Ambewela

Ambewela is a very picturesque area in the hill country and you reach here on the way to Horton Plains just before Pattipola. It is situated 6000 feet above the sea level and the temperature is always around 15ºC through out the year.

The climatic conditions are ideal for rich grasslands and to raise dairy cattle with high yield of milk production, therefore this area is popular for dairy farming. In addition the same area is popular for tea plantation and vegetable cultivation.

Above picture was taken from the train while passing Ambewela area.

Summit Point

The train journey to Badulla from Colombo is one of the best rides to enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka. I mentioned some of the interesting trivia of this trip, in one of my earlier posts.

The train takes you up to about 6200 feet above sea level till Pattipola and then start to descend slowly towards Badulla. The highest point which is known as 'summit point' lies close to Pattipola Station.

The above picture was taken just before the train passes this summit level.

Horton Plains

This is a unique place for hiking in Sri Lanka. The cool climate will add spice to this picturesque venue. In Sinhala this is known as 'Maha-Eliya'.

There are many routes to this place and more famous ones are via Nuwara Eliya and Haputhale. This is situated aound 7000 feet above sea level, so easily it becomes the highest plain in Sri Lanka. You can reach here by train as well. It is only 7km to the plain from Pattipola Station.

There are three camp sites which can be reserved from the Department of Wild Life. All three sites are really good and I recommend you the one closer to Chimney Pool, which is one of the best camping sites I have ever been.

The total area of the plain (Nature Reserve) is more than 25 sq.km and most area is covered with rich coarse grass. Also there are good amount of forest patches everywhere. These are full of typical short trees with small leaves accustomed to windy and cold climates here. The undergrowth is very thick and walking in these forests is not easy. The same forests and grass land are home for many wild animals

There is no limit to beautiful places that you can visit here. Some of the prominent locations are listed below but there are many more.

1. World's End (a precipice with over 1000m drop)
2. Baker's Falls
3. Kirigalpoththa Mountain Trail
4. Thotupola Mountain Trail

In simple words, Horton Plains is a paradise for hikers!

Pattipola Station to Farr Inn

Night mail train from Colombo to Badulla reaches Pattipola Station very early in the morning. Pattipola is the railway station, which is located at the highest point from sea level in Sri Lanka. Once I walked from there to Farr Inn at Horton Plains. It was very refreshing especially early in the morning.

The road is beautiful throughout and the magnificent panaromic view of Nuwara-Eliya side will not make you feel tired during the steep climb.

At top of the plain, the scenery will be even more charming. You will not find many souls other than occasional sambhur deer who comes out of the thick forest into the plain.