Embarking on trailing journeys in Sri Lanka presents an opportunity to discover Sri Lanka’s natural wonders on foot. In this article, we will delve into some of the sensational hiking trails across Sri Lanka.
Knuckles Mountain Range has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mountain range lies in Kandy and Matale districts. Its landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful. It has a myriad of fauna and flora and is interspersed with water cascades and waterfalls. It has many hiking trails of which the popular trails are Mini World’s End Trail, Dothalugala Nature Trail, Trail to Nitro Caves, and Bambarella Hike of 5 peaks. When you trek through Knuckles you’ll get to enjoy the sights of tea plantations, pygmy forests, cloud forests, plateau with grasslands. The hikers have the option of hiking for a day or multiple days. Spending the night and camping under the stars provides a one-of-a-kind experience. Travelers can immerse in the raw beauty of nature. The best time to hike the Knuckles is from February to September.
Sri Pada or Adams Peak is located in the Ratnapura district. It is a holy mountain. The season of embarking Sri Pada starts on the full moon poya day of December and ends on the full moon poya day of May. The majority of the climbers ascend the mountain during nighttime. If clear weather prevails you’ll be able to witness the sunrise which is a glorious spectacle early in the morning. The most well-known route to Sri Pada is the Hatton-Nallathanni route. Other routes include Rathnapura, Palabaddala Trail and Kuruwita, Erathna Trail. Along the way, pilgrims and tourists can enjoy the stunning scenery and interact with fellow walkers from all walks of life. It is an unforgettable experience that combines physical challenge, spiritual reflection, and cultural exploration.
Ella is a popular tourist destination. Hiking trails around Ella wind their way through spectacular landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Little Adam’s Peak is an easy trail. However, the final twenty minutes of the walk is quite steep. It’s a 4.5km walk and would take one hour for the entire hike. Ella Rock is a moderately demanding trail. This half-day hike is 10km in length. Pattipola to Haputale is a full-day hike, covering a distance of around 14km. Idalgashinna to Haputale trail is one of the least renowned trails in Ella. The journey covers approximately 8km. It would take 2 hours to complete. It takes hikers through stunning views of surrounding hills, tea plantations, and local villages.
The Hantana mountain range stretches from Galaha to Kandy. Hantana is an ideal venue for hiking as well as birdwatching and camping. The hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery, grassy plains, cool breeze, flora and fauna. The length of the trekking is 6 kilometers. The mountain range consists of seven peaks with a maximum height of 3800ft. The hikers are advised to begin trekking at least by 9 am and end around 3 pm as night tends to fall fast and unexpectedly. November to April is the best season to hike the range. Along the way, you’ll encounter Hanthana Viharaya which dates back to the Kingdom of Kandy.
World’s End Cliff-Hortan Plains is located in Nuwara Eliya. While hiking on this 9.5km long trail, you’ll pass through grasslands and forests, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. You’ll spot birds, deer, or monkeys if you’re lucky. The trail is mostly flat, yet there are inclines and some parts are muddy. The Horton Plains plateau comes to a sudden end at World’s End. You’ll encounter a stunning escarpment that plunges 880m. You can watch the scenery of tea plantations and even the southern Seashore. The visitors are advised to get there early as the view from World’s End is often obscured by mist. Next, you can visit Baker’s Fall which is a beautiful waterfall with a viewing deck. January to March is the best time to visit Horton Plains.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve. Some trails in Sinharaja demand unwavering determination and stamina as ascent can be a hard adventure. Some trails are not that hard to attempt and hikers of all ages can make their way without getting too exhausted. There are two main trails to trek in Sinharaja. They are Mulawella peak and Sinharaja peak. Mulawella trail is a short trail of 2.4 km. It is an easy climb up with a height of 300 m. It will take approximately 1 – 2 hours to complete. Sinharaja Peak’s total hike is 8.5 km. It will take approximately 5 to 7 hours to complete. The peak is 7400 m in height. The journey takes hikers through charming paths and glowing streams. You will observe the greenery and salubrious environs. Whilst trekking you can partake in bird watching and butterfly observation. Many of the butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in Sinharaja are endemic. The best months to trek in Sinharaja are from December to April.
Sri Lanka is certainly a hiking destination. Few experiences can rival the thrill of embarking on hiking trails as it is a captivating way to explore the most breathtaking landscapes. So, don’t miss enchanting hiking trails when you visit Sri Lanka.
