Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel
A Natural Paradise
Horton Plains are a nature reserve magnificently beautiful on the highest plateau in Sri Lanka, 10,000 hectares in extent, known as 'Mahaeliya' among locals. The rolling hills, misty forests, and the grasslands make up a mainstay of countryside that offers everything desirable for nature lovers. This park has some of the most spectacular features, including "World's End," a dizzying 880 meter drop that affords breathtaking panoramic views of the tea estates and the faraway southern coastline. This is a place visited by many, especially in the early morning when the sky is clear and views are at their most spectacular. Equally present are beautiful waterfalls, such as Baker's Falls named from a British explorer Sir Samuel Baker, which is 20 meters high, with charming serene surroundings contributing to the beauty of the park.
Unique Flora and Fauna
Horton Plains is basically famous for its biodiversity, and for that fact, it acts as a haven for all those animal lovers. Various species coming to the park include 24 mammalian species, out of which the most commonly seen are the Sri Lankan sambar deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, and even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. In 2016, there was a sighting of the very rare rusty spotted cat, one of the smallest wild cats in the world, for the first time in the park. It is also an essential haven for birdlife, harboring 87 species, including 21 species peculiar only to Sri Lanka, like the whistling thrush of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka blue magpie, and dull blue flycatcher. Apart from this, this rare ecosystem is the home for several species of reptiles and amphibians most of these are purely endemic. Horton Plains is equally important for its flora and contains 188 species of plants out of which 63 species are strictly confined to Sri Lanka, including the infrequent dwarf bamboo, occurring only in this part of the region.
The Beauty of Cloud Forests and Waterfalls
This scenery of the park is further beautified by montane cloud forests and grasslands. The cloud forests make up to approximately 39% of the park, and are usually enveloped in mist, which adds more mystery to this place. The grasslands contain both dwarf bamboo and tussock grass, and form one of the very special habitat types for many species. Further scattered around the Horton Plains are some magnificent waterfalls, like Baker's Falls and Slab Rock Falls, equally 'framed' for the tranquil spots one can sit and ponder on nature's beauty. With heavy fringes of greenery around them, these waterfalls shoot excellent photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning light. Misty afternoons descend on it most days, lending an otherworldly quality to the landscape; that is why every visit is memorable.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Despite its great natural beauty, Horton Plains also contain several serious conservation issues, forest dieback, degradation of habitat, impacts of tourism. The Horton Plains are under threat from illegal activities, poaching, plant collection, and pollution. Forest dieback in this national park, attributed to environmental factors such as drought and soil nutrient imbalances, is a serious threat to unique ecosystems represented within this national park. These threats are countered by declaring Horton Plains a National Park since 1988 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, which more or less indicates the importance it holds as a protected area. Visitors have strict guidelines, no plastic and no fire could really help keep this natural treasure intact for future generations. The Horton Plains continue to be one of Sri Lanka's most treasured natural wonders with its exceptionally beautiful landscapes, rich biodiversity, and important features of geological interest.
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