Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is wonderful nature park in Sri Lanka
and its protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by
montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters
(6,900–7,500 ft.) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are
endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It
is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 kilometers (20 mi)
from Nuwara Eliya.
The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri
Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are
known as Maha Eliya Plains. Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have
been found here. The plains' vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane
forest, and includes many endemic woody plants. Large herds of Sri Lankan
Sambar Deer feature as typical mammals, and the park is also an Important Bird
Area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to the
Horton Plains. Forest dieback is one of the major threats to the park and some
studies suggest that it is caused by a natural phenomenon. The sheer precipice
of World's End and Baker's fall are among the tourist attractions of the park.
Horton
Plains is a popular tourist destination, with World's End being the key
attraction. The park is accessed by the Nuwara Eliya-Ambewela-Pattipola and
Haputale-Boralanda roads, and there are railway stations at Ohiya and Ambewela.
World's End is a sheer precipice with a 870 m (2,854 ft.) drop. It is situated
at the southern boundary of the park. Another cliff known as the Lesser World's
End of 270 m (886 ft.) is located not far from World's End. Baker's Falls, a
waterfall formed by Belihul Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River is named after
Sir Samuel Baker, a hunter and explorer who attempted to establish a European
agricultural settlement at Nuwara Eliya. The falls are 20 meters (66 ft.) high.
Slab Rock Falls is another well-known waterfall in the plains. Horton Plains is
must visit beautiful Nature Park in Sri Lanka.
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| Horton Plains National Park |
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| Horton Plains National Park |
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| Horton Plains National Park |
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| Horton Plains National Park |
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| Horton Plains National Park |
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