What Are The Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya? Know Why It Is Worth Visiting

BY  Sibashree Jun 1, 2026

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect relaxing getaway with golden sands, a vibrant local life, and a rich colonial heritage.  Be it the surfing paradise of the Hiriketiya Beach or the whale-watching hotspot, Mirissa, the southern coast is the most happening.  You can add to that the world-class culinary scene, the palm-fringed shorelines, and a laid-back bohemian energy.  Also, if you are looking for the combination of all these in a single spot, Unawatuna is the place to visit.  It has beginner-friendly waves, a deep colonial history, and a beachfront with a swinging rope.  In this article, I will discuss the best things to do in Unawatuna. I will also talk about top accommodation recommendations and practical logistics to help you maximize your time in this tropical haven. Where To Stay In Unawatuna?  Unawatuna, being one of the premier beach destinations in Sri Lanka, has an excellent range of accommodations.  The accommodations here range from rustic, budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury boutiques. Epic Unawatuna Epic Unawatuna, with its beautiful rustic charm, shows a heavy influence of the Dutch colonial architecture.  Furthermore, it offers air-conditioned rooms and exceptionally friendly staff.  Also, it is very close to the beach. Kingfisher Unawatuna It is an amazing beachfront hotel that has spacious rooms and large beds. Furthermore, it is on a quiet beachfront ideal for swimming.  Furthermore, it has an excellent in-house restaurant that is famous for serving top-notch, fresh seafood. What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family?  Unawatuna Beach is at the epicenter of the attractions in Unawatuna. From exploring this beach to a day trip to Galle Fort, a lot of activities await you here.  1. Unwinding At Unawatuna Beach  Unawatuna Beach, with its golden sand, is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, thanks to the protection of the offshore reef, the water here remains safe and calm. So, swimming here is safe throughout the year.  Moreover, in the daytime, you can rent a sunbed here, enjoy fresh coconut water, and enjoy the view.  At night, the beach gets transformed into a happening zone. The social scene here allows you to enjoy music, fresh seafood barbecues, and sunset cocktails right on the water's edge. 2. Dining At Bedspace Kitchen  After spending the evening at the beach, you can dine at Bedspace Kitchen. It is in a tranquil garden oasis very close to the main road. It serves the best fusion cuisine, and it sources organic and fresh ingredients from local producers. So, by dining here, you can support the local community.  You must try the black pork curry and the gourmet burger. Its other specialties include fragrant coconut lemongrass soup and pumpkin gnocchi.  However, it has limited seats and remains quite crowded. So, you must book a table here in advance.  3. Witness The Iconic Stilt Fishermen Of Koggala At a distance of 10 minutes from Unawatuna Beach, along the coastal road toward Mirissa Beach, you will find Koggala.  South of Unawatuna, Koggala is the place to see one of the most striking cultural traditions of Sri Lanka, Stilt Fishing.  Here, fishermen use a traditional method to catch fish. They balance atop a crossbar tied to a wooden pole driven deep into the reef, patiently waiting to catch small fish. The 2004 tsunami has altered the shoreline and made traditional fishing very difficult. However, the fishermen are still following this practice.  Many locals now rent their family stilts to men who pose for photographers to earn a livelihood. For visiting Koggala Beach from Unawatuna and photography, the pocket pinch will be around 500 LKR.  4. Fall In Love With Dalawella Beach  Dalawella Beach, very close to Unawatuna, has low-bending coconut trees, dramatic rock formations, and a beautiful shoreline.  The rope swing here is a rage on Instagram, and it is one of the most popular photo spots along with the Nine Arch Railway Bridge in Sri Lanka.  Moreover, it is less crowded than Unawatuna.  5. Support Conservation At The Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery Sea turtles are frequent in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. At the Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery, you will find rare species such as: Green Turtles Hawksbill Loggerhead Olive Ridley Leatherback Turtles. The hatchery is a non-profit organization that works toward protecting these majestic creatures.  The volunteers here rescue injured turtles caught in fishing nets and treat them. They also purchase eggs from local poachers to ensure they can hatch safely away from predators.  Moreover, once hatched, the baby turtles are nurtured for up to four days before being safely released into the ocean water. 6. Take A Day Trip To Galle Fort Galle Fort is just a tuk-tuk ride of 15 minutes from Unawatuna. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese constructed it originally, and then extensive fortification was carried out in 1663 by the Dutch.  So, when you step here, it feels like traveling back to the Colonial Era.  Moreover, the fort here is an architectural marvel.  It has centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Moreover, the fort is an architectural marvel. It features centuries-old Dutch villas, grand churches, and narrow cobblestone streets lined with trendy contemporary boutiques, art galleries, and upscale cafes. Also, the must-see attractions here are: The Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church Outer Stone Ramparts.  7. Learn To Surf At Bona Vista Bay While Weligama Beach, Arugam Bay, and Mirissa Beach are more famous for world-class breaks, Bona Vista Bay is suitable for beginners.  It is a sheltered cove between Unawatuna and Galle. The waves here are gentle, and you will find many local surf schools on the beachfront offering certified instructors and affordable board rentals. Moreover, the surf lesson cost here is 2000-3000 LKR, and the board rental cost is between 300 and 500 LKR per hour.  What Does A Day In Unawatuna Cost? A Quick Budget Snapshot I have already mentioned some expenses, especially around the stilt-fishing photo stop, the surf lessons, and the train and bus fares. In this section, I have pulled all the expenses together.  It will give you a clear sense of what a day here actually costs.  Rough Per-Person Costs, Pulled From This Guide ItemApproximate CostBudget guesthouse near the beachLKR 4000-5000 Kingfisher-style beachfront hotelAround LKR 15000 Per Night Dinner at Bedspace KitchenLKR 2,500-3,500Koggala stilt fishermen photo stopLKR 500Surf lesson + board rental at Bona Vista BayLKR 2,300-3,500Tuk-tuk from Galle Fort Station to UnawatunaLKR 320Coastal bus from Mirissa or HikkaduwaLKR 50 A realistic budget day, one guesthouse night, one sit-down dinner, the stilt fisherman stop, and a short tuk-tuk ride, lands somewhere around LKR 8,000-10,000 (roughly USD 25-35) per person. This is before factoring in a surf lesson or the Galle Fort day trip. Add the surf session and a Galle Fort tuk-tuk round trip, and a fuller day pushes closer to LKR 12,000-15,000. You can also check out the Tour and Travel Blog budget planner to have an idea about the complete expenses. What Is The Best Time To Visit Unawatuna? October to April, or the local dry season, is the best time to visit Unawatuna. However, February to April is the peak tourist season here.  During these months, the sea is calm, and the clear skies here make the time ideal for exploring.  From May to September, Unawatuna faces high rainfall and rough seas. Also, many businesses remain closed temporarily during these months.  How To Reach Unawatuna?  You can reach the southwestern coast of Unawatuna via different modes of transportation.  By Train A train ride through the southwestern coast offers the most affordable and scenic train ride. It is well connected from Colombo Fort to Matara Railway Station, and Galle Fort Station is where you need to get off.  Also, from Galle Fort, you can take a tuk-tuk ride for 15 minutes, and it will cost around LKR 320.  By Bus  You can hop on a local coastal bus to reach Unawatuna from nearby beach towns such as Mirissa or Hikkaduwa.  Moreover, the bus ticket price is around 50 LKR, and a bus ride offers the most authentic cultural experience.  You will also get a bus from the Maharagama Bus Station, which is just 15 km south of Colombo City Center.  Here, the bus ride will take around 2 hours, and you will love the highway journey in a luxury AC bus.

BY  Sibashree May 4, 2026

Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast.  There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively.  While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates.  It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves.  Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer.  However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills.  Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach.  Where Is Midigama Beach?  The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot.  Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets.  The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240.  I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class.  Where To Surf On Midigama Beach? I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another.   So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves.  1. Ahangama Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years.  It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers.  Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here.  2. Ram’s Right  Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start.  Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here.  3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left  These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right.  So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef.  4. Plantations  It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates.  The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn.  Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts.  5. Coconuts  Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience.  Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach.  However, the east end of the beach is choppier.  6. Weligama Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama.  Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners.  What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach?  If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach.  1. Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening.  The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here.  2. Galle Fort Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach.  It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.  Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle.  Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience.  What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach?  Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach.  Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season.  Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day.  Where To Eat In Midigama Beach?  The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places.  Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy.  If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant.  It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies.  Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach.  Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos.  Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach?  You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach.  However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice.  It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session.  Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach.  Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve.  Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots.  Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.

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.