The Moon Plains is now the current attraction for tourists who visit Nuwara Eliya. Moon Plains is also known by the names, Sandatanne, and Sandagalatanne. The area now takes on the classification of Agricultural and Environmental Tourism Zone. This was inaugurated on 25th March 2014.
The Mini Worlds End is the main attraction to the Moon Plains, which gives a panoramic view of the adjoining peaks and towns. As such, the Moon Plains, with lovely landscapes galore, proves to be an optimal location for a walk or a cycling tour. Especially impressive is the view from the Mini World’s Peak at sunrise; with the sun’s golden glow blending with the mist wreathing the peaks and valleys around the region. This photo-worthy place during a visit is not to be missed.
Elk, deer, wild buffalo and many species of birds have made Moon Plains their home. At times leopards visit this area.
A 400 m long and 30-40 meter deep valley was part of a 5.8 ha catchment until the 1990’s pertaining to moon plains. The municipal council of Nuwara Eliya used 2.0 ha of the 5.8 ha catchment as the open dump site to dispose of all the trash from Nuwara Eliya. In 2003, it was converted with the help of the JICA foundation to a level 3 sanitary landfill.
To each Moon Plains one needs to go along the road to the Government Potato Seed Farm in Nuwara Eliya which is on the upper lake road. Or else one could also drive past Lake Gregory’s main road and then branch off at Magastota to reach the Potato Farm. Visitors could enter the Plains from 7.00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all seven days of the week. Locals could pay Rs. 50/- per ticket while foreigners are charged Rs. 200/-.
