හෝර්ටන් ප්ලේන්ස් ජාතික උද්‍යානය

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 park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Nuwara Eliya and 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Ohiya. 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. BIRDS IN HORTON PLAINS Ceylon Warbler, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Scaly Thrush, Spotted-winged Thrush, Ceylon Rufus Babbler, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Hill White eye, Pied Bush Chat, Kashmir Red-breasted Flycatcher, Common Buzzard Brown Baza, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Black-winged Kite, Black eagle, Mountain Hawk eagle and many more. Location Central province, Sri Lanka Nearest city Nuwara Eliya and Ohiya Coordinates 6°48′N 80°48′ECoordinates: 6°48′N 80°48′E Area 3,160 hectares (12.2 sq mi) Established 1969 (Nature reserve) 1988 (National park) Governing body Department of Wildlife Conservation World Heritage Site 2010 (within the site Central Highlands of Sri Lanka)[1]