World's end and Horton plains national park - Sri Lanka !

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.

Exploring with a knowledgeable guide makes for an enriching experience.

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 -

When to visit:

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.

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.

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.

horn- nose lizard

Here are a few things to remember to enhance your experience:

1. Wear sturdy shoes. The terrain is uneven in parts, so good footwear will prevent any ankle injuries.

2. Use sunscreen. The sun can be intense, so protect your skin to avoid sunburn.

3. 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.

4. Carry enough snacks and water. There are no shops inside the park, so be prepared with provisions, especially when travelling with kids.

5. 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.