Hiking Sri Lanka
This is a great opportunity for you to experience the natural beauty of the mountains, vines, forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife and birds in a tropical country.
Mountaineering can be a daunting task, but it can also be a source of confidence and self-satisfaction
HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK
Horton Plains National Park is Sri Lanka’s highest elevated national park lying approximately 7,000 feet above sea level and comprises of cloud forests and open grassland.
Make an early morning start with a packed breakfast to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a guided walk along the nature trails to a viewpoint known as World’s End with breathtaking views of the surrounding hillside. On the way back you can stop and see the impressive Baker’s falls in full on action.
Sambar, Sri Lanka’s largest species of deer are encountered regularly in the plains close to the entrance while the shaggy coated Bear Monkey (Highland race of the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey) is occasionally seen within the forested areas.
A variety of wildlife including endemic Rhino-horned and Hump-nosed Lizards, highland bird species including the Sri Lanka White-eye, Dull-blue Flycatcher and Yellow-eared Bulbul are found here and can be seen close to the entrance.
Horton Plains is one of the few known locations where elusive highland endemics such as the ‘Arrenga’ or Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Sri Lanka Bush Warbler can be observed. There are 2 official entrances when entering to Hortan Plains National Park. One is from the Ohiya route and the other is the pattipola entrance.
TREK TO BELIHULOYA
belihuloya srilanka
Belihuloya is situated upcountry at an altitude of over 616 meters with great climatic conditions all year round in addition to it being one of the best places in the country to enjoy the scenic outdoors and natural environment.
on your way to the coast from Nuwara Eliya/Ella or on your way to the hill country, on the A4 main road.
situated on your way to the coast from Nuwara Eliya/Ella or on your way to the hill country, on the A4 main road.
The trekking trail takes you on a journey through jungle wilderness leading to a village which is known to have been a part of engaging in the steel industry during 161 and 137 BC – likely one of the first in the world.
There are several attractions, beautiful waterfalls and campsites in the close proximity of belihuloya , some of these attractions are Pahanthuda Ella, Bambarakanda Ella, Surathalee Ella, Brampton Falls, Papulugala Ella, and Hirikatuwa oya .
Belihuloya offers a unique opportunity to see and spot several types of beautiful birds and butterflies along with a chance to glimpse at the local agricultural and farming systems. A great opportunity to gain some fascinating insights into the village lifestyle.
The best time to visit Belihuloya is December through February as the weather is perfect at this time of the year and you are able to enjoy a balanced climate…not too hot or not too cold…
TRIP TO ELLA
Ella has to offer that most of the young travellers are visiting scenic mountain retreats and feeling beautiful. in the town have a number of attractive guest houses, restaurants and cafes. There is a few interesting hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, scenic viewpoints around the area including the Ravana Ella Falls and the famous Iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
Closer to Ella is a mountain peak named as Little Adams Peak, which is around 1141 meters above sea level. A hike up to this mountain peak entails an interesting trek through paddy fields, tea plantations, waterfalls and offers amazing views.
Ella Gap is a beautiful viewpoint where once can 360 panoramic views of the surreal surrounding mountain ranges. During clear nights, you might be able to witness the illumination projecting from the Great Basses lighthouse in the South Coast of the island.
Close to Ella is the famous Nine Arch Bridge, which is a great example of English engineering design and built entirely out of solid rocks, bricks and cement without the use of steel. This marvelous structure of engineering was commissioned in 1921. it is still used upto date by trains which travel from Kandy through to Ella.
Ravana Ella Falls
There are two main waterfalls in the Ella area. The most popular one being the waterfall at the Bandarawela – Wellawaya main road. There is another waterfall above ravana falls which is not clearly visible to the main road and is also named Ravana Falls. ‘
This is considered the real legendary Ravana Falls due the closeness of the legendary cave which is considered a place where Sita (from the legendary Indian saga The Ramayana) was hidden by the Lankan Demon King Ravana.
Ravana Ella Caves
Between Bandarawela and Ella lies a cave believed to be that used by the legendary before the arrival of the first Sinhalese King Vijaya, one of the mightiest monarchs king Ravana.
The Saga Ramayana states of how the king of Sri Lanka kidnapped Sita, the wife of Rama in India. The legends state that he hid her in this cave. This network of tunnels shows man-made foundations which are thought to be evidence based on this legend.
ADAM’S PEAK (SRIPADE)
adam;s peak srilanka
adams peak
This sacred mountain of Sri Lanka, also known as Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada (7,360 ft) is one of the most iconic and natural structures on the paradise island.
On the hike to the summit there is a depression which resembles a giant footprint, which is regarded with importance by the followers of all four religions of the country.
The Buddhists considers this to be Lord Buddha’s footprint and the Hindus considers it as that of the god Shiva, while the Muslims and Christians believe this to be the footprint of Adam. The Portuguese invaders subsequently attributed the impression to be of St. Thomas the Apostle.
There are 2 routes hikers can take up to the top of Adams Peak Mountain, one is the most known route Hatton-Nallathanniya route and the other is the Ratnapura route…
The hike to the summit of Adams peak takes about 4-5 hours depending on the speed of your climb and is recommended to do the hike in the night time around 23.00, so then once you reach the summit you will be greeted by spectacular views of the rising morning sunrise. The view from the top is guaranteed to take your breath away!
The mountain is surrounded by one of the last remaining mountain wilderness areas known as the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary which is a cloud forest which links with the Horton Plains eco-system.
KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
knuckles mountain range
knuckles mountain range
Knuckles mountain range is named so due to the close appearance to the knuckles of a clenched fist. This location is great for exploring the outdoors with beautiful landscapes, breathtaking views, adventurous hikes, and not to forget the unique eco-systems.
Knuckles mountain range contains five major forest formations, and provides a refuge for rare and endemic fauna and flora.
There are several mountain trails which passes through the crystal clear streams, lush dense forests, waterfalls, tea plantations, terraced paddy fields and charming home gardens.
A visit to a small mountain village will give a unique perspective to the quaint and simple lifestyle of these friends and warm people. One of the key features of the mountain range is the different levels of climate conditions.
During your short walk or drive up you can go through and around 5 climatic zones in a short span of time.
One of the distinctive areas to visit during your stay in the Knuckles Range is around Pitawala Pathana. This grassland is of unique ecological value. An vast area expanding over 10 hectares, of gently sloping rock slabs, also many endemic species of plants and animals can be found here too.
At the end of the plains is the Mini World’s End escarpment which resembles a smaller version of the world famous World’s End in Horton Plains.
This place grants a panoramic view of the Knuckles Range and some of its valleys below. From there it is possible to hike along to the rock extrusion which allows tourists to walk right up onto the edge.
RIVERSTON
riverston Srilanka
riverston srilanka
Riverston is situated approximately 30 km from the city of Matale, when travelling on Matale – Girandurukotte road, it is quite windy with quite a few hairpins turns but also in great condition, offers scenic and lush landscape of mountain views.
Riverston is lot less travelled by main stream tourists.
We recommend that you consider planning a trek to the mist-clad Riverston peak via pittawala pathana route, as it offers some of the greatest views of the central hills across the mini worlds end which ends in a sheer drop of 300 meters offering great views of the “Knuckles Mountain Range”, and the valley of thelgamu below with its terraced paddy field method unique to the central hills of Sri Lanka.
Weather conditions here are quite similar to Horton plains including the addition of seeing the two great waterfalls “Sera Ella” and “Bambarakiri Ella”, both of which are a site for tired eyes,
Rest and relax on the rocky seats of “Sera Ella” relishing the cold misty spray of water on your face. Trekking further upstream along this scenic stream will no doubt will make you feel fresh and rejuvenated. Thelgamu Oya also offers travelers a great site for a quick dip in crystal clear but chilled water.
HANTHANA MOUNTAIN RANGE
Hanthana Mountain srilanka
Hanthana Mountain
Some say that mountains have the power to uplift your spirits; a reason why mountains are the most sought out after destinations for tourists.
One such spot in the heart of the island country, Sri Lanka is Hanthana mountain range.
The spectacular view that you get of the entire Kandy city from Hanthana mountain range will you’re your mind and keep you awestruck for the rest of your entire journey.
This Mountain Range is located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is made up of seven peaks. The height of the highest peak is up to the range of 3800 ft. The name of the highest peak is called as “Uura Kanda”.
Hanthana is a ideal travel spot for many people because it is exciting and thrilling to explore. You can reach the start of the mountain range by the Peradeniya-Galaha road or the Kandy-Udawela road.
Hanthana mountain range also known as Adara Kanda (mountain of love) which is often hidden by the mist, is a local’s favourite place popular amount the university student’s closeby.
Since the University of Peradeniya is close by, university students make it a point to visit this mountain range all year around
Hanthana Mountain range is an exquisite and charming mountain range which is a good trekking spot.
A guided hike into the Hanthana Mountain Range, which was declared an environmental protection area in 2010, will be a fascinating and unique experience.
We recommend you to consider start the hike by around 9 am in the morning and make the descend down the hills by 3 pm.
Because the darkness falls without any warning so there’s a high possibility of getting lost and going off course while struggling to find your way.
The hiking trail leads you along a verdant tea plantations and mixed-species forests to a scenic mountain top view point, which showcases amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the best places to visit while doing the trek through the hills of Hanthana is the Hanthana viharaya, which was constructed during the time of the Kandyan Kingdom.
During the trek you will have the opportunity to see many birds and other animals such as civet cats, wild boar, deer and even a leopard!
SINHARAJA RAINFOREST
sinharaja rain forest srilanka
sinharaja rain forest srilanka
The largest tract of natural rainforest in Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve contains a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna and is considered a world heritage site as its sri lankas only wet natural rain forest. There are four entrances leading to Sinharaja rain forest, the main entrance being from the ratnapura kalawana side and the other entrances are to come from the Pitadeniya and Suriyakanda side.
The trail leading up to the Mulawella Hill is called the Mulawella trails..
There are apparently 2 male elephants in Sinharaja rainforest which you will be lucky enough to spot on your hike through the thick forests..
It is a top birding location too where 28 of Sri Lanka’ 34 endemic species have been recorded including the recently discovered Serendib Scops Owl and other rarities such as the Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, and White-faced Starling.
The mixed species bird flocks found moving through the rainforest canopy within Sinharaja are believed to be the longest studied and largest in the world, which is popularly dubbed as the Sinharaja Birdwave.
Other species of fauna encountered during a rainforest walk include Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Giant Squirrel, Kangaroo Lizard, Hump-nosed Lizard and Sri Lanka Keelback.
Pro Tip – It is recommended you carry a pair of leech socks throughout this journey !
KANNELIYA RAIN FOREST
The rainforest of Kanneliya is Sri Lanka’s lesser known forest reserve, with two of the main rivers running through it and a diverse range of wildlife living within its thick shades of shrubs. Tucked away just 35km from Galle, the Kanneliya forest reserve also houses up to 78 villages
Kanneliya, Nakiyadeniya, Dediyagala, is a forest reserve in the Southern Part of Sri Lanka.
Widely known as one of the most rich and diverse areas for flora and fauna in South Asia; this forest reserve is also the last remaining rainforest in Sri Lanka, other than the Sinharaja Rainforest.
Kannaeliya rain forest is a major catchment area for two of the most important rivers in southern Sri Lanka, Nilwala Ganga and the Gin Ganga.
The Kannaeliya forest reserve consists of a series of aligned valleys and hills, ranging in elevation from 60M – 425M above sea level, and expanding to an area of approximately 5306 hectares.
It acts as a catchment for many streams and rivers, including Gin Ganga and Nilwala Ganga, that have their sources from within the forest, and flows towards the west and the east of the kannaeliya forest.
Kanneli (from which Kanneliya gets its name), Udugama and Nanikiththa are the smaller streams that begins within the Kanneliya Rainforest; while Gal Bandi Dola and Homa Dola are sourced by the Nakiyadeniya and Dediyagala and passes through the forest.
Kannaeliya rainforest receives approximately a rainfall of 3,750mm; with an annual temperature of 27.0°C, which can vary approximately from 4°C to 5°C.