High Plains in Sri Lanka - Patana grasslands
Patana grasslands framed by montane forest on Horton Plains
Amidst dense montane forests, open grasslands form another natural ecosystem of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The so-called Patanas can be seen as patches in all highland regions, and most of them are situated at slopes close to bare rocks. However, some Patanas cover larger areas, such open grasslands are the plains of Sri Lanka. They are not flat plateaus but hilly areas, framed by forest cover and partly interspersed with bushes or small groves.
By far the best example is Horton Plains on the southern edge of the mountainous region. For their pristine eco-systems Horton Plains are protected as National Park, the only one in Sri Lanka's highlands and also Sri Lanka's only one where hiking without ranger is permitted. Horton Plains also forms a part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site "Central Highlands of Sri Lanka", which by the way does not encompass the tea-growing regions in the very center of the highland area.
Moon Plains near Nuwara Eliya are partly natural and partly renaturalised only in recent decades. They are not as large, but this is the only area in Sri Lanka's highlands offering jeep safaris.
Even smaller is Pitawala Patana in the northern foothills of Knuckles Range. Among all the grassland areas in Sri Lanka's Highlands, Pitawala Patana's has the most extraordinary and rarest vegetation.
Another stretch of open grassland is Chariot Path, which requires an uphill hike to reach it. Due to its remoteness, Chariot Path is rarely visited by foreigners but popular with native Sri Lankan campers.
All four grassland plains mentioned here end abruptly at escarpments, though only in one direction. This is why the said plains of Sri Lanka are excellent viewpoints at the same time.
By far the best example is Horton Plains on the southern edge of the mountainous region. For their pristine eco-systems Horton Plains are protected as National Park, the only one in Sri Lanka's highlands and also Sri Lanka's only one where hiking without ranger is permitted. Horton Plains also forms a part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site "Central Highlands of Sri Lanka", which by the way does not encompass the tea-growing regions in the very center of the highland area.
Moon Plains near Nuwara Eliya are partly natural and partly renaturalised only in recent decades. They are not as large, but this is the only area in Sri Lanka's highlands offering jeep safaris.
Even smaller is Pitawala Patana in the northern foothills of Knuckles Range. Among all the grassland areas in Sri Lanka's Highlands, Pitawala Patana's has the most extraordinary and rarest vegetation.
Another stretch of open grassland is Chariot Path, which requires an uphill hike to reach it. Due to its remoteness, Chariot Path is rarely visited by foreigners but popular with native Sri Lankan campers.
All four grassland plains mentioned here end abruptly at escarpments, though only in one direction. This is why the said plains of Sri Lanka are excellent viewpoints at the same time.
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