A gorgeous highland plateau features trails through cloud forests, including waterfalls and grasslands, and is one of the best viewpoints in Nuwara Eliya and the island: Worlds End. Situated over 2,000 metres above sea level, Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s only national park in the hill country where hiking is permitted. It forms an integral part of the central highlands UNESCO-protected World Heritage site.
A cloud forest, this captivating landscape has something for everyone. If you are a serious hiker, the Hortons Plains area is home to the tallest mountain that can be scaled by the public, Kirigalpotta, which is at an elevation of 2,388 metres above sea level. Along with Kirigalpotta, two other peaks above 2,300 meters, Thotupola, Kudahagala is also part of the Horton Plains range. For most, Horton Plains is a serene landscape to make the famous walking loop through the open grassland vegetation, view wildlife such as Sambhar deer, take a refreshing break at the cascading beauty of Bakers Falls and take in the magical viewpoints of the World’s End.
Starting from the entry point about 2 km is Little Worlds End, the first stop on the World’s End – Bakers Fall walking loop. This viewpoint is situated at the southwestern edge of Horton Plains at an altitude of 2140 m. This minor escarpment called “Little World’s End” drops 274 m vertically and is a good appetiser for what lies ahead at “Big World End”, a much more dramatic setting.
Walk another 30 minutes to the highlight of Horton Plains, Big Worlds End, commonly called Worlds End viewpoint. An almost staggering 900-meter vertical drop and 1,500-metre total drop ensures unending views of peaks, valleys, clouds, mountains and rivers. As far as the eye can see, it’s just a magical blue and green field. For the best views, start your trek early so it’s not covered by mist.
Named after the famed explorer of the Nile, naturalist, big game hunter, abolitionist and author Sir Samuel Baker (a pioneer settler in the area who also started an agricultural settlement here), this 25-metre waterfall is viewed on the loopback from World End trek. Surrounded by delicate ferns, moss, and algae feeding off the mist spray, this cascade can be viewed from two viewpoints. This waterfall and the large pool it descends into is a jaw-dropping scene that mesmerises visitors.
Horton Plains National Park
Ohiya, Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya.
Tel: +94112426900
Opening Hours: 4:30 am -7:00 pm (Ticket counter closes at 5:30 pm)
Tickets: USD 74 for two Foreign Adults and one Local Driver. (Prices are current as of April 2025)
