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World's End
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World's End is a spectacular viewpoint located within the Horton Plains National Park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It consists of a near-vertical precipice that drops approximately 880 meters into the valley below. On clear days, the cliff edge provides an expansive view across the southern plains of the island, sometimes stretching as far as the Indian Ocean. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage designated 'Central Highlands of Sri Lanka' and is characterized by its unique biodiversity, including cloud forests and endemic grasslands. Access to the viewpoint is via a 9-kilometer circular hiking trail that also passes by the 'Mini World's End', a smaller cliff with a drop of 270 meters. Due to the rapid formation of mist at this altitude, it is highly recommended to reach the precipice before 10 AM. The sheer geological scale and ecological significance make World's End one of the country's premier natural wonders.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Top sights: Paraviyangala · Brampton Falls · Devil's Starcase
- Nearby: Nuwara Eliya (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Jun, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 144 | 106 | 102 | 155 | 128 | 62 | 50 | 65 | 112 | 221 | 289 | 262 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
World's End is a dramatic cliff in Horton Plains National Park and can only be reached on foot. The park is open to visitors, with access to the cliff via hiking trails.
Typical hours
Horton Plains National Park is typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry often at 4:00 PM. The best time to visit World's End is early morning before the fog rolls in.
Photography
Photograph the dramatic view from the cliff, especially on clear mornings. Keep a safe distance from the edge as there are no railings.
Time needed
The circular hike from Baker's Falls to World's End takes about 3 to 4 hours. Allow half a day for the entire national park visit.
Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Baker's Falls or a safari in Yala National Park. The city of Nuwara Eliya with its tea plantations is also worth a trip.
Getting there
The national park is about 30 km from Nuwara Eliya and reachable by car or taxi. From the park entrance, hike about 3 km to World's End.
Insider tip
Start the hike before 6:00 AM to avoid fog and enjoy the best panorama. Bring warm clothing as it can be cool on the plateau.
Geography
Facts
- The precipice at World's End has a drop of approximately 880 meters.
- The viewpoint is situated at an elevation of about 2,140 meters above sea level.
- Horton Plains National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.
- The circular hiking trail to reach the viewpoint is 9 kilometers long.
- The Mini World's End features a vertical drop of 270 meters.
- Thick mist often obscures the view after 10:00 AM due to rising warm air.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town World's End (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is World's End?
It is a spectacular 870-meter sheer precipice in Horton Plains National Park.
Why should you arrive early?
To avoid the mist that usually covers the view after 9:00 or 10:00 AM.
How long is the hike?
The circular trail is about 9.5 kilometers long and takes approx. 3-4 hours.
Is plastic allowed?
No, plastic bags and single-use bottles are strictly checked and often removed at the entrance.
Are there toilets available?
Only at the park entrance; there are no sanitary facilities on the hiking trail itself.
World's End: where is it located?
World's End is located in Sri Lanka.
World's End: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paraviyangala, Brampton Falls, Devil's Starcase.
World's End: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Jun, Jul.
World's End: why is it worth visiting?
World's End is a spectacular viewpoint located within the Horton Plains National Park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
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