The Temple Of The Tooth, Kandy: History, Significance, And A Complete Visitor’s Guide

BY  Sibashree Aug 21, 2026

It was still pitch dark when I left Nuwara Eliya. I was wrapped in every layer I had. It was a bit weird, and I felt overpacked considering Sri Lanka spends most of the year in a state of tropical sweat.  After an hour and a half, I was standing at the entrance gate of Horton Plains National Park. My breath was fogging, and I realized that it was actually Cold and not the Sri Lankan cold you would usually expect.  On a high plateau in the Central Highlands, the Horton Plains National Park sits at an elevation of more than 2100 meters.  Unlike most of the Sri Lankan landscape, the Horton Plains National Park does not have rice paddies, palm trees, and the lowland heat haze.  In fact, it looked like the Scottish Highlands with gnarled cloud forest, windswept grassland, and silence broken by birdsong.  So, overall, it looked like a contradiction in the middle of a tropical island country.  Horton Plains: A Plateau With A History Horton Plains stands out with an ecological and historical weight. This weight is more than the windswept image it has.  Long before it became a popular hiking destination, it was famous as a colonial retreat. Furthermore, in July 2010, it became a UNESCO-listed ecosystem as part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.  From Maha Eliya Thenna To National Park Horton Plains was earlier known as Maha Eliya Thenna before it became a national park.  Maha Eliya Thenna means “The Great Open Plain.” During British Rule, it was renamed after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton. He was a governor of Ceylon. Also, during that time, the highlands became a retreat for planters escaping the heat of the lowlands. Until 1969, the Horton Plains were not formally protected. Then, it became a wildlife sanctuary.  Finally, in 1988, it got the full designation as a national park.  Then came 2010. Horton Plains got the UNESCO designation along with the Peak Wilderness Protected Area (home to Adam's Peak) and the Knuckles Mountain Range. Together, these three protected areas form what conservationists describe as one of the island's most important biodiversity hotspots. These shelter species found nowhere else on Earth. Why The Ecosystem Matters Sri Lanka, being a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, submitted the “Sixth Annual Report” in 2019.  I am quoting the content of the report as highlighted by the Daily Mirror Online here.  “The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Horton Plains, and the surrounding protected and unprotected areas containing small wet-zone forests possess the highest levels of endemic plant and animal diversity in Sri Lanka.” The Horton Plains National Park is also the source of the three major rivers in Sri Lanka. Mahawell Kelani Walawe.  Moreover, as an important ecological region, it was the first national park in the island country to ban single-use plastics.  So, when you are about to enter the national park, the rangers check the bags at the entrance. You have to leave the water bottles (if you are carrying water in single-use plastic ones) and snack packets before entering it.  The Walk Itself Recently, there have been talks about the reopening of the Nonpareil Estate and Nagrak to Horton Plains route.  After failed attempts in 2015 and 2020, this recent request in August 2026 has been submitted by the tourism hotel operators.  The Development Committee meeting has also discussed this matter. Also, Gayani Renuka, the Divisional Secretary of Imbulpe, has presented it to Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, the Minister of Environment.  However, there are uncertainties about reopening this route for better accessibility. It is because of environmental concerns and the pristine nature of the Horton Plains.  So, if you go for a trek now, you have to pass through three distinct moments strung along one loop trail.  Each loop has a distinct character.  The Main Loop The distance of the main trail is around 9 to 9.5 kilometers. At an easy, photo-stopping pace, you can cover the loop in 3 to 4 hours.  There is no steep elevation gain. So, technically, it is not a difficult trek to complete. Also, the route is well-maintained and well-marked.  However, the elevation adds to the challenges of trekking. Add to that the cold, unfamiliar to most parts of Sri Lanka!  You can complete the loop clockwise like most hikers. Thus, you will reach Little World's End first and then World's End.  Next, you will find the Baker's Falls on the return leg. Walking it this way means you catch the two main viewpoints while the sky still has a chance of being clear. Little World's End About 3.5 kilometres in, this is the warm-up act. The Little World’s End is a cliff edge with a drop of around 270 metres.  It is less dramatic than what comes next, but on a clear morning you can see the patchwork of tea estates and village rooftops laid out far below. It is often far less crowded than its famous neighbour. World's End Roughly 4 kilometres from the start, this is the reason everyone makes the pre-dawn drive.  It is a sheer escarpment that drops somewhere between 870 and 880 metres, depending on which source you believe. Also, there is genuinely nothing gentle about it.  A low metal railing marks the edge in places, but a fair stretch of it has nothing but exposed rock and open air. So it is worth keeping a firm grip on children and a healthy respect for the drop yourself.  On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to the south coast, nearly 100 kilometres away.  The feeling, standing at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, is inexplicable.  I got lucky with about ten clear minutes before the mist rolled back in. It was enough to understand why people set their alarms for 3 AM to be here. Baker's Falls Baker’s Falls is an important landmark on the way back, and you will find it after completing a hike of 7.5 kilometers.  The waterfall is modest, but its beauty is unmatched. Moss-covered boulders and cloud forest thick with ferns frame this 20-meter waterfall.  I wanted a closer look at this beautiful fall. So, I took a short flight of stone steps leading down to the base.  Longer Routes For The Ambitious If you have more time and stamina, longer routes branch off toward Kirigalpotta, Sri Lanka's second-highest peak. It also takes you to Thotupola Kanda, the third-highest, along with a section of the long-distance Pekoe Trail that now runs through part of the park.  These require permits and, in most cases, a guide, but they are a genuine option if the main loop leaves you wanting more. When To Visit The Horton Plains National Park? The gates of the Horton Plains National Park open at 6 AM. By 9:30 or 10 AM, the mist in the national park rolls in and swallows the views.  I came across one highland lodge owner online. He runs a "Highland Trek" experience out of Nuwara Eliya. He said, “It is not just the sunrise if you reach the Horton Plains National Park by 6 AM. Reaching early also helps you to beat the cloud that builds through the morning.”  Time Of Year Choose December to March if you want to know about the best time to visit the Horton Plains National Park.  The park stretch is the driest and clearest during these months.  However, being the best time, this window also brings heavy crowds on weekends and local holidays.  April through September brings more mist and drizzle, and while the views become less reliable, the trail is also quieter.  Several travellers I found comparing notes online argued that a misty, moody Horton Plains has its own appeal. It is just a different trip than the postcard version. Wildlife, Without The Big Cat Guarantee The Sambar Deer is the poster animal of the Horton Plains National Park. I could spot them easily.  If you especially visit the park early in the morning, you will find these adorable creatures grazing in the open grassland.  Furthermore, if you are a bird-watcher, you will find endemics like the Sri Lanka whistling thrush and the yellow-eared bulbul.  Other birds you will find here are: Scaly-Breasted Munia Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush Sri Lanka Spurfowl Horton Plains is also, on paper, a leopard territory with the Sri Lankan leopard as the apex predator here. However, sightings are exceptionally rare, and I would not build a trip around the hope of one. Most guides are refreshingly honest about this rather than overselling it. Instead, expect wildlife such as Fishing Cat, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, and Wild Boar here.  If you are here to spot reptiles, watch out for the black-cheek lizard, Boie’s rough-sided snake, and the horned lizard.  The Nelu Bloom: A Once-In-A-Generation Sight The flowering of the Nelu is one of the main highlights of the Horton Plains National Park. This flower of a genus of shrubs in the highlands does not bloom every year.  In fact, these flowers bloom once every 12 years.  When these flowers bloom, the entire hillsides turn a soft purple-blue almost overnight. You must have seen these photographs on Instagram.  Sample Itinerary Most visitors do Horton Plains as a single early-morning excursion. However, there are a few ways to structure the day depending on your fitness, time, and onward travel plans. Half-Day Trip From Nuwara Eliya To Horton Plains National Park TimeActivity3:30–4:00 AMWake up, dress in layers, depart Nuwara Eliya.5:00–5:30 AMArrive at Horton Plains entrance, buy tickets, bag check.6:00 AMGate opens, begin the loop (clockwise).6:00–7:00 AMWalk to Little World's End (3.5 km).7:00–7:45 AMReach World's End, main viewpoint stop.7:45–9:00 AMContinue on the loop to Baker's Falls, a short detour to the base.9:00–10:00 AMFinish the loop back to the car park.10:00–11:30 AMDrive back to Nuwara Eliya and have breakfast en route or in town,  Extended Day Trip (With Kirigalpotta Or Thotupola Kanda) TimeActivity3:30–4:00 AMDepart Nuwara Eliya.5:30–6:00 AMArrive and buy extended tickets and permits for an extended trail if required.6:00–10:00 AMMain LoopLittle World's EndWorld's EndBaker's Falls.10:00 AM–1:00 PMExtended Trail Kirigalpotta or Thotupola Kanda with a guide.1:00–2:00 PMReturn to car parkDrive back3:00 PM onwardLate lunch in Nuwara Eliya and relax Moreover, instead of making a return to Nuwara Eliya, you can continue your journey to beautiful Ella.  Tentative Cost Breakdown Costs vary depending on how you get there and whether you hire a guide. However, here is a realistic breakdown to budget against. Entrance Fees ItemApproximate CostForeign adult, day visitUSD 25 per personForeign childUSD 12Sri Lankan national, day visit•LKR 150 for Adults•LKR 75 for Children•LKR 20 for Local Students with Valid IDVehicle entryLKR 250-1000 for VehiclesDrive/Guide Fee: Overnight/extended permit (for longer trails)Around LKR 2400 for a Campsite of 12 People. Tickets are generally sold only at the entrance, not online. So budget extra queueing time in peak season (December–March, weekends). Transport From Nuwara Eliya OptionApproximate CostPrivate car, round trip with 3-hour waitLKR 5000 to LKR 13000Tuk-tuk, round tripLKR 1500-2000Organised half-day tour (driver + guide)LKR 6000 Per PersonFull-day customisable tuk-tuk/car tour (Horton Plains + extras)LKR 10000 for the vehicle/group Other Costs To Budget For ItemApproximate CostLocal guide (optional, for main loop)LKR 600Guide for extended trails (Kirigalpotta/Thotupola)LKR 700Breakfast/snacks in Nuwara Eliya after the hikeLKR 300-400 Per PersonTips for driver (customary but not obligatory)Around LKR 200  Rough Total, Per Person For a solo or paired traveler doing the standard half-day loop with a shared private car, all-in costs typically start from around LKR 15000.  What People Are Actually Saying About The Horton Plains National Park Beyond the official descriptions, recent traveller reviews and hiking forums paint a fuller, more candid picture of what to actually expect. The Praise I have checked the recent traveler reviews and hiking forums for recent updates on the Horton Plains trek. I wanted updates as it has been almost 2 years since I have been there.  I have got a pretty consistent and useful picture of the park beyond the marketing photos.  People consistently describe the loop as peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly quiet once you are past the entrance area. Also, many travelers have remarked that they barely saw another hiker on the trail itself despite a busy car park.  The cool climate and the drama of World's End come up again and again as the highlight. More than one reviewer said the steep entrance fee for foreign visitors was worth it for the experience alone. The Complaints The complaints cluster around two things.  First, Value For Money At The Gate Several visitors felt the facilities, particularly the restrooms, didn't match what they were paying. They especially compared the facilities with well-maintained remote parks elsewhere in the world.  Second, Logistics Getting to the park without a private vehicle or organised transport is genuinely difficult. A few forum threads mention drivers or ticket-side "tips" being expected in ways that caught first-time visitors off guard.  My own advice, echoing what I saw repeated often: Agree on a return fare with your driver before you set off. Keep small notes handy at the gate. Treat the fee as the cost of one of the more unusual landscapes in South Asia rather than comparing it to lowland attraction pricing. Also, there are concerns about the vulnerability of the Horton Plains National Park. It is disappointing that I did not find many travelers talking about it.  The Vulnerabilities  “Many visitors to the Horton Plains NP come here when they are on holiday in Nuwara Eliya and that is the loud and boisterous behaviour they bring here as well, creating much havoc in this sensitive area.” These are the words of Sankha Wanniatchi, an author, photographer and leopard researcher. He shared his views with The Sunday Times regarding the “Clarion Call to Protect Vulnerable Horton Plains NP.” The researcher has also urged the Sri Lankan authorities to refer to Yellowstone National Park for implementing strict regulations in the Horton Plains National Park.  His suggestions include relocating the entry gate to the national park. It is because the stretch between the Pattipola Railway Station and the entry gate is ripe with wildlife activity.  An overspeeding car killing a young sambar in the stretch has strengthened his claim.  Moreover, there are suspicions of poaching activities, with loud sounds of gunshots being heard outside the boundary lines.  Practical Notes For Your Own Visit A short checklist of the logistics worth locking down before you leave your hotel. Getting There Horton Plains is roughly 32 kilometres, about 1.5 hours by road, from Nuwara Eliya, which is the most common base.  A hired car or tuk-tuk with waiting time is the standard arrangement. Public transport options are limited and awkward for the early departure time you will want.  What To Bring Carry layers, a light rain jacket, sturdy closed shoes, and cash for the entrance and any incidentals.  There is no phone signal inside the park, which, once you adjust to it, becomes part of the appeal. Was It Worth The 3 AM Alarm? Genuinely, yes. Horton Plains is not trying to be the rest of Sri Lanka. That is exactly what makes it worth the detour from the hill country's tea estates and waterfalls.  It is cold, it is a little inconvenient to reach, and the view you are chasing is entirely at the mercy of the weather. However, standing at the edge of an 880-metre drop with the whole southern half of the island somewhere beneath the mist is an experience.  Set the alarm. Bring the jacket you think you won't need. It is worth it.

BY  Sibashree Jun 20, 2025

The best way to start your day is staring at the rising sun. If some exotic locations for the best sunrises are passing through your mind, let me also remind you of Vietnam. Do you know which are the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam?  Before I proceed, let me tell you why sunrises in Vietnam are so beautiful. The cosmic elegance of the Vietnamese sunrise stems from the country's long coastal stretches and naturally scenic settings.  The massive horizons along the coasts create unique sun flares every day when the sun rises here. Similarly, the green landscapes reflecting the nascent sunrays every morning are no less than a visual treat. Why Are There So Many Exotic Places To Watch Sunrise In Vietnam? The mountain peaks here are also mesmerizing. Meanwhile, Vietnam offers many locations where early mornings leave a lasting impression. It includes misty hills and quiet beaches.  This guide highlights the top sunrise spots across the country. Firstly, these places offer some of the most rewarding sights. However, a well-planned vacation package to Vietnam can make these experiences enjoyable. Why Is Vietnam Ideal For Sunrise Views? Vietnam’s geography extends from north to south. It includes the eastern coastline of Southeast Asia. This makes it an ideal destination for sunrise enthusiasts.  The sun rises over the East Sea. It offers clear and wide views. Mountain valleys and beaches provide breathtaking views. Don't miss out on the rice fields. Witnessing sunrise can become one of your most treasured memories of Vietnam. Where Can You See The Best Sunrise In Vietnam? Vietnam has various sunrise spots. Some of them are less explored. Here are some you can include in your next travel itinerary:  1. Mui Ne: Sand Dunes And Sea Views Mui Ne is a coastal town in southern Vietnam. It is known for its red and white dunes. Tourists often visit this area early in the morning. The sand and sky combine to provide a calm and lovely scene. Many Vietnam Travel Agency tours start the day at the Mui Ne dunes. The light breeze and open horizon make this a favorite spot for photographers and early risers. 2. Sapa: Sunrise Over Rice Terraces Sapa's rice terraces and stunning mountain views are popular attractions. It is located in the northern highlands. The fields glow with golden hues. The villages surrounding Fansipan Mountain offer incredible views that are perfect for a sunrise walk. A Vietnam country tour to Sapa usually includes homestays and local treks. It also includes early morning hikes. These make it easier to access the best viewpoints before sunrise. 3. Hoi An: Riverside Reflections At Dawn Hoi An, a typical town with historic streets and attractive riverbanks, is a serene spot for sunrise viewing. The quiet mornings on the Thu Bon River, with boats floating peacefully and old town buildings reflecting in the still water, create a tranquil atmosphere.  You can choose a vacation package to Vietnam that includes the central regions. In this way, you can spend a night in Hoi An just to catch the early morning light. 4. Da Nang: Son Tra Peninsula The Son Tra Peninsula, near Da Nang, offers stunning views. Meanwhile, the best sunrise views can be found from Ban Co Peak and the Linh Ung Pagoda. You can also see the city, sea, and forest all together from this point.  Several Vietnam Travel Agency packages include this spot as part of a day tour from Da Nang. It is often filled with the sounds of birds and cool air. 5. Phu Quoc: Sunrise At The Beach Phu Quoc is an island located in the far south. Its eastern beaches are ideal for watching the sunrise. However, Long Beach, Bai Sao, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are top places to see the morning sun over the sea. You can book a vacation package to Vietnam that includes beach resorts.  6. Ninh Binh: Mountains And Rivers In The Morning Mist Ninh Binh, also known as Halong Bay, is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam. At first, you will encounter the thick morning mist. As the sun rises and the fog begins to clear slowly, you can see the entire frame of the sunrise.  At Ninh Binh, you can also take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, located in Tam Coc. The rides are seamless, allowing you to relax. However, the sunrise is the best part of early morning Ngo Dong rides.  The sunlight radiating from surrounding cliffs and fields transforms the river into a new canvas every day. If you don’t want to miss such a place to watch the sunrise in Vietnam, consider contacting a travel agency.  They may help you book the 05:00 AM to 07:00 AM boat ride on Ngo Dong. Stay for a while and experience the full arc of the sunrise.  What Time Does The Sun Rise In Vietnam? The winter sunrises in Vietnam are most exotic. Moreover, you need to know about the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. That’s why your tour operator’s help is crucial.  The best time to witness the sun in its raw orange form is between 5:30 and 6:30 AM. However, please note that you should check the local time there.  Before visiting, you need to note a few things as well: Usually, there is a thick crowd at the best places to watch sunrise in Vietnam. So arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a front view. The shades and aura of the sunrise from various places will surprise you.  How To Make The Most Of Sunrise Views? Plan most of your sunrise viewing experience. Knowing where to go and how to get there will ensure you don't miss the breathtaking views. Take your hoodies or sweatshirts, as the morning mists are chilly. Interiors may not have food options. So, carry your breakfast essentials or light snacks. Respect the local environment. Avoid littering. Consider booking your trip with a Vietnam Travel Agency. It is to ensure transportation and access to ideal viewpoints.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

I had been warned about the leeches before I ever booked a guide for Sinharaja.  Within twenty minutes of entering the forest, I understood why everyone mentions them first.   They are a minor, manageable nuisance. High socks and a quick check every so often took care of it.  However, they are also the forest’s way of telling you have left the manicured, dry-zone version of Sri Lanka behind.  Sinharaja is wet, dense, and alive in a way none of the country's safari parks are.  Also, it doesn't take long inside the canopy to understand why UNESCO calls it the island's last viable stretch of primary tropical rainforest.  The name means 'Lion Kingdom' in Sinhalese.   Also, the forest earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988, a decade after it was declared a National Heritage Wilderness Area in 1978 in response to government-sanctioned clear-felling.   Conservationists and the March for Conservation movement pushed to stop the logging. What is left today, around 8,864 hectares in the country's south-west wet zone, is the reason Sri Lanka still has a rainforest at all.  Sinharaja Forest At A Glance  Location South-West Wet Zone Spanning Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces Area About 8,864 Hectares UNESCO Status World Heritage Site since 1988 Main Entrances Kudawa (North) Pitadeniya Deniyaya (South) Morningside Entry Fee Roughly LKR 2,700 (USD 15) Per Person Guide Charges Often Included in Tour Rates Best Time to Visit January to April August to September Known For 26 of Sri Lanka's Endemic Bird Species 60%+ Endemic Tree Cover Guide Required?  Yes, Mandatory in the Core Zone  Entry and guide fees are adjusted periodically. So, check current rates before you travel.  Two Ways In: Kudawa Or Deniyaya Sinharaja has several access points, and which one you choose shapes the whole trip.   Kudawa  Kudawa, on the northern side, is the most established entrance. It is home to the Rainforest Research Centre and the easiest place to arrange a local guide on short notice.  It is the default choice for most first-time visitors.   Deniyaya  It is on the southern side, sits closer to Galle and the south coast, making it the more convenient option if you are combining Sinharaja with a beach stay rather than approaching from the hill country.   There are also quieter entrances at Weddagala and Lankagama, better suited to serious birders who'd rather skip the more-visited trails entirely.  I went in through Kudawa, mainly because I was routing down from Ratnapura, and found it well organised.  A small visitor centre, a board of registered guides, and a clear sense that the rangers here take the guide requirement seriously.   That is not a formality to skip. The trail network inside the core zone isn't signposted, and entering without an assigned guide is not allowed.  Finding A Guide Worth Having  Arrive early by 6:30 or 7 AM if you can to get first pick of guides rather than waiting around mid-morning for whoever's free.   The good ones carry field notebooks, know individual bird calls from memory, and can tell you at a glance which species is endemic and which is not.  It matters a lot in a forest where a large share of what you are looking at exists nowhere else.   Tipping is customary and separate from the guide fee. A 500–1,000 LKR per person for a thorough half-day is a reasonable benchmark.  What You Will Actually See Sinharaja's reputation rests heavily on its birdlife, and for good reason.   Close to 20 of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species live here. The species include Sri Lanka blue magpie, red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal, and ashy-headed laughingthrush.   The real spectacle is not a single rare sighting, but the mixed-species feeding flocks locals call 'bird waves.'   A sudden, chattering rush of a dozen or more species moving through the canopy together.   My guide seemed to time our walk around finding one, and when it happened, it was worth the wait.  Mammals   Mammals are a different story.   Leopards and Indian elephants both live in Sinharaja, along with the endemic purple-faced langur.  However, the dense canopy and thick undergrowth make sightings genuinely rare.  So, don't plan your visit around seeing one.   Endemic Plants   What you will see, reliably, is an extraordinary concentration of endemic plant life.  Over 60% of the tree species in the core zone exist nowhere else on Earth, alongside rare amphibians, reptiles, and insects that make Sinharaja one of the world's recognised biodiversity hotspots.  Streams and small waterfalls cut through the forest at several points, and they are some of the best rest stops on a longer walk.  Slippery rocks and mossy banks rather than anything manicured, but a welcome place to sit with the sound of water after an hour of humidity and undergrowth.  Not Untouched, But Genuinely Wild  It is worth knowing that Sinharaja is not pristine wilderness in the strictest sense.  Selective logging continued until the 1970s, and buffer zone villages still use parts of the surrounding land.   But the core zone has regenerated substantially, and walking into it, the canopy closes overhead within minutes in a way that immediately feels different from anywhere else I visited in Sri Lanka.   It is less a technicality than a reminder of how close the country came to losing this forest entirely.  That is why the conservation fight over it in the 1970s still shapes its management today.  Practical Tips For Visiting Sinharaja Forest Reserve Here are the things you need to keep in mind about what to carry, how to reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the duration of your time here.   What To Wear And Bring  Bring leech socks (available cheaply near the entrances) or high boots tucked into trousers, a light rain jacket regardless of season, binoculars if birding is any part of your interest, and a reusable water bottle.   The humidity is constant, so pack lighter layers than you'd expect for a 'forest' hike.  How Long To Plan For  A guided walk typically runs two to five hours depending on your pace and chosen trail. A standard loop from Kudawa is often around three hours.   If you are serious about birding, build in a full morning. The best activity clusters between roughly 6:30 and 10 AM, after which the forest quiets down and the heat picks up.  Getting There  The nearest major towns are Ratnapura and Galle. Neither entrance has access to direct public transport.  So a hired vehicle or pre-arranged tour is the practical option.   Several south-coast-based tours run day trips from Galle, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa if you would rather not organise transport yourself.  Where This Fits In A Sri Lanka Itinerary  Sinharaja pairs naturally with a hill country or south coast loop. You can visit it either as a detour from Ratnapura's gem country or as a rainforest counterpoint to a beach-heavy stretch of the south.   It is a full-day commitment once you factor in travel, entry, and the walk itself. So, I would avoid trying to squeeze it in alongside another major activity on the same day.