Enjoy hiking in Sri Lanka for EPIC Sri Lanka Holidays offers many tours in hiking. Sri Lanka has a wide range of hiking areas in this tiny paradise island, especially in the diverse and beautiful landscapes of the hill country. The stunning hilly areas of Ella and Knuckles Mountain Range of the hill country provide a base from which to try out a wide variety of hiking and trekking tours through jungles, across tea estates and up mountains. The surrounding rivers and waterfalls are a key attraction that allows hikers and trekkers to indulge in a good dip along the way.
The Ella Rock hike is a scenic trek to the glorious summit which is most popular among backpackers who seek adventurous hiking. The summit of the rock splendidly holds a solitary tree, which can be viewed from anywhere in Ella and the view from the summit is absolutely spectacular, especially during dawn and dusk.
The approximately 10 kilometre (round trip) hike travels across rubber tea forests, tea plantations and the woodlands of Ella, and would take approximately 4 hours to complete. However, the trek presents magnificent vistas that are undoubtedly worth the effort, such as the Ella Gap waterfall and the Ella Gap. The Ella Gap is a space between the mountains that reveal a spectacular view that stretches all the way to the Southern Coast of the isle. Hiking Little Adam’s Peak is a shorter hike than Ella rock but has stunning views since it takes you through scenic tea plantations and it is a mere 15 kilometres away from Ella town.
Sri Lanka trekking over waterfalls is an exciting excursion for those who are daring. In particular, the upper Diyaluma Trek, above the Diyaluma waterfalls is a trek that is the latest rave in Sri Lanka. Once the Upper Diyaluma Falls is reached, one can see several soothing natural pools atop the 220 metre waterfall, in which one can take a dip and enjoy the breathtaking view from top. An alternative route is to start at the top, from Upper Diyaluma Falls, and hike down to the Koslanda village, to the foot of the Diyaluma Falls.
The Knuckles Mountain Range consists of some of the most heavenly nature trails for enjoyable trekking in Sri Lanka. This region is rich in biodiversity with the abundance of flora and fauna hence being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a major eco-tourism spot in Sri Lanka. Hiking the Knuckles Mountain Range could be an arduous task because of the thick fog and unpredictable weather but will be an unforgettable experience for it is noted as one of the best hiking areas. Some of the popular nature trails are the Mini World’s End trails in the east and west, Pitawala Pathana trail and the Knuckles Summit trail. These treks are interlinked to footpaths of tea plantation workers and farmers. Some noted hiking trails are the Mini World’s End trail from Deanston, trail to Dothalugala from Deanston, Trail to Alugallena from Corbet’s Gap, trail to Nitro Caves from Corbet’s Gap and trail to Kalupahana from Meemure.
Another area in the same region is the Horton Plains National Park which is one of the most sought out after hiking destinations offering some wonderful hikes in a unique environment which has varied landscapes such as forests, grasslands and vegetation that are on high altitude. The main focal attraction of this area is the 880 metre drop at World’s End giving a breathtaking view with a mix of sunlight and mist. The beautiful attractive Baker’s Falls is another hiking and trekking spot that entices every tourist for it has a magnetic force that makes everyone awestricken with its stunning beauty and vistas.
Climbing Adam’s Peak – locally popular as Sri Pada, is the most popular excursion for people of all walks of life since it is a pilgrimage site and as well as a tourist spot for hiking. Climbing thousands of steps lead to the summit which takes a few hours depending on the crowds and fitness level of the individual. During the peak seasons, the stairway is illuminated by countless lights and the path is skirted by a number of vendors. The peak is most commonly ascended at twilight with the intention of witnessing the first sunrise which is nothing short of beautiful. At dawn, the distinctive shape of the conical mountain casts a triangular silhouette on the surrounding plains, which gradually moves downwards as the sun rises in the sky. This is the most talked about view hence attracting visitors. Adam’s Peak is situated between the Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya Districts, so there are six entry points to reach the mountain which are Ratnapura-Palabaddala, Hatton-Nallathanni, Kuruwita-Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte and Malimboda. The Hatton and Ratnapura trail is the most popular trek.
Hiking in Sri Lanka would be a miss if you do not visit the fascinating Sinharaja Rain Forest where a variety of Sri Lanka treks are available to suit every visitor. The rich biodiversity of flora and fauna in the forest is fascinating to encounter along the treks. Watching many species of birds as you trek and take dips in the natural ponds or streams along the way.
Contact our tour consultants at EPIC Sri Lanka Holidays to choose or tailor-make your hiking and trekking tour which will ensure you to have the best hiking experience in Sri Lanka.
