This is my last travelogue on Horton Plains. As I mentioned on earlier travelogues we wanted to cover Horton Plains in three days. We finally did it but we walked more than 40Km within three days. (Ouch … my leg)

I mentioned the incident we had on 1st Night in my Mini Worlds End, Worlds End, Bakers Falls Circular trail report.

Our 2nd day objective was to do the Kirigalpotta Nature Trail and My Engagement on top of Kirigalpotta. But it previous night it rained….. Tent got damaged… didn’t have a good night sleep and crew members wanted to return home so we did Circular Trail. We finished the trail around10AM we had our breakfast on campsite and returned to the Van. But I had hope in getting Engaged on top of Kirigalpotta and I convinced my crew members to agree on doing the “Kirigalpotta Nature Trail” But they didn’t agree with me at first.

We were tired after walking nearly 10Km doing circular trail. Anyway at last four of the crew members (1 disagreed and stayed in the Van) agreed to do the trail. We started doing the trail around 11.45AM.

There is no special sign board to indicate “Kirigalpotta Trail”. So its better to ask from a wild life officer. Before starting the trail keep in mind that the trail is not so easy. So better be prepared to do the trail with people has who is physically fit and has positive thinking. (You might understand what I am talking about, when you are doing the trail)

Trail first starts behind visitor centre (note the restaurant) and will be moving through a Valley with a descend. While we walked along this path we were able to witness rare endemic wild flowers and once in a while we were able to notice elk herds. Please note that there are leopards in Horton Plains but unfortunately we didn’t see one.

This is the way ....

Herd od sambar Deer – Sorry didn’t have a good zoom cam

Maharath Mal - Indigenous Rhododendron

After this Valley we entered a forest patch with dead trees. This place looks extremely beautiful when there is mist. It felt like we were in a movie…

Entering the forest patch with dead trees

Are we on a Harry Potter Movie?

After passing forest patch with dead trees we arrived at a small stream. (You can fill your bottles and rest a while if you need. The water is so pure and cold.) We crossed the stream and we were headed to a dense forest patch.

Me & My fiancé crossing the stream

Inside the Forest Patch.

As it rained on night before the trail was wet particularly the forest patch was wet and slippery. We slipped many times and luckily we were able to escape with small scratches. After the forest patch we arrived at a open area with unique views.

Admiring the View

Crossing the Bridge

After the open area we came to a forest patch again and the place we entered the forest patch had some beautiful flowers which is known as “Nelu”. But this part was bit hard on us and wetness added more difficulty to the trail. But this path ended in open area and it was one of the most beautiful places which came along Kirigalpotta trail.

You see me you see me not…

The trail through the flowers was so beautiful…

After this beautiful area we were headed to another forest patch but this was different from what we came through and the end it starts the serious climb. On our way it started to rain and we had to use plastic bags to cover our cameras. But rain only lasted few minutes.

Me having Glucose…

We were dead tired and had what ever we can to refresh our body and mind. It’s recommended you carry some Glucose, Dates, chocolates to have on your journey and most of all some First Aid.

More to Climb…

We were pleased to know that Wildlife officials have recently cleaned the trail. On our way we saw some cigarette buds and we were very concerned about that and at the end of the journey we informed Officials. From this point onwards we had to climb continuously till the summit.

Base of Kirigalpotta

Base of Kirigalpotta

Though we were on the base of Kirigalpotta funny thing was we had no idea where we are climbing and we didn’t see Kirigalpotta Mountain at all. We reached K26 point according to Mithila’s travel guide which was 7700 feet (2345 M) and this place was 145 Feet below from the summit.

We missed the views because of the fog

We experienced strong wind at this point

I have no idea what I am pointing at!

Rain drops started dropping once in a while and according to Mithila’s trail guide I knew we are next heading for the 30’ rock both sides open to endless chasm and the summit covered with trees (which is not ideal for an engagement).

So I made up my mind to do the engagement at this place. It was quite flat and it was 7700 feet which was higher than the 3rd highest mountain (7440 feet) in Sri Lanka. So Venue was quite ok so here goes our Engagement.

This probably is the engagement conducted in the highest place in Sri Lanka. (7700 feet – 2346M, Might be a Sri Lanka Record)

The Ring – Palladium with Zircon	The Proposal
Engagement Ceremony – 2.58PM	Good Wishes!!

It was good that we conducted the ceremony at this place because after a while it started raining after the ceremony.

So we climbed the last bit with a great effort as it was slippery and unfortunately we couldn’t get and pictures because of the rain. I am hoping to go there next year on a Dry month and will post a complete travelogue with pictures of summit.

With this, I am concluding travelogues about Horton Plains. Next week I will be writing travelogues about Knuckles Camping, Dothalugala, Mini World’s End and Meemure…

Hope you enjoyed my travelogue…

Have a Safe Journey…..