DAY 5: NUWARA ELIYA – HORTON PLAINS

• Arrange a Packet breakfast from the hotel and proceed to Horton Plains (Approx: 45Mins)
• Enjoy a Trekking at Horton Plains: Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national p ark in 1988. The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are known as Maha Eliya Plains. Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have been found here. The plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest and includes many endemic woody plants. Large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer feature as typical mammals and the park is also an Important Bird Area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to the Horton Plains. Forest dieback is one of the major threats to the park and some studies suggest that it is caused by a natural phenomenon The sheer precipice of World’s End and Baker’s Falls are among the tourist attractions of the park.
• Back to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya
• Optional Climb at Adam’s Peak (Appox: 2.5Hrs): The Sacred character of this mountain-peak of 7,360ft and its legends has brought many a visitor from many lands like Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, Ibn Battua, on pilgrimage here. The trails and traditions along these routes are as old as time itself, with legends so hoary that history has no knowledge of them. History of Adam’s peak runs back to 2100 years to the reign of King Valagambahu (104 – 76 BC) who made the discovery of the sacred foot. (Climb should start at about 2.00am – Early in the morning & it will take around 6 hours for both ways)
• What to Bring: The night hike is preferred because the weather is more pleasant as it can get hot during the day. In the early morning however, after sweating on the way to the top, it can get cold & windy on top so there’s little sense in getting to the top too long before the dawn & then having to sit around shivering.
• Clothes: Bring warm layers of clothes in any case, including something extra to put on when you get to the summit. Some pilgrims wait for priests to make a morning offering before they descend, but the sun quickly rises & the heat does too, so it pays not to stay around too long. First-timers usually wear white cloth on their heads.
• Shoes: If it rains it can get quite slippery towards the bottom of the mountain; wear light and comfortable shoes with a good grip to avoid falling.
• Food and Beverage: As there are plenty of small shops along the way, filling your bags with water and food is unnecessary during high pilgrimage season. If you’re hiking out of season though, always bring some water with you and enough food to get you through.
• Accessories: In case you’re travelling out of pilgrimage season, bring a torch light with you as some parts of the way may be dark.
• First Aid Kit: First aid facilities not being much available along the path, it is recommended to bring your own safety kit in case of emergency.
• Overnight Stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya