Most tourists have fantasized about going hiking in Sri Lanka. But if you’re a hiker, you’re going to love exploring the seductive wildness of Sri Lanka, what with all the rainforest, mountains, wildlife, and coast. Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination because of its tropical climate and diverse wildlife. The country also offers great hiking.
Devil's Staircase - Ella
The Devil’s Staircase is a popular path for hiking and jeep tours in the hills of Sri Lanka. This 13-kilometer trek is a hiker’s dream, but only the most dedicated adventurers will attempt it due to the challenging terrain and stunning panoramas of Sri Lanka’s verdant mountains.
The Bambarakanda Rest is a popular starting point for hikers heading to the Bambarakanda Ella Falls. Old, deteriorating estate roads connect several of the properties along this path. This path concludes on the Ohiya-Horton Plains road, roughly halfway between the Horton Plains Entrance and the Ohiya Railway Station.
Ella Rock Hike
The view from atop Ella Rock is breathtaking. The Ella Rock walk is roughly 10 kilometers roundtrip and might take between three and five hours to complete. The Ella Rock is a spectacular landmark with a challenging hiking path that winds through forest and rocky outcrops.
There are breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills from the rock’s peak. Although you can visit Ella at any time of year, the months of March through June offer the greatest weather for sightseeing at Ella Rock and the surrounding region. This hilly area would be ideal for energetic strolls and hikes from December to February.
Haputale Tea Factory Trek
Tea plantations are an essential part of any trip to Sri Lanka. Explore the beautiful tea plantations of Haputale and Bandarawela with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
The four or five hours it takes to complete this tea trail are some of the best of your life. You’ll be able to take a stroll around a stunning tea plantation, complete with picturesque scenery. From 8 a.m. till 4 p.m., you may see the ladies pluck the tea and perhaps join in yourself.
Bambarakanda Falls Hike
About 185 kilometers from Colombo, near Kalupahana, Haputale in Uva Province, is where you’ll find Bambarakanda Falls. Height above sea level is around 795 feet. It is said to be the highest waterfall in all of Sri Lanka. The greatest spot requires getting out of the car and walking about half a kilometer into the woods.
The dry season (January–March) and the wet season (April–September) are the finest times to hike to Bambarakanda falls, respectively. Starting from Bambarakanda rest in Kalupahana, your hike will take you to the top of Bambarakanda waterfall. Wear appropriate footwear, bring salt and water, and enjoy your trek. The trip is around 1.5 hours long, covers 1.6 kilometers in distance, and requires no permits.
Kitulgala
Kitulgala is in the wet zone, therefore it benefits from two monsoons year, which in turn makes for luscious landscapes, towering mountains, and the mighty Kelani River. Explore the abundant flora and animals of the Kitulgala Forest Reserve’s rain forest, and take in the stunning vistas of the reserve’s secluded waterfalls and streams. During your Rain Forest Trekk in the Kitulgala Jungle, cool yourself in a picturesque flowing water stream.
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain range, so called for its resemblance to a clinched fist, is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most eerie but breathtaking hiking paths. Forty rural settlements and a wide variety of endemic fauna, including some very rare species, call this region home. It has long been a focus of scientific and anthropological research due to its rich biodiversity and diverse indigenous population.
Rough terrain straddling the dry and wet zones is perpetually shrouded in a dense ghostly fog that lingers towards the summits. An abundance of leeches, together with the Knuckles’ fickle weather and consistent downpours, make for challenging hiking conditions.
Therefore, we suggest this hike only to the most daring and courageous hikers looking for an exciting challenge. Don’t let this dissuade you, though. While hiking through the knuckles with your New Travel guide, who is a nature lover and expert, you won’t run across many other people. You’ll be alone with the wilderness.
Horton Plains National Park/World's End
Located in the hills of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park is a vast expanse of stunning natural scenery. The beautiful World’s End viewpoint is at the end of the 9-kilometer loop. When you approach the 4,000-foot cliff, you’ll understand why it’s called that.
Samba deer, numerous bird species, and even leopards make their homes on the plains. Seeing one of these evasive animals will be a miracle (or a miracle in itself, given that you’ll be traveling on foot!)
One of the most gorgeous and diverse hikes you’ll find in Sri Lanka is the one to World’s End. A portion of the trail in Horton Plains is known as “World’s End.” While World’s End receives the lion’s share of visitors, there are many more gorgeous and interesting attractions in the park.
Sri Pada / Adam's Peak
Sri Pada is a 2,243-meter-high pilgrimage site in southern Sri Lanka, roughly 40 kilometers from Ratnapura and 32 kilometers from Hatton.
The Mahawamsa details the Buddha’s third and final trip to Sri Lanka, during which he left his sacred footprint behind. The best weather makes the months of December through April prime pilgrimage months.
There is a wide variety of trails from which to choose. The lengthier, more challenging walks, such the Kuruwita Erathna, Ihala-Maliboda, and Ratnapura routes, are less popular among hikers in general and tourists in particular. All of which necessitate competent physical conditioning, strategic thinking, and direction finding skills.
Hatton is the go-to brand for most people. You’ll get to share the ascent with thousands of other pilgrims if you choose this path. You won’t have the spot to yourself, but you will get to enjoy a magnificent moment while climbing among other worshippers dressed in white. Seeing the sun come up is one of the most breathtaking and colorful sights in the world. Early morning skywatchers atop Adam’s Peak will notice rapid color shifts in the eastern sky above the horizon.
Sinharaja Rainforest
Hike across scenic trails and past glistening streams while taking in the stunning natural scenery.The woodland reserve offers so many hiking options that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Taking a stroll along these paths has been proven to be a fascinating and enlightening experience, with breathtaking views of what some would call “Mother Nature at her finest.”
The pathways through the forest can be an exciting adventure, but they are not for the faint of heart. Even for seasoned hikers, conditions can be challenging, so it’s important to be well-prepared for your time in the wilderness. Some paths are not too challenging, and hikers of varying ages should be able to complete them without too much difficulty or weariness.
It would be best to get an early start because the weather is at its best in the morning, when it is crisp and chilly and the going is much simpler. Even though the distance covered is relatively short, fatigue can set in quickly; bringing enough of water to drink will help combat this, and there will be plenty of opportunities to replenish your bottles along the way.
The hike to the top of this peak is about 2.4 kilometers long and will take you around 1 to 2 hours to finish. The ascent is only 300 meters in elevation. The elevation of the peak is 4,800 feet. From the Kudawa Conservation Center (KCC), the primary entrance to the forest, it’s a quick and simple journey. It’s a pleasure to stroll along the paths because of the abundance of trees lining them. The area is home to a wide variety of indigenous bird species, including several that are critically endangered.
The view from the summit will be so breathtaking that the effort to get there will seem well worth it. The months of December through April are ideal, while July and August are also good because of the dry weather. It’s best to put off outdoor plans until the monsoon season has passed.
Meemure
Meemure is one of Sri Lanka’s peaceful and remote settlements. There are mountains, rice paddies, a town, waterfalls, and forest trails in the area.
It’s easy to conclude that this stunning community is Sri Lanka’s best overall option for trekkers. Because of its reputation as an excellent starting point for adventurous treks, we have chosen this beautiful village in Sri Lanka. Trekking enthusiasts who aren’t in peak physical condition will nevertheless have a fantastic day wandering the trails in this remarkable village.
There are a variety of trekking possibilities in Meemure for adventurers of all skill levels, from families on vacation to honeymooners. All seasons are suitable for adventure activities. If it’s raining, it’s probably not a good idea to go hiking up a mountain or near a waterfall. Do not fret! For this purpose, we pick a time of year that is optimal. We’ve researched each route in Meemure and know just when it’s ideal to go hiking there.