Maha Eliya, its surrounding forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness, constitute Sri Lankas’ most important catchment area of almost all major rivers. The plains are also of outstanding scenic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the habitats and endemic plants and animals representatives of the country’s wet and montane zones. The western slopes support the most extensive area of montane cloud forest surviving in the country.
Location
Lies about 32Km south of Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands of Central Province.
Access
Maha Eliya can be reached by any of these all roads;
- Via Nuwara Eliya, Ambewela and Pattipola (32Km)
- Via Haputale or Welimada, Boralanda, Ohiya (38Km)
- Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala, Rendapola, Ambewela, Pattipola (38Km)
Maha Eliya plains comprises a gently undulating highland plateau at the southern end of the central mountain massif of Sri Lanka. It is dominated to the north by Mount Thotupalakanda (2,357m) and to the west by Mount Kirigalpotta (2,389m), Sri Lanka’s third and second largest peaks, respectively. Tributaries of three major rivers originate from within the reserve, the Mahaweli Ganga flowing to the north, the Kelani Ganga to the west and Walawe to the south.
Two escarpments falling from Maha Eliya have contributed immensely to its awe inspiring physiognomy, “the small worlds end” drops by 274m and the “big worlds end” by 884m. The altitude of the park ranges from about 1,800m to 2,389m at the top of Kirigalpotta. The plateau at, at 2,100m, is the highest tableland in Sri Lanka.
Annual rainfall in the region is about 2,540mm, but for Horton Plains it may exceed 5,000mm. Temperatures are low, with an annual mean temperature of 150C, and ground frost is common in December to February.
Cultural Heritage
Stone tools dating back to the Balangoda culture of prehistoric times have been found in the area.
Maha Eliya is well recognized for its rich biodiversity, its flora given to a high level of endemism. 5% of the species are found to be endemic to Sri Lanka. The plateau supports grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense a rich herbaceous flora flourishes on the patanas with numerous species of both temperate and tropical origin. A vast extent of the patanas was broken and brought under potato cultivation a few decades ago.
Elephant (Elephas maximus) disappeared from the region some 70 years ago, or earlier. Large mammals could seldom be seen at Horton Plains. Sambar is common sight at dusk and in the early morning hours. Maha Eliya National Park harbours 12 species of endemic birds. This park is a paradise for butterflies too. Amphibians, reptiles and freshwater fishes also can be seen in the park.
Visitors and Visitor facilities
The overnight park accommodation, though limited, caters to different preferences. Ginihiriya (Anderson) bungalow having well appointed four rooms is in an existing forest setting. In addition there is another circuit bungalow called “Mahaeliya” found in the park. Two separate dormitories (Wana Nivahana) also set in tranquil nature, serve visitors coming in groups. Nature lovers can occupy camp sites.
This is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk on their own in the designated tracks. Protecting and preserving this nature’s own paradise along with its unique physical environment, is a call of duty for all.
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