Hotels, Stays & Guided Tours
Find cozy stays near Horton Plains & choose from curated tours for a hassle-free visit — all with fair rates and trusted partners.
Accommodation Near Horton Plains
Choosing where to stay before your Horton Plains hike can significantly affect your experience — from how early (or late) you have to wake up, to how much quiet or comfort you’ll get. Below I break down each base option, their appeal, trade-offs, and some sample stays to consider.
Stays at Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is the largest town among your options, so it offers the greatest variety of lodging (guesthouses, boutique hotels, colonial bungalows, etc.), restaurants, medical services, and conveniences (shops, fuel, supplies). If you prefer staying in a more developed town before venturing into remote highlands, this is your safest bet.
Pros
- More lodging choices and often more comfort (hot water, good rooms, amenities).
- Easier to stock up on gear, food, and any last-minute supplies.
- Better infrastructure (roads, connectivity).
- You can explore Nuwara Eliya town (lake, gardens, colonial architecture) before or after your hike.
Cons
- More driving time in darkness or fog.
- Farther from Horton Plains compared to Ohiya or guesthouses closer in.
- Requires a very early departure (around 5:30–6:00 AM) to reach the hike start in time.
When this base is ideal
- If you’re arriving from afar (e.g., from Kandy, Colombo) and want to ease into the highlands.
- If you prefer more comfort, utilities, or flexibility in where you stay.
- If you don’t mind waking very early and driving in the dark/fog.
Tranquil Villa
- Stunning Views of Castlereigh Reservoir.
The Golden Ridge Hotel
- Set among the scenic landscapes of tea plantation.
Stays at Ohiya
Why stay here?
Ohiya is closest to one of the common park entrances and feels remote and peaceful. Staying here lets you wake later, have a shorter drive or ride in the early morning, and immerse yourself in highland quiet.
Pros
- Shorter travel time to Horton Plains (less risk of delays).
- Waking up later is possible — less pressure on your schedule.
- More tranquil, less traffic, more “in nature” feeling.
- Some guesthouses are tucked into tea estates or forest edges, giving you dramatic vistas right from your stay.
Cons
- More limited lodging choices (fewer rooms, simpler amenities).
- Basic facilities—some guesthouses may have limited or rustic services (e.g. less reliable hot water, simpler meals).
- Fewer shops or backup options in case you forget something.
- Access roads may be more remote, steeper, and subject to mist, especially at night.
When this base is ideal
- If your route is via the Ohiya side of Horton Plains.
- If you want to minimize morning travel and maximize rest.
- If you enjoy staying in more remote, scenic, nature-immersed lodgings.
Icy Falls – Ohiya
- 6-minute walk from Ohiya Railway Station.
- Horton Plains National Park is 7.5 mi away
Ohiya Jungle resort
- Located a few steps from Ohiya Railway Station
- Horton Plains National Park is (6.8 mi)
Pattipola / Surrounding Tea-Estate Guesthouses
Why stay here?
If your route is via Pattipola (from the Nuwara Eliya side), staying close to Pattipola (or in smaller villages along the road) can reduce morning travel time and lighten your load before the hike.
Pros
- Closer proximity to the Horton Plains gate from the Nuwara Eliya side.
- Wake-up calls can be gentler — less driving required on the day of the hike.
- Often quiet, quaint, and surrounded by tea estates or forest patches.
Cons
- Very few lodging options; many will be basic or homestays.
- Less choice of rooms or amenities.
- Fewer services (shops, medical, restaurants) at such remote spots.
- Possible road conditions or access issues if arriving late.
When this base is ideal
- If you are coming via the Nuwara Eliya – Pattipola route and want to reduce your morning travel time.
- If you don’t require high-end amenities and prefer being closer to trailheads.
Whistling Thrush Cottage
- Pattipola Railway Station is a 3-minute walk away.
- Horton Plains National Park 5.6 mi away.
Clouds 1939 By Wimsons
- 15-minute walk from Pattipola Railway Station.
- Horton Plains National Park is (6.2 mi) Away.
Udaweriya Estate / Tea-Estate Stays (Near Off-Road Route)
Why stay here?
For those planning to use the off-road Kalupahana → Udaweriya → Ohiya track, staying within or near Udaweriya or tea estates along that route can be adventurous and logistically convenient.
Pros
- Immersed in nature, tea estates, and wilderness—very scenic.
- Enables you to start your climb into Horton Plains earlier from a higher elevation.
- Less traffic and more solitude.
Cons
- Very few accommodations; those available may be basic, rustic, or seasonal.
- Access might require 4×4 vehicles or navigating rough roads even at night.
- Fewer support services (meals, shops).
- If you arrive late, the route in could be hazardous.
When this base is ideal
- If you are committed to the off-road route or exploring the Udaweriya area.
- If you want to maximize wilderness experience and don’t care about high comfort.
- If you plan to break your journey before the final hike.
Acacia Inn
- Located in Ohiya-Kalupahana road.
- Horton Plains National Park is (8.7 mi) away.
Hill Safari – Tea Estate Villa
- Ohiya Train Station is 2.5 mi away.
- Features an excellent location for hiking and trekking
Comparative Summary
|
location |
Travel Time to Trailhead |
Comfort & Amenities |
Morning Ease |
Isolation & Scenery |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nuwara Eliya |
Longest |
High variety, better comfort |
Needs very early start |
Less remote |
Travelers wanting more facilities |
|
Ohiya |
Short |
Moderate, more rustic |
Easier morning |
High |
Those wanting shorter hike-day, scenic stay |
|
Pattipola / Tea-estate stays |
Moderate |
Basic to mid-range |
Better than Nuwara start |
Medium |
If coming via Pattipola route |
|
Udaweriya / Tea estates (off-road) |
Short from off-road route |
Very basic / rustic |
Good if positioned well |
Very high |
Adventure seekers, off-road route users |
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