Step into the heart of nature at Horton Plains! Our camping guide shows you how to plan an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka’s stunning wilderness
Planning a camping trip to Horton Plains? Here’s the guide to help you plan and enjoy your adventure! Camping at Horton Plains is an adventure like no other! Surrounded by breathtaking nature, you can enjoy peace, wildlife, and stunning views. This guide will help you plan your camping trip so everything goes smoothly.
Campsites in Horton Plains
Horton Plains has three campsites, and out of these, Campsite 02 is the most beautiful. It offers stunning views, but there’s some news—wildlife authorities are planning to relocate it soon. Why? Because it’s visible to visitors, and they believe it might disturb the natural scenery. For now, you can still enjoy it.
Important: Campsites get booked up quickly, so make sure you book at least one month in advance to secure your spot!
How to Book a Campsite
You need to visit the Wildlife Department office in Battaramulla to book a campsite. Here’s how you do it:
- Ask for directions: Go to the security room and ask for the booking counter.
- What you’ll need: Take your ID card and your payment method (cash or card).
- No extra details required: You don’t need to provide details about your camping buddies.
- Payment process: The booking takes about 15 minutes. The fee for locals is LKR 5900 (as of 01.12.2024). For foreigners, please call the Wildlife Department at 0112 888 585 to confirm the fee.
You must have at least 4 people in your group for safety reasons. The campsite can accommodate up to 10 people. After payment, you’ll receive a camping permit with your name on it, making you the responsible person for your group.
Permit Rules and Regulations
Before your trip, make sure to read all the rules mentioned on your permit. You’ll also need to carry all the documents issued by the department. If you’ve read my previous post about Horton Plains, it covers some of the important rules you’ll need to follow.
On Camping Day
Plan to arrive at Horton Plains between 6 AM and 3 PM. Arriving late could mean you don’t have enough time to set up camp. Here’s what to do:
- At the main gate:
- Show your permit.
- The staff will check your details and issue a vehicle ticket.
- Meet the Wildlife Officer:
- Head to the Wildlife Office once you arrive.
- They’ll check your permit and ask you to bring all your camping gear for inspection.
Things to Note:
- No alcohol or cigarettes are allowed.
- Polythene is allowed but you must promise to take all of it back with you.
- If you have a driver, they must either camp with you or leave the park. Drivers are not allowed to stay in the parking area after 5 PM. They can go to Pattipola for overnight lodging and return the next morning.
Reaching the Campsite
You’ll need to walk about 1 km to reach the campsite. Don’t worry, the staff will guide you. Once you arrive:
- Set up camp before 6 PM:
- After 6 PM, no one is allowed to move around the national park until 6 AM.
- Follow the rules:
- No artificial lights, campfires, BBQs, or drones are allowed.
- Keep noise to a minimum and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Leaving the Campsite
You’ll need to pack up and leave the campsite by 10 AM the next morning. Make sure to take all your belongings and leave the area clean.
Special Tips for Your Trip
- Be prepared for the cold! Around 1 AM, it gets extremely chilly. Bring warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature, follow the rules, and have a safe camping trip!
That’s it! If you have any questions, feel free to ask the Wildlife Department or refer to my other posts for more tips on visiting Horton Plains.
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
