News
Two more trails to open up scenic sights on World’s End trek
View(s):By Lasantha Niroshana Perera
Two more trails are being considered to trek to the misty World’s End where the enchanting Horton Plains plateau ends with a nearly 900-metre drop.
These trails would open up more stunning natural sights to visitors.
The Imbulpe Divisional Secretariat last week discussed one route via the Nonpareil Estate, a well-known tea plantation in the Ratnapura District, and another, the Ihala Galagama Road through Gathpothutenna.
The waterfalls Surathali and Pahanthuawa and the Hirikatu Oya and Samanawewa are some of the areas popular among visitors.
Provincial Governor Champa Janaki Rajaratna and officials discussed ways to further promote Belihul Oya as a tourist destination. Officials visited the Nonpareil area and other locations.
Records show that the Britons involved in promoting the tea trade, visited Behlihul Oya via Ohiya in the Nuwara Eliya District thereby connecting the Ratnapura District. Governor Fedrick North in 1805 had visited the Nonpareil Estate and had stayed over at Belihul Oya.
In 1999 and 2003 a gazette notice was issued demarcating a 15-foot road connecting the World’s End. Officials said a new gazette is not needed.
But a four kilometre route to the World’s End passing the Belihul Oya Rest House had been closed by the Forest Conservation Department several years back.
Officials now believe that reopening the route would boost tourism in Belihul Oya.
The Imbulpe regional coordinating committee has proposed the development of the Belihul Oya area as a tourist region.
An estimated half a million local and foreign tourists visit the World’s End annually and all of them use three routes via the Nuwara Eliya District.
An official pointed out that in 2021 also a proposal was made to open the routes, but the Forest Department had objected as the Horton Plains extends over 3,000 hectares and also due to the need to protect water resources.
Environmental groups have already opposed the plan saying that it is an environmentally sensitive area.
The meeting was attended by lawmakers Wasantha Pushpakumara and Sunil Rajapaksa, Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman for Imbulpe, Sugath Amarasiri Bandara, Additional Secretary Ministry of Tourism J.M.J.J. Tennakoon, Additional Secretary Ministry of Environment H.M.B.P.Herath, Divisional Secretary Imbulpe D.P.G. Renuka and Governor’s Secretary A.S.J. Godellawatta.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!