The Horton plain is situated in the highlands of the Central Province, 32 Km from NuwaraEliya. This is the highest plateau in the country. It is at a height of about 2300 meters. This was discovered by Sir Robert Horton. The park which is 3160 hectares was declared a national park in 1998.
The average temperature of Horton Plains is 15®c-22®c with frequently occurring mists and clouds. The Horton plain is fed from both the north-east and south-west monsoons as well as intermonsoonal rains. It gets about 5000mm rainfall annually. Horton Plains is the most important catchment area of the country. Three major rivers of the country start from this area, namely: Kenlani, Walawe and the Mahaweli. Due to the high altitude the area is cold.
The park consists of forests and grasslands with a rich biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of endemic fauna and flora. Among the 24 species of mammals, elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, otter, porcupine and leopard are considered special. The bird diversity is also high with 87 species of birds including migratory birds.
The park is also famous for beautiful flower. Nelli, Bovitiya, Binara, dwarf bamboo and some orchid species are endemic species are extinct due to poaching and carelessness of visitors.
Horton plains also feature many interesting attractions such as the ‘Baker’sfall’,‘Chumming pool‘and the famous ‘Word’s End’. The ‘Words ‘End’ is a sheer drop of 3700 feet that offers a fabulous view all the way out to the distant southern coastline. We must take necessary steps to protect this treasure for the future generations.
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