Moon Plains Sandathenna
Experience breathtaking 360° panoramic views from the misty highlands of Moon Plains, a unique agricultural tourism zone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Misty views & clearer panoramas
Moon Plains Sandathenna
Best Time
Misty views & clearer panoramas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking 360° panoramic views from the misty highlands of Moon Plains, a unique agricultural tourism zone.
"An absolutely breathtaking and picturesque view! The plain covered in misty clouds creates a magical atmosphere."
🚗 Jeep Safari Booking
Book a jeep for the best experience. Shared jeeps are cheaper, private ones offer more flexibility.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! Expect wind, mist, and potential drizzle. A light jacket is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Viewpoint
Top of the hill
Panoramic vistas of mountains, dry/wet zones, and the central highlands. Truly breathtaking!
Misty Cloudscapes
The plains
Experience a magical atmosphere with misty clouds and gentle drizzles, feeling like you're among the clouds.
Wildlife Spotting
The plains
Keep an eye out for elk, leopards, and various bird species in this natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Jeep Safari Essential
Best Views & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Jeep Safari Booking
Book a jeep for the best experience. Shared jeeps are cheaper, private ones offer more flexibility.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! Expect wind, mist, and potential drizzle. A light jacket is recommended.
💰 Ticket Prices
Locals Rs. 100, children Rs. 50. Jeep hire is around Rs. 3000 for 6-7 people.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° viewpoint offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss the chance!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Jeep Safari Booking
Book a jeep for the best experience. Shared jeeps are cheaper, private ones offer more flexibility.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Layers are key! Expect wind, mist, and potential drizzle. A light jacket is recommended.
💰 Ticket Prices
Locals Rs. 100, children Rs. 50. Jeep hire is around Rs. 3000 for 6-7 people.
📸 Capture the Views
The 360° viewpoint offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss the chance!
🚰 Facilities
Toilets are available at the ticket counter, but not at the viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking and picturesque views from Moon Plains, often describing the misty, cloud-covered landscape as magical. The 360-degree panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and the unique division between wet and dry zones are consistently highlighted as a major draw. While the jeep safari experience and knowledgeable guides are appreciated, some find the viewing deck structure to be an eyesore.
"Great place to visit, about 2 km from the main road. Ticket price is Rs. 100 for locals and Rs. 50 for children. Safari jeep costs Rs. 3000 and can carry 6–7 people. The ride takes around one hour. The jeep goes directly to the viewpoint and returns, with about 20 minutes to spend at the top. You cannot get down from the jeep during the journey except at the viewpoint. The view there is very beautiful and worth seeing. The place opens at 7.00 am and closes at 4.00 pm"
Ayesh
"An absolutely breathtaking and picturesque view! The plain covered in misty clouds with a gentle drizzle creates a magical atmosphere. At over 6,000 ft above sea level, it truly feels like living among the clouds.
On clearer days, you can enjoy panoramic views of multiple mountain ranges, the Central Province border, and even the distinct division between the wet and dry zones shown by the forest cover. Truly a must-visit spot for nature lovers!"
Hasara Malavipathirana
"My daughter and I visited the Moon Plains, a reasonably new addition (Agricultural Tourism Zone, 2014) to visitors to enjoy instead of visiting the World’s End. This has a 360 degree panoramic view rather than limited view from World’s End location.
This falls under Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, and the tours are managed in collaboration with Department of Agriculture to our understanding. There are Safari Jeeps available for hire with a driver and a tour guide, which is fantastic. Unlike World’s End, the jeep takes you to the top of the Moon Plain, although it’s a quiet rough ride.
Our tour guide, Anthony, was very knowledgeable. He walked with us to the top of the Moon Plains, and explained to us of surrounding mountain range, what we can see below the mountains; understandably very windy, to understand how windy, we couldn’t stand on our own. Yet, the view was breathtaking despite not a bright sunny day, fully worth the visit.
At the top of the plains there’s a metal and concrete structure, which is the Viewing Deck with a safety rail all around. Although it’s great idea, it is unfortunate that the designers didn’t appear to have considered the environmental impact this ugly structure brings to the plains. It is our opinion or view, this should have been designed to blend with the environment; at least it’s time for an organisation to consider modifying the structure to suit the beautiful environment.
There are no toilets at the top of the plains, however there are toilet facilities where the ticket counter is located. The toilets are reasonable although some maintenance work needed."
Vijitha Paranagama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moon Plains (Sandathenna) is located about 6 km from Nuwara Eliya town. You can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the entrance. From there, you'll need to take a safari jeep to reach the main viewpoint. 
No, private vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point. A safari jeep is mandatory for the final ascent to the viewpoint.
Moon Plains is approximately 5.8 km from Nuwara Eliya town, taking about 24 minutes by vehicle.
While direct public transport to the entrance might be limited, you can take a bus towards Ranhawadigama and then arrange for a jeep or walk the remaining distance. Hiring a jeep from Nuwara Eliya is the most common method.
The most recommended way is to hire a safari jeep from the ticket counter area. This ensures you reach the prime viewing spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are Rs. 100 for locals and Rs. 50 for children. The safari jeep hire costs approximately Rs. 3000 and can accommodate 6-7 people.
Moon Plains typically opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. It's best to check locally for any seasonal changes.
Advance booking is generally not required for entry tickets. You can purchase them upon arrival at the ticket counter. Jeep safaris can be arranged on the spot.
The Rs. 3000 is for the safari jeep hire, which includes the ride to the viewpoint and back. This is separate from the entry ticket.
You can only get down from the jeep at the main viewpoint. The rest of the safari is conducted within the jeep for safety and to protect the environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The viewpoint offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges, including nine prominent peaks of the central highlands. You can also see the distinct division between the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka.
Yes, Moon Plains is a great destination for families. The jeep safari is an adventure, and the views are captivating for all ages.
The attraction features elk, leopards, and various bird species. It's a natural habitat, so sightings depend on luck and time of day.
The jeep ride to the viewpoint and back, along with about 20 minutes spent at the top, typically takes around one hour.
There are no toilets at the top viewpoint. Basic toilet facilities are available at the ticket counter area.
📸 📸 Photography
The 360° viewpoint is the prime location for photography, offering expansive landscapes. Early mornings often provide dramatic misty shots.
The weather can be unpredictable with mist and wind. While challenging, it also adds to the unique photographic opportunities. Protect your camera from moisture.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography if it might disturb wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack snacks and drinks, as options at the site might be limited. Ensure children are securely seated in the jeep and are supervised, especially at the viewpoint. The relatively short duration of the safari (around an hour) is also ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for changing weather; a rain cover for your camera is a good idea. While the viewpoint structure itself might not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone, it provides a stable platform for capturing sweeping landscapes. Look for opportunities to photograph the distinct line between the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers
+1Consider visiting during the less crowded times to fully appreciate the tranquility. The chance to spot local wildlife adds to the appeal for nature enthusiasts. Remember to respect the environment and follow any guidelines provided by the park management.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Moon Plains Experience: Beyond the View
+1The journey to the viewpoint is an adventure in itself. The safari jeep ride, though sometimes rough, takes you through the undulating terrain, offering glimpses of the local flora and fauna. Travelers often mention the knowledgeable tour guides who share insights about the surrounding mountains and the distinct ecological zones visible from the plains.
While the panoramic views are the main draw, the experience is enhanced by the possibility of spotting wildlife like elk and various bird species. The feeling of being high above sea level, often enveloped in mist, creates a truly magical and memorable atmosphere for visitors.
Navigating the Terrain and Facilities
Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted by a viewing deck. While this structure offers safety and a designated spot to admire the scenery, some visitors have noted that its design could be more in harmony with the natural environment. Despite this, the breathtaking views make it a worthwhile stop.
Regarding facilities, it's important to note that restrooms are only available at the ticket counter area, not at the viewpoint itself. Visitors should plan accordingly and use the facilities before embarking on the jeep ride to the top.
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