:30 PM, drenched and tired — but completely satisfied. We didn’t plan another thing to do in Nuwara Eliya that day. Instead, we returned to our lodge, changed into dry clothes, and relaxed with a warm cup of tea.
If you’ve been discouraged by online reviews, don’t be. Horton Plains National Park is one of the most stunning nature experiences in Sri Lanka — as long as you do it right. Wake up early, respect the rules, and embrace the unpredictability of mountain weather.
For those willing to make the effort, Horton Plains is unforgettable.
