Horton Plains National Park Tour & Scenic Train Ride

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, the Horton Plains National Park offers a captivating natural sanctuary for the adventurous traveler. This 11-hour tour promises an exhilarating journey, blending a scenic train ride to Ohiya station with guided walks through the UNESCO-protected park. Visitors can expect to be awestruck by the breathtaking vistas at World’s End and the stunning Baker Falls, all while accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide. However, the challenging terrain and certain suitability restrictions make this tour particularly enticing for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who are willing to push their boundaries. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a truly unforgettable experience that showcases the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ella Sri Lanka.

Key Points

• This 11-hour excursion offers a guided tour of Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO-protected site, and a scenic train ride through picturesque villages.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, admission fees, an English-speaking guide, refreshments, and government taxes, but excludes meals, personal expenses, and tips.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems due to the challenging terrain and moderate physical demands.
• Customers have rated the overall tour experience as 4.4 out of 5, but have indicated the need for improvements in the transportation aspect and value for money.
• The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, with a limited group size of 6 participants for a more personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Horton Plains National Park Tour & Scenic Train Ride offers an 11-hour excursion that includes a pickup from centrally located Ella and Bandarawela hotels, with a group size limited to 6 participants and an English-speaking guide.

Priced from £101.74 per person, the tour begins with a scenic train journey to Ohiya station, arriving at 8:30 AM. Visitors then embark on a guided walk through the UNESCO-protected Horton Plains National Park, exploring the Worlds End Viewpoint and Baker Falls.

The day concludes with a return to the hotels around 4:30 PM. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a 5:45 AM pickup from the hotel, followed by a scenic train journey to Ohiya station, arriving at 8:30 AM.

Upon reaching Ohiya, participants embark on a guided walk through the UNESCO-protected Horton Plains National Park. The highlight of the trek is the Worlds End Viewpoint, a sheer cliff with a 4,000-foot drop.

The group also visits the cascading Baker Falls, a 20-meter waterfall named after Sir Samuel Baker. After exploring the park’s rich flora and wildlife, the tour departs at 2:30 PM and returns to the hotel around 4:30 PM, completing an eventful 11-hour adventure.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the UNESCO site of Horton Plains National Park stands as the tour’s primary allure, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s captivating natural wonders.

Scenic train journeys through picturesque villages en route to the park heighten the adventure, while guided walks provide opportunities to scout for diverse wildlife amidst the rich flora.

Numerous photo-worthy moments dot the itinerary, from the breathtaking Worlds End Viewpoint to the cascading Baker Falls.

The tour’s highlights cater to nature enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and photography enthusiasts alike, promising an unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s marveling at the sheer cliff of Worlds End or capturing the beauty of Baker Falls, this tour truly showcases the splendor of Horton Plains National Park.

Inclusions and Exclusions

What does the Horton Plains National Park Tour include?

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a scenic train journey to Ohiya, admission fees for Horton Plains National Park, an English-speaking guide, refreshments and water, as well as all applicable government taxes. This ensures a hassle-free experience for participants.

The tour doesn’t cover meals, personal expenses, or tips for the guide.

Pregnant women and those with back problems are advised against joining the tour, as the terrain can be challenging.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have provided mixed reviews for the Horton Plains National Park Tour, with the overall rating standing at 4.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

The guide’s knowledge and flexibility in planning the day received positive remarks, earning a 4 out of 5 rating. However, the transportation aspect of the tour was rated 3 out of 5, indicating room for improvement.

Unfortunately, the tour was deemed poor value for money, scoring only 1 out of 5 in that category. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

Suitability and Restrictions

The Horton Plains National Park Tour may not suit everyone, as it comes with certain suitability requirements and restrictions.

Pregnant women and individuals with back problems, for instance, are advised against joining this excursion due to the physical demands involved.

The guided walk through the national park can be challenging, with uneven terrain and steep inclines.

Plus, the tour involves a scenic train journey, which may not be suitable for those with motion sickness or claustrophobia.

Prospective participants should also consider their fitness level, as the tour requires a moderate amount of walking and hiking.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Along With the suitability considerations, travelers interested in the Horton Plains National Park Tour can book their excursion with ease and flexibility. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing participants to receive a full refund should their plans change. This policy provides peace of mind for those making travel arrangements, as it enables them to secure their spot without the risk of losing their money due to unforeseen circumstances.

Booking Details
Tour Name	Horton Plains National Park Tour & Scenic Train Ride
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Refund	Full refund
Booking Method	Online or through tour operator
Group Size	Limited to 6 participants

Frequently Asked Questions

How Early Should I Arrive at the Pickup Location?

The pickup time for the tour is 5:45 AM from the hotel. Travelers should arrive at the pickup location a few minutes early to ensure they don’t miss the departure and can get situated comfortably before the tour begins.

Are There Any Hiking/Walking Requirements for This Tour?

The tour involves a guided walk through Horton Plains National Park, including hiking to viewpoints like World’s End. Participants should be prepared for moderate hiking and walking over uneven terrain for several hours. Appropriate footwear is recommended.

What Types of Wildlife Can We Expect to See?

Visitors on the guided tour may spot a variety of wildlife, including sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, and endemic Sri Lankan birds like the Sri Lanka whistling thrush. However, sightings can’t be guaranteed as the park’s animals are elusive.

Can I Purchase Additional Snacks/Meals During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional snacks and meals during the tour. Most tours provide refreshments, but travelers may want to bring their own supplementary food or buy items from local vendors along the way to ensure they have enough sustenance throughout the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator generally does not offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. The set itinerary and group size limitations likely prevent them from accommodating extended tours. Guests should inquire about this when booking if they’d like a longer experience.

Recap

The Horton Plains National Park Tour & Scenic Train Ride offers an immersive experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

With a scenic train journey, guided walks through the UNESCO-protected park, and stunning views at Worlds End and Baker Falls, this 11-hour adventure promises an unforgettable day.

However, it’s important to consider the challenging terrain and suitability restrictions before booking.

You can check if your dates are available here: