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 (මහ එළිය තැන්න). 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 sambur 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.
Sri Lankan Sambur Deer
| Location | Central province, Sri Lanka |
| Nearest city | Ohiya and Nuwara Eliya |
| Coordinates | 6°48′N 80°48′ECoordinates: 6°48′N 80°48′E |
| Area | 3,160 ha (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) |
Ceylon Tea the Sri Lankan Serendib Gold 