The mystique of Horton Plains

Come forth into the light of things, Let nature be your teacher. - William Wordsworth

by Rosanne Koelmeyer Anderson

Explore the mystic and pristine beauty of mother nature and some of the most picturesque scenery of the natural paradise of Sri Lanka ,from open plains to mountain ranges, flowing rivers and waterfalls to a lot of endemic flora and fauna.

I am talking about the famous Horton Plains, World's End and Bakers Falls, major attractions much visited throughout the year, by locals as well as foreigners who believe in exploring the length and breadth of the beautiful paradise, Sri Lanka.

Horton Plains is just 200 km away from Colombo and can be easily reached from Nuwara Eliya or Talawakelle. The picturesque highlands is the most isolated plateau Sri Lanka boasts of and is situated 2300m above sea level, in the hill country of Sri Lanka which gives the onlooker the best panoramic view one could ever have, with the second and third highest mountains Kirigalpotta and Thotupola bordering the park.

Horton Plains boasts of a rich bio-diversity which makes sight-seeing even more interesting and adventurous, especially if you are a nature lover, and takes you at least four to five hours.

Starting off as early as possible is best. The romantics are not left behind in their share of enjoyment with the cooler mountains starting from Kandy, Bandarawella, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya of course is a romantic delude with waterfalls, botanical gardens and glimpses of ancient Hindu culture.

Car racing, horse riding, trekking expeditions to the Devon, Ramboda, Laksapana waterfalls, boating and fishing at the Lake Gregory and golf courses also provide ample entertainment for the adventurous lot. For the dreamers a stroll in the Victoria Park, a romantic view of the flowers at the Botanical Garden and tea plantations is a treat for the traveller to Nuwara Eliya.

But what is enthralling at Horton Plains is the walk to World's End and back through Baker's falls which is an exhausting expedition, seems never ending but many people yet take the plunge to do it.

I suppose it is out of curiosity; everyone wants to see what this famous Lover's Leap is all about which makes one determined to go right up to the edge of an 800 metre high precipice, which sends a shiver down your spine and makes you shudder but at the same time is a wonderful experience and gives you a heavenly view of the "Green, Green Grass of Home," if you would only dare to look below.

Lover's Leap was incidentally made famous by the star- crossed lovers, famous Farr Inn which was earlier Sir Thomas Baker's and Governor Horton's hunting lodge which has been renovated and transformed into a Visitor Centre whilst conserving the colonial architecture.

It is at Farr Inn that Governor Horton had discussions with the then Rate-Mahattayas regarding various matters. Here, you may be able to gather many interesting stories of its history , if you stop to inquire before you embark on your journey.

Another significant aspect to add to the melancholic mystique of Horton Plains are the three major rivers of the country, the Kelani, Walawe and the Mahaweli which starts from this area of the country to add to the beauty of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.Natural beauty, history and everything you could think of all unfolded in a single visit .

There is so much to see afterall, the giant fern trees Cyathea sp. and colourful Rhododendron are some of the main attractions along the way.

The beautiful variety of endemic flowers like Nellu (Strobilanthes sp.) Binara (Exacum trinervium) and species of orchids dominate the forest. The endemic animal and bird species is yet another attraction Horton Plains has to offer.

But the place is best visited in a crowd, for if you try walking the stretch with a few it may not be such a good idea; you need quite a bit of shouting and screaming out just in case you drift away into solitude.

So, why not make a trip to Horton Plains one of Lassana Sri Lanka's natural paradises if you still have not done so; it is one place you should visit, best during April when Nuwara Eliya (Little England) is very much alive.

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