As many are re-discovering the joys and benefits of hiking, Sri Lanka offers many scenic trails, providing hikers of all levels an exotic hiking experience. Here are our top picks for your next hiking adventure:
Take on a 3 hour scenic hike along the rails from the Idalgashinna Railway Station to the Ohiya Railway Station. This 8 KM trek in the Badulla District is fairly straightforward, with no sudden twists or turns, flanked by mesmerizing mountainous scenery. Stroll through pine and eucalyptus forests and tunnels, surrounded by mist-blanketed landscapes. Famed for the tranquil, scenic simplicity it offers.
Caution! Refrain from wearing earphones.
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One of the hill country’s most famous hikes yet. Journey into the misty town of Demodara for a scenic 1 and a ½ hour trek from the Demodara Railway Station to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Hike past amazing landscapes and blankets of emerald green culminating your journey at the iconic Nine Arch Bridge at a staggering 80 feet above ground. This engineering feat, achieved by the British, is billed as one of the best examples of railway construction in the Colonial era. Stretching across green-decked plains and flanked by booming forests, the Nine Arch Bridge is an exceptionally picturesque spot to immerse in the island’s natural grandeur.
Wrap it up in celebration at Ella, a cosy little mountainous town offering many an attraction to its visitors.
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Cascading down a height of roughly 220 metres in the town of Koslanda is Diyaluma Falls, a rippling wonder marked as the 2nd highest waterfall in the country. Trek through lemongrass fields, past a local rubber factory and make your way up the side of a cliff, to the top of Diyaluma Falls (hike duration is 40 minutes). Here, a number of small pools cascade towards the edge of the cliff, where they crash roughly 630 feet into a pool below. Dip your feet into cool waters as you settle back on rocky boulders and bask in the surrounding panorama of lush, verdant plains and far-off peaks.
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Towering over the scenic plains of Meemure is the pyramid-shaped Lakegala Mountain. This hike is renowned to be one of the hardest yet and hikers are advised to attempt its slopes with an experienced guide. Trek through the scenic plains of Meemure, past dense jungle and little pools to the base of the mountain. Those who’ve taken up the mountain’s challenge are rewarded with glorious vistas of the hills and green-decked plains. Hike duration will be around 3 and a 1/2 or 4 hours.
As an added attraction, immerse in the Diyakerella Ella Falls which cascades down in the vicinity of the Lakegala Mountain.
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If a hike through the hill country is what you’re after, The Central Highlands is not to be missed. Here, the Knuckles Mountain Range takes the top spot as a famed hiking site. A biodiversity hotspot, with a trove of endemic flora and fauna thriving amidst its slopes.
Roughly 34 hiking trails wind amidst this mountain range in Matale including the Dothalugola Nature Trail, the Nitro Caves Trail, the Mini World’s End Trail and the Duwili Ella Trail. Trek duration depends on the path you choose and may vary from 40 minutes to 5 or 6 hours in total. Each trail takes you through natural grandeur at its finest, with breathtaking vistas of the low-lying plains and far-off hills laid out at the summit. The most distinctive feature of the Knuckles Mountain Range lies in its peaks. Varying from 900 to 2,000 metres in height, the peaks together take the shape of a clenched fist, from which its name was born.
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In the town of Hatton, towers the mountain Adam’s Peak, one of the most famous sites for trekking in Sri Lanka. One of its distinctive features is its repute for being a pilgrim hiking site. With the footprint clearly marked at its summit rumoured to be Lord Buddha’s, the mountain has since been marked as a site of utmost religious significance. Join in on a pilgrim trek or attempt its slopes yourself.
The glorious view of the sunrise from its summit is not to be missed. Hikers generally arrive in Hatton at 9.00pm and begin their trek to the top at around 12.00am to 2.00am. The 3 or 4 hour hike is challenging yet exhilarating and ends at the summit just in time to catch that beautiful sunrise. A night hike is the most popular means of experiencing Adam’s Peak.
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Source: theyoganomads.com, solsoya.com.
Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Central Highlands, in Ohiya, the Horton Plains National Park is a vast landmass of natural beauty, home to troves of endemic flora and fauna.
Follow the nature trail for a 3 hour long hike, as it takes you through lush grasslands and scenic landscapes, adorned with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Keep your eyes peeled for the Sambhar Deer; rarely witnessed outside of the Park but found in abundance here. Marked as one of the ‘Important Bird Areas’ (IBA) in Sri Lanka, the Park doubles as an intriguing bird-watching haven, with diverse native and migratory species gathering within its holds to escape cold conditions.
Discover famed tropical attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer, from the rippling Baker’s Falls to the towering Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola Kanda Mountains. One of the most impressive features of the Horton Plains National Park is World’s End, which is a spectacular escarpment that plummets around 800 metres down. Rippling through the Plains is a network of streams and rivers such as the Agra Oya, Belihul Oya and Bogawanthala Oya. These water bodies double as the sources of water for the Mahaweli River, the Walawe Ganga and the Kelani River.
The best time to visit the Plains for better views is the early morn. The afternoons here tend to be obscured in mist yet are still breathtaking.
Getting There:
Trek up the slopes of Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, sister to the monumental Adam’s Peak (hike duration will be around 2 or 3 hours). As you hike through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields, the views are made even better at dawn when the clouds roll in. Little rocky vantage points strewn along the way offer snippets of the iconic panorama its summit provides.
A lesser known fact about the mountain is that the left turn at the top leads to another peak that gives you majestic views of the surroundings. Little Adam’s Peak itself takes after its sister in terms of some of the best views Sri Lanka has to offer. Immerse in vistas of far-off peaks and verdant plains that stretch to Ravana Falls and beyond. The iconic mountain is encouraged to be taken on at the crack of dawn to catch the sunrise at its best.
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Attempting the slopes of Piduruthalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, is a feat in itself, which is made up for by the view at the top. Rising up a staggering 2,000 metres above sea level, the mountain lays out glorious vistas of the hill country in all its magnificence. Trekking up to the summit is forbidden due to the mountain’s significance. However, admission passes can be obtained for a drive or an occasional 3 hour trek to the top. Bask in a scenic trek to the summit, flanked by colourful and rare flora and endemic trees in the surrounding forest.
A distinctive feature of the mountain is its flattened mountain peak, unlike other highland peaks, the surface of which is covered by pale green ‘patna’. Being the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, the views at the top are nothing short of legendary. A brilliant vantage point to take in everything from the misty hills to the lowland plains and forest-clad landscapes.
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An off-the-beaten track into nature’s best? Trek through the Poonagala Estate to Pilkington Point, located around 1,400 metres above sea level in Bandarawela. Sprawling views of tea estates as well as the Southern and Eastern plains of Sri Lanka await. From the summit, the districts of Monaragala, Hambantota, Ratnapure and a part of Ampara can be seen. This attraction takes you on a 1 hour trek past lush tea gardens and the Poonagala hills on your way to the top.
A further 45 minute climb will bring you to Millennium Point, one of the highest points in the highland at a height of 1,500 metres. This peak lays out 360 degree views of the surrounding landscapes complete with the locations that can be witnessed from Pilkington Point and more.
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Located in the town of Passara in the Badulla District, the Namunukula Mountain Range is famed for being the 12th highest peak on the island and can even be seen from the top of Ella Rock.
Varied trails snake through its slopes, each passing through pine forests and tea gardens, eventually winding up at the summit. Each trail offers vistas of differing hill country landscapes, ribbed with unique flora and fauna. The duration of a trek may vary depending on the chosen route; from merely a short trek of just ½ an hour to a 2 hour scenic hike.
One such route that leads to the summit begins from the Glen Alpin Tea Estate. Trek through lush green tea plantations and through daunting forests towards the renowned peak. Standing tall at the summit are 2 shrines, where trekkers generally camp near and seek blessings from the deities. Famed for its 9 peaks of varying heights, the Namunukula mountain range boasts serene views of the Central Highlands.
Trekking up Namunukula is manageable from February to July but may be quite challenging with the rough and cold winds in September.
Getting There:
Looking to wander ‘off-the-beaten-path’? A trek up the mountainous region of Riverston in Matale, envelopes one in some of the best views of the surrounding countryside. The famed hiking site has earned itself the name of ‘Mini World’s End’ due to its steep slopes which plummet sharply down hundreds of feet.
This 1 and a ½ hour trek may not be the easiest. Keep a sharp eye out for hairpin turns and strong gusts of wind that are enough to blow you over if you’re not careful. Pass by added attractions along the way such as the Bambarakiri Ella and Sera Ella waterfalls cascading down within Riverston. The freshwater Thelgamu Oya river babbling close by, is perfect for a refreshing dip after the trek. The Riverston Peak rises sharply to a height of roughly 300 metres, from which the Knuckles Mountain Range and the Thelgamu river valley can be seen.
Mild weather from January to March and so a hike during these months is recommended.
Getting There:
Opt for a lesser visited hiking site in the town of Yapahuwa, where a royal palace built by King Bhuvanekabahu once stood. Hike through the complex of the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, believed to have once housed the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Fortress is built around a granite rock, rising roughly hundreds of metres above the lowlands. Take in panoramic vistas of the dry zone plains from its highest points. Ruins of what was once a thriving regal citadel, now stand on its ground, reflecting the grandeur of craftsmanship in the ancient times. The duration of this trek will be roughly ½ an hour to 1 hour.
One such noteworthy feature is the ornamental stairway flanked by elephant statues, dragon arches and stone lions, leading to a finely carved doorway and windows. Explore the 13th century cave temple, replete with frescoes of ancient folklore and wooden Buddha statues. Discovered to be the site of human settlements that trace its roots back to the pre-historic era, the Fortress is additionally marked as an integral archaeological site as well.
Best visit during the months of April and August when the sun is up as one will have clear bird’s eye views of the rustic surroundings.
Getting There:
Marked as one of the top attractions in Haputale, the Dambatenne Tea Estate lays out luxuriant tea plantations. Trek through and witness tea pluckers hard at work as they pluck and process tea leaves, one of Sri Lanka’s biggest exports. A 2 ½ hour trek, roughly 7 KM uphill from the Dambatenne Tea Estate, will take you to Lipton’s Seat. An iconic attraction, the statue was built in honour of the ‘Lipton Tea’ company founder, Sir Thomas Lipton. Since the establishment of the Dambatenne Tea Estate, this route has been commonly used by tea pluckers and their children and has since earned its repute as also a famed route to Lipton’s Seat.
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Head through the Nayabedde Tea Estate, nestled amidst the Poonagala hills, on roughly a ½ hour trek to St. Catherine’s Seat. This attraction in Bandarawela is located on a mountainous region that rises 2,000 metres above sea level. Trek along winding roads, through tea plantations and a mountain village to the viewpoint of St. Catherine’s Seat. Bask in bird’s eye views of the towns of Bandarawela and Diyatalawa and the mountainous area of the Uva Basin.
Expect a rather cool, tropical climate in Bandarawela.
Getting There:
Ella, is a trove of natural wonders… and choosing to trek through the town makes for a very rewarding experience indeed. The 2 hour trek to the Ella Rock summit takes you past rippling waterfalls, a rubber tree forest and lush green tea gardens with interim viewing points along the way. The route to Ella Rock has been taken on by so many trekkers that there are guiding signs leading you towards the summit such as rocks marked with arrows. As more hikers discover Ella Rock, more routes leading to the summit have been discovered. The attraction harbours a rumoured total of 16, each offering differing landscapes of the surrounding topography. A hike up Ella Rock serves you with some of the most glorious views Sri Lanka has to offer. Settle down at the summit and bask in the beauty of Mother Nature in its raw element.
An Ella Rock trek may be easy enough if a route listed down by past trekkers is followed. These accounts by past trekkers may even be so detailed that a guide may not be needed. However, trekking solo without the aid of such route details may not be advisable as it’s quite easy to lose your way amongst the paths.
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Located directly opposite the Sigiriya Rock is the enormous Pidurangala Rock. Make your way up the rock formation, to its summit that gives you 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.
Take on a trek that may vary from ½ an hour to 1 hour, depending on the crowd numbers. The hike takes you through 2 levels. Hike up the stone steps at first and move onto the boulders. A famed attraction, Pidurangala Rock was once used as a meditative retreat for monks, who are rumoured to have used the little caves and cells located within. At its base stands the Pidurangala Sigiri Raja Maha Viharaya (former rock temple) where a rock wall and a reclining statue of Lord Buddha can still be seen. Hikers generally catch the glorious sunrise at Pidurangala Rock and head to the Sigiriya Rock for the sunset.
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site marked as the ‘Eighth Wonder of The World’, the Sigiriya Rock is an ancient rock fortress of immense historical significance.
On this massive column of rock, the ruins of King Kashyapa’s royal palace can be seen. Trek for roughly 2 hours through the regal remains in Sigiriya (note that the duration may depend on the crowds present as well). Located at the summit are ruins of the upper palace, a mid-level terrace with a Lion Gate and mirror wall. The lower palaces are located behind the lower gardens and past moats and ramparts that once acted as protective shields.
Ancient frescoes decorate the sides of the rock, unique drawings of 500 ladies whose true identities are shrouded in mystery. The Gardens of Sigiriya, namely the Water, Terraced and Boulder Gardens are considered to be amongst the oldest in the world. Hike up to the legendary summit of the rock fortress to witness its iconic panorama for yourself. Here, astonishing views of rugged plains and forest canopies enthrall.
For the best experience, visit Sigiriya during the months of February and April for the weather is more moderate then.
Getting There:
An attraction that dates back hundreds of years stands tall in the town of Karandagolla, Kandy District. An arduous trek leads you to the mysterious Kurullangala Cave, through the wilderness, maneuvering over rocky plains and boulders. The last stretch of the trek calls for immense physical strength. Pull yourself up a steep, towering rock, an almost 90 degree, 20 foot climb with the aid of strong rope and harnesses. Following this is a climb up a rocky boulder of 15 feet, at roughly a 70 degree elevation. Hike to the summit of the rocky outcrop Kurullangala where what is believed to be prehistoric cave art is displayed, in a style that has never been seen before in Sri Lanka. Trek duration is roughly around 5 or 6 hours.
Line drawings of birds, peacocks and humans along with another unidentifiable rock art believed to be around 5,000 years old, is displayed on its walls, even today. Despite most of the drawings having faded due to time and exposure to nature’s elements, the outlines can still be seen quite vividly.
Explore the mysteries of the Kurullangala cave, discovered quite by accident by a guide named Meththananda when on a search for bee hives in the jungle. He now serves as the premier guide for hiking expeditions to the site.
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Source: trips.lakdasun.org.
The history steeped Kudumbigala Monastery is hidden inside a dense jungle in Arugam Bay, at the summit of a large rock. The Monastery is the only hermitage in the country which has a cylindrical dagoba. Trek through the jungle towards the rock and make your way up to the summit (hike duration will be 2 hours). At the top, a dagoba, rumoured to be built by King Devanampiyatissa, stands in silent splendour. Explore the many caves and trails that are scattered around the rocky region. Bask in the panorama of the surrounding coast and verdant countryside.
Arugam Bay tends to have a tropical climate however do check the weather forecasts for a final say on what the day may bring.
Getting There:
Certain areas including those in urban regions are considered as significant areas for hiking, despite not being explicitly marked as hiking spots. One such site is the Beddagana Wetland Park, located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo.
A bird watcher’s haven, the wetland park is home to a diverse number of native and migratory bird species. Trek along a winding trail that snakes through foliage, offering one unhindered views of endemic animals, reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat. Hike duration will be around 2 or 3 hours. For a more tranquil and undisturbed bird-watching experience, it is recommended that an early morning visit is planned.
Colombo is yet another city which has unpredictable weather and so weather reports are best turned to for a rough prediction.
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Sri Lanka is a land rich in natural diversity, from the plethora of mountains and forests that stand on its ground to its rambling countryside plains and tea estates and the sheer magnitude of hiking opportunities available are limitless. Stumble on famed natural highlights along the way or those of historical or cultural significance. Immerse in the Paradise Island at its finest.
Note: Listed are a few famous hiking sites.
*Subject to Change.
Nature and Outdoors
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