Horton Plains National Park
The Horton Plains National Park, popularly known as the Horton Plains, is a vast area of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It covers an area of 3,160 hectares and is located between 2100 and 2300 meters above sea level.
It is a huge area covered with mountain pastures and rainforests that feeds on the Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe rivers.
In fact, his Sinhalese name is Llanos del Mahaweli.
World Heritage by UNESCO
This national park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the name of the central highlands of Sri Lanka in 2010.
Biodiversity
Flora Biodiversity
It is so rich in biodiversity that it has 750 different plant species. Among the most curious there is the dwarf bamboo and the rhododendron, which blooms in a spectacular way in April. In addition to the 16 species of endemic orchids existing in the park.
Fauna Biodiversity
It has 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, as well as nine species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians. Sri Lanka is considered one of the best herpetological paradises in the world. It is believed that 15 different species of amphibians inhabit the park.
The largest and most numerous mammal is the Sambar Stag of Sri Lanka. It is estimated that there are about 2000 animals in the park.
The Loris
One of the last finds is the Loris gracile (lydekkerianus nycticeboides) that lives only in the highlands of Sri Lanka.
This small primate is in danger of extinction. In fact, in July 2010, a group of researchers photographed it for the first time.
birds
As far as the ornithology world is concerned, the Horton plains contain 21 species of endemic birds from Sri Lanka.
New species of animals are constantly discovered in the Horton Plains park.
The only national park in Sri Lanka that can be visited on foot.
The Horton Plains National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions. Especially for people who love trekking. Without forgetting the travellers who love to watch birds or ornithologists. It is the only park where you can hike on foot. Many tourists come to see the end of the world precipice (in English End of the World) and the Baker Falls, 20 meters high. The Slab Rock Falls is another known waterfall in the area.
The Baker Falls are named after the hunter and explorer Samuel Baker, famous for his raids on the Nile River.
