At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, the Horton Plains extends over more than 3,169 hectares of the highest plateau of the island.The great plains of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka was discovered by the planter Thomas Farr in the early 19th century. The Horton plains was discovered by planter Thomas Farr in the beginning of the 19th century. These great plain named Horton plains (1834) as a honor of governor of Ceylon Sir Wilmot Horton. The visitor center is significant in the sense it has become the starting point for the 9 km main hike from the Horton Plains. The main trek taking a circular route can be enjoyed within 3 hours. The path opens with an extensive view of the flora: naked meadow patina here; Densely wooded cloud forest out there. Once the meadows have passed, the trek leads for about 2 km through a thin stretch of cloud forest. Cultivated in the forest among nellu shrubs and keena trees are spices grown in nature: pepper, cinnamon and cardamom.

Horton Plains can be reached by any of these all roads. - Via Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela and Pattipola (32 Km) - Via Haputhale or Welimada, Boralanda, Ohiya (38Km) - Nwara Eliya, Hakgala, Rendapola, Ambewela, Pattipola (38Km) If you come by train (Kandy-Badulla or Colombo-Badulla Line) you can get off at Ohiya: The park-entrance is a 10km Tuktuk-ride away, cost 2000R (back and forth, not really negotiable) Adventurous visitors can trek into the park along the Thalawakele – Agarapatana – Diyagama and Belihyoya – Nagarak trails. The plateau comes to a sudden end at the end of the world, a magnificent escarpment that dives 880m. Unless you get there early the sight of the end of the world is often obscured by the fog, especially during the rainy season from April to September. The early morning (between 6am and 10am) is the best time to visit, before the clouds roll in. This is when you spy on the toy town tea plantation villages in the valley below, and a unhindered view towards the south towards the coast. In the evening and early in the morning, you will need long pants and a sweater, but the plains warm up quickly, so grab a hat for sunscreen. The weather is clearer from January to March.