GAMANA Horton plains National park considered to be the highest plateau in Sri Lanka is located at an elevation of 2100-2350m in the central highland of the island. To reach this place, situated about 32km away from Nuwara Eliya, there are several accesses. The most popular one is via Ambewela Pattipola of which the distance is 32km.The other one is via Haputale or Welimada,Boralanda and Ohiya.The distance is 38 km. There are two more roads that are not so famous.One is via Avissawella,Hatton,Thalawakele,Agarapathana and Dayagama Estate.The road that leads through Kalupahana junction on Colombo Badulla main road is extremely difficult.
This plains, known to be Mahaeliya discovered by former governor Sir Robert Wilmot Horton is the main source of few major rivers in Sri Lanka. As some historical records reveal, Horton plains of which history date to Balangoda culture is an internationally-recognized place due to its high biodiversity. This reserved area inherits a large number of flora and fauna. 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles, and 8 species of amphibians are some of them and Rhododendron is the dominant tree among a large number of species of trees plants and grasses.
Among birds and animals Sri Lankan leopard, wild bear, giant squirrel, fishing cat,rusty-spotted cat, deer, sambour, dull blue flycatcher, Sri Lankan white eye, wood pigeon, blue magpie, spurfowl, jungle fowl, orange babbler, and serpent eagle are the most frequent species. Elephants are said to have lived up to 1940, have gone vanished. Above all the natural beauty is the number one, The large precipice is nearly 950 m deep. Bakers Fall chimney fall and the graceful environment with scattered fog and chill attract a large number of tourists to this elegant place. This is an excellent place for those who have researched flora and fauna.
