Horton Plains National Park & World’s End, Sri Lanka: Sunrise Hike Guide for Families
- rachnamone
- Aug 16, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
If you ever want to feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world — quite literally — wake up at 4.30 AM and head to Horton Plains National Park.
Because at the far end of this misty plateau lies one of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic viewpoints — World's End.
And yes, we did it with kids.
What to Expect at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park Srilanka?
Horton Plains National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. World's End, with its fascinating name, is a cliff within this national park boasting a 4000 feet drop. There's a well-marked circular path through the park covering 10 km, which typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete. It's a relatively easy trek, with just a short, steep segment to navigate.
If you enjoy exploring diverse landscapes, soaking in views from mountain tops, and learning about local flora and fauna, Horton Plains is the perfect destination for you!
Here's everything you need to know about visiting Horton Plains and World's End -
Where Is Horton Plains National Park?
Horton Plains National Park is located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, about:
1 hour from Nuwara Eliya
2.5–3 hours from Ella
Elevation: ~2,100 metres above sea level
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful national parks in Sri Lanka — rolling grasslands, cloud forests, deer grazing freely, and crisp mountain air.
What Is World’s End?
World's End is a sheer cliff with a drop of nearly 870 metres.
On a clear morning, you can see all the way to Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
On a cloudy morning?You see absolutely nothing.
Which is why timing is EVERYTHING.
When to visit Horton Plains National Park Sri Lanka:
The landscape at Horton Plains is beautiful throughout the year, but it's best to avoid the rainy months (April to September). Be sure to check the weather before heading out, as rain can make the ground slippery and cause parts of the park to flood.
Why You Must Start Early (Especially With Kids)
We left at 5:15 AM.
Here’s why:
Clouds roll in by 9–10 AM
After that, visibility drops to zero
The park closes by early afternoon
It gets surprisingly hot later in the day
If you want that iconic “standing above the clouds” moment — reach World’s End before 9 AM.
With kids, early start = fewer crowds + cooler weather + happier hike.
How to get to the park:
Horton Plains National Park cannot be accessed by public transport. You'll need to hire special vehicles meant for carrying tourists to the park. Once you reach the park, you can explore the circuit on your own. Another option is to hire a vehicle with a driver/guide, which we highly recommend. A knowledgeable guide like Mr. Raja, recommended in the Lonely Planet guide, can enrich your experience with insights into the local flora and fauna.
The drive from Nuwara Eliya to the park typically starts around 5 am, taking you through darkness to reach the gates by 7 am. Be prepared for potentially long queues for tickets.
It is important to keep to reach the world's end before 9 am as it mostly gets cloudy later on.
Charges (transport + ticket to the park + guide fees + VAT, etc.):
The costs for transport and tickets to Horton Plains National Park can be quite steep. It cost us around 8000 INR for everything, including the services of our guide/driver.
Entrance Fee (2025/2026 Estimates)
Foreign adult: ~USD 25 – 35 per person (≈ ₹2,000 – ₹2,800 depending on exchange rate & taxes)
Foreign child: ~USD 12 – 20 (≈ ₹1,000 – ₹1,600)
Taxes & service charges: A service charge (~USD 8) and VAT are added, so the total ticket price per foreigner usually ends up around USD 30-35 (~₹3000).
Tickets are paid in cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) at the gate — card payments may not be accepted.
Prices can fluctuate with exchange rates and government hikes, so always check latest from the official park site or visitor centre before traveling.
The circuit:
The trail is a well-marked 10 km circular path. Within a few hundred meters of starting the path, you'll encounter a fork. Take the left path to begin your trek towards World's End. This section of the walk is shaded by tall trees covered in lichen, but the path is uneven. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, birds, and various medicinal plants.
After about 4 km of walking, you'll reach World's End. It can get crowded, but the views on a clear day are stunning. You'll see layers of mountains, lakes, and the ocean in the distance. It's a gorgeous spot, perfect for taking a break, enjoying a snack, and reapplying sunscreen.
Word of caution - there have been incidences of tourists falling off the cliff, hence be very alert and careful and do not indulge in reckless selfies.
From here onward, the landscape changes to grassland. The path meanders along small streams.
The next stop is Baker's Falls. To reach it, you first need to ascend a mountain and then descend to the waterfall. The ascent involves a short, steep trek.
After Baker's Falls, the landscape becomes mostly flat.
Horton's plain and world's end is a beautiful half day trip for any nature lover. We loved our experience.
The Hike Details (Honest Family Review)
Total loop: ~9 km
Time: 2.5–4 hours depending on pace
Terrain: Mostly flat with gradual inclines
Stroller friendly? ❌ No
Carrier friendly? Yes
Suitable for kids? 6+ years comfortable walkers
Our kids managed beautifully with snack breaks and wildlife spotting challenges.
Is It Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely yes.
This wasn’t just a hike. It was one of those experiences that quietly humbles you.
Watching your kids stand at the edge of a cliff, clouds floating below them, realising how vast the world is — that stays with you.
Here are a few things to remember to enhance your experience:
Wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is uneven in parts, so good footwear will prevent any ankle injuries.
Use sunscreen. The sun can be intense, so protect your skin to avoid sunburn.
At the start of the hike, bags are checked for disposable plastic items to maintain park cleanliness and ecosystem preservation. Avoid carrying food in disposable bags.
Carry enough snacks and water. There are no shops inside the park, so be prepared with provisions, especially when travelling with kids.
The trek can be managed with a baby or older child, but note that the path is NOT stroller-friendly. A reliable baby carrier is recommended.
FAQs – Horton Plains National Park Sri Lanka
1. What is the best time to visit Horton Plains National Park Sri Lanka?
Start early — ideally before 6:30 AM. Clouds usually cover World’s End after 9–10 AM.
2. How long is the hike to World’s End?
The full loop is about 10 km and takes 2.5–4 hours depending on your pace.
3. What is the entrance fee?
Foreign adults pay approximately USD 30–35 including taxes. Prices may change, so check before visiting.
4. Is Horton Plains suitable for kids?
Yes, for kids 6+ who can walk longer distances. The trail is not stroller-friendly.
5. What should I carry for the sunrise hike?
Water, snacks, sunscreen, layers for cold mornings, and good walking shoes.
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