World’s End Sri Lanka 🌩️ Hotels & Hikes on Horton Plains

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Haputale

World’s End Sri Lanka 🌩️ Hotels & Hikes on Horton Plains

Sri Lanka is a hidden gem in South Asia, offering an array of experiences for travelers looking to explore its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique cuisine. From the white sandy beaches of the south to the lush tea plantations of the hill country, and the ancient cities in the north, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. And what better activity than to take a scenic train ride through the green mountains, visiting ancient temples and historical landmarks.?

The first stage of our journey through Central Sri Lanka concluded with a visit to the hill town of Haputale, and the World’s End plateau at Horton Plains.

After spending several days in and around the old capital Kandy, we arranged to travel by train from Kandy to Haputale.

World’s End Sri Lanka - Haputale Train World’s End

World’s End Sri Lanka – Boarding the Train to Haputale

2nd Class Train from Kandy to Haputale

When we boarded the train, it was already full to capacity, so we spent the journey squatting in the gangway with the rest of the boarders from Kandy.

The journey took around 5 hours, and in the circumstances wasn’t half as bad as some of the train journeys we’ve taken through India.

World’s End Sri Lanka

2nd Class Train

We arrived in Haputale late afternoon. We hadn’t booked accommodation in advance, and at first ignored the guesthouse touts who swarmed us at Haputale train station.

However, when I realized they were promoting the actual hotel I had earmarked as our likeliest choice (from Lonely Planet), we allowed ourselves to be rounded up into a van and driven the short distance to the Sri Lak View Holiday Inn.

The Sri Lak View Holiday Inn, Haputale

We were offered a couple of room options in an annex (not the main building) for 1500 and 3000 rupees. The higher price was for the upper floor with a balcony and view. We took the cheaper option since it was already dark: We would be leaving early the next morning, so wouldn’t have the time to appreciate any views.

The room was damp, dark and squalid (we didn’t undress to sleep), and the bathroom pretty smelly.

However, dinner in the main building was good, with WiFi in the restaurant area. The staff were organized and helpful, and well prepared to arrange trips to the usual tourist attractions.

All in all, the Sri Lak View Holiday Inn was pretty basic – but bearable for the one night. If you’re looking for alternate accommodation in Haputale, you can also try the Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn, which comes highly recommended.

World’s End Sri Lanka - Haputale Temple

World’s End Sri Lanka – Haputale – Hindu Main Kovil

The Morning Prayers of Haputale Town

Haputale is a predominantly Muslim (Tamil) town, so be prepared to be woken up at 5:15 am with a call to prayers from the local mosque.

The place has the feel of a small frontier town. It doesn’t have too much to offer, but there are some good bargains to be had if you take some time looking through the local Tamil shops for fabrics.

Around lunchtime, you can also purchase some seriously delicious fresh samosas from the bakery next to the bus station (get them while they’re still hot).

For a Muslim town, there are several Hindu temples

World’s End Sri Lanka – For a Muslim town, there are several Hindu temples

At 1,431 meters (4,695 ft) above sea level, Haputale has a much cooler climate than adjacent districts. The area is surrounded by cloud-covered hills and tea plantations.

World’s End Sri Lanka

World’s End Sri Lanka – View from Haputale

Hiking to World’s End

The big attraction of Haputale for many travelers is the opportunity to visit the renowned World’s End plateau at Horton Plains.

Our hosts at the Sri Lak View Holiday Inn were happy to arrange transport to get us there, including a 4:30 am morning call and packed breakfast. At this time in the morning – in February – it can be pretty cold, dark and wet, so you need to have the proper clothes.

Good walking boots, flashlights and waterproof hiking gear is recommended.

Haputale Panorama

Haputale Panorama (click to view)

You need to get there early…

We were up before the crack of dawn to meet our drivers and start the journey to Horton Plains National Park. This was a 1.5 hour car journey in the pitch dark, illuminated only by the van’s headlights.

The reason for the ludicrously early start is the thick mist which sets in at the World’s End plateau around 9 am. Unless you get there early, the view is often obscured by mist, especially during the rainy season from April to September.

It also helps to finish the long hike in the late morning, before the sun gets too high.

We arrived at the entrance gate around 6:30 am, and purchased our tickets ($30 per person). After this, we continued driving another 15 minutes to the start of the trail, then started our trek.

The hike from here to World’s End is 4 km. The trail then loops back to Baker’s Falls (2 km) and continues back to the entrance (another 3.5 km). The total 9.5 km round trip takes around three hours.

From the World’s End plateau, the cliff plunges down dramatically for 870 m. The early morning (between 6 am and 10 am) is the best time to arrive at the plateau, before the clouds roll in. If you’re lucky, this will give you an unencumbered view south towards the coast.

All you can expect to see from World’s End after 9 am is a white wall of mist.

You need to watch your footing as you take in the view. People have been injured and even fallen to their deaths in pursuit of that ultimate selfie.

As long as you take care and have a decent and warm hotel to return to, this hike to Horton Plains is well worth the effort.

Following our chilly spell in the highlands of Sri Lanka, we were really looking forward to working our way down and south through the mountains to the coast around Tangalle.

We still hadn’t planned the best way to do this. For the next 7 days of this trip, we’d decided to just go with the flow…

Hotels in Haputale


If you enjoyed World’s End Sri Lanka, check out our Sri Lanka Travel Plan. You may also like:


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