The Most Beautiful Road In Sri Lanka: Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Ohiya

 

Imagine a road that takes you through misty highlands, lush greenery, and jaw-dropping views—all while testing your sense of adventure. That’s exactly what we experienced on our epic road trip from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, then to Horton Plains National Park and onward to Ohiya, along what is arguably the most beautiful stretch of road in Sri Lanka.

After a five-hour drive from Colombo, we finally arrive in Nuwara Eliya—the charming town nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill country. But time is not on our side. It’s already 1:00 PM, and the road to Ohiya closes at 2:00 PM! The rain is getting heavier, the mist is creeping in, and we’re racing against the clock.

The pressure is on to make it through Sri Lanka’s most scenic stretch of road before it’s too late. This incredible drive through Horton Plains National Park offers breathtaking vistas and winding roads surrounded by nature, but the unpredictable weather and time constraints make it an adventure like no other.This journey was a race against time, with unexpected weather challenges, ticking clocks, and unforgettable views that made every moment worth it.

When we arrived at Nuwara Eliya it was already drizzling.  It's often called “Little England” because of its colonial charm, cool weather, and perhaps also the weather. After a five-hour drive from Colombo, we were greeted by the town’s signature misty landscapes and iconic tea plantations. It’s no surprise that this place is a favorite retreat for both locals and travelers seeking to escape Sri Lanka’s tropical heat.

Nuwara Eliya is the perfect starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country. From here, travelers can easily access stunning destinations like Gregory Lake, Lover’s Leap Waterfall, and of course, Horton Plains National Park. But we had one goal in mind—conquering the scenic drive through Horton Plains to Ohiya before the road closed.

A Race Against Time

The drive from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains is not just any road trip—it’s an adventure. The road leading to Ohiya cuts through some of the most spectacular scenery in Sri Lanka, but there’s a catch: the road closes at 2:00 PM to protect the wildlife and environment within the national park.

By the time we left Nuwara Eliya, it was already 1:00 PM. With just an hour to spare, the pressure was on. To make things even more intense, the weather decided to challenge us. Heavy rain started pouring, and the mist began rolling in, reducing visibility to just a few meters ahead.

Despite the challenges, we pressed on. The road twisted and turned through towering pine forests, lush valleys, and rolling hills. Every corner revealed a view more breathtaking than the last, making it hard to focus on the ticking clock.

The road to Ohiya passes through Horton Plains National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most unique ecosystems. Known for its vast grasslands, thick cloud forests, and wildlife like sambar deer and leopards, Horton Plains is a haven for nature lovers.

For those with more time, hiking to World’s End—a dramatic cliff with panoramic views—is a bucket-list experience. However, if you’re short on time (like we were), this drive offers equally stunning vistas without the four-hour trek. Horton Plains is a place where every view looks like it belongs on a postcard, and the ever-present mist adds a touch of mystery to the scenery.