Tourist fantasize about hiking. The lush green jungle, rolling mountains, tropical fauna and the blue seas that surrounds the island have all the attributes for a great trekking expedition in Sri Lanka. The book “lonely planet” called Sri Lanka the greatest nation in the world for travelers because travelers the world over who have travelled through Sri Lanka have acknowledged and experienced the wonderful attractions which consists of archaeological ruins, a tropical climate, excellent transport facilities and a road network that makes it accessible to reach the sites set out in our itineraries within short period of time.
MAIN HIKING POINTS IN SRI LANKA
Adams Peak is one of the highlights of Sri Lanka and a must for tourist coming to Sri Lanka. The climb to the summit is about 5.500 steps and is usually done by night to enjoy the sunrise. Join the many pilgrims on the journey to the top of this beautiful 2243 meter high mountain. Adam’s Peak is the tallest point in the area, meaning you will get a complete 360 degree view from the summit.
Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is located in the central highland of Southern Sri Lanka. The name Sri Pada means holy footprint and originates from when Adam set his foot on earth at this place after being cast out of heaven. Thus, the pilgrimage to the temple located at the very top of the mountain.
The weather is best from end of December until mid to end of May. This is also when most pilgrim’s takes the journey, so climbing Adam’s Peak during these months’ means lots of people! Try and stay away from holidays and weekends.
January and February are particularly busy. The best time for avoiding too many people is late in the season, April or May, but the weather becomes unstable here and it would be such a shame to stand at the summit covered in clouds.
Most people go at night for two reasons. It’s cool and thus less exhausting and to see the sunrise from top which is just magical. It’s a 2-3 hours hike from Dalhousie and you want to get to the top early to get a good spot.
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Little Adam’s Speak and Ella Rock
Ella Rock is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. Once you get to know about Ella Rock you would not hesitate to take a hike and explore this magnificent and beautiful piece of land and rock However Ella Rock isn’t a very easy hike to do, mainly because of the lack of clear directions indicating the trail. You can hike Ella Rock without a guide by following the instructions, but it is still a challenge.
The Ella Rock hike is approximately a 10km round trip, which can take anywhere between 3-5 hours. The terrain itself isn’t particularly hard, but the challenge lies in following a route that isn’t marked correctly.
The route tends to be even longer and more complicated. It’s a bit of an adventurous hike, and the incredible panoramic views make it well worth it.
How do you get to Ella Rock?
Hiking directions
1. Start: Ella railway station. …
2. Start at Ella railway station. …
3. Walk along the tracks for approximately 40 minutes. …
4. After 5-10 minutes, look out for a rock marked with a blue arrow and a label which reads ‘Ella Rock’. …
5. Follow the path and cross the footbridge. …
6. Stay on the path up into the tea plantation.
Nowhere are they more impressive than at the summit of Ella Rock, a dramatic peak. Hiking Ella Rock is fun, confusing, taxing, rewarding.
Sinharaja Forest
Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests Eco region, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants, and 15 or so leopards. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced languor.
Birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Sri Lanka crested drongo and the noisy orange-billed babbler. Of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal and Sri Lanka blue magpie.
Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Sri Lankan birdwing butterfly and leeches.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.
Horton Plains National Park is one of the few parks where tourists may walk alone, but there is no public transportation, so you must organise a drop-off and pick-up in Nuwara Eliya or Ohiya. After a 4km journey over the plateau, the ground abruptly drops down to World’s End. When the weather is good, the views of the lowlands drifting below are spectacular, but come early in the morning to avoid crowds and clouds. The route circles back to the beautiful Baker’s Falls before returning to the national park entrance at Far Inn, so the 9.5km round journey will take you around three hours. The abrupt drop-off at the end of the Horton Plains, which looks out over one of Sri Lanka’s most jaw-dropping panoramas, is known as World’s End in Sri Lanka. When we say ‘plains,’ we mean an undulating plateau over 2,000 meters high, dotted with untamed grasses, rocky outcrops, filigree waterfalls, hazy lakes, and pockets of dense forest filled with wildlife.
The Knuckles
The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range.
The higher mountain area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harboring a variety of flora and fauna. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island’s total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity. The isolated Knuckles range harbors several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests. Knuckles Conservation Forest was included in UNESCO natural world heritage list in 2010 as part of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
Day 1 BIA To Negombo
Airport Pickup & Transfer to Negombo
Overnight stay in Negombo
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport you would be greeted by SUNGATE LANKA TOURS Representative and welcomed to the land of peace and tranquility to undertake a great adventure tour with the guidance and expertise of SUNGATE LANKA TOURS. Your first night would be at a hotel in Negombo.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Negombo
Day 2 Negombo to Sigirya
Proceed to Sigiriya. On route visit Ridee Viharaya and Arankele Monastery. Later in the evening visit the Dambulla Cave Temple
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 3 Sigiriya
Morning Exploration of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Get Yourself Pampered with an Herbal Foot Massage
Afternoon Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.Proclaimed as the 8th Wonder of The World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site this Rock Fortress boasts truly impeccable history. Late afternoon visit to the Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park.
Overnight at hotel in Sigiriya
Day 4 Sigiriya to Knuckles
Experience a village tour of Sigiriya amongst locals. Be amongst the locals and enjoy a culinary experience prepared by them, cruise down the village in a catamaran. A phenomenon that would be a lasting memory for you. . Thereafter, proceed to Knuckles Mountain the hills are so much alive with stunning flora & fauna.
Overnight stay in Knuckles
Day 5 Knuckles
Commence the hike to Knuckles Mountain.
Start your day early, with a hike to Knuckles Mountain. Proceed to trek to the highest view point of the Knuckles Range through Tea Plantations and Forests. Nature will astound you in many different ways.
Overnight stay at Knuckles.
Day 6 Knuckles to Kandy
Proceed to Kandy. On route visit the remote village of Meemure, a village at the foot of Knuckles Mountain.
Transfer to Kandy
En Route Visit Remote Village of Meemure
Enjoy Lunch at a Local Village House
Overnight Stay in Kandy
Check out and take off to Kandy. En route visit Meemure, a remote village at the foot of Knuckles, hidden from the world surrounded by a few inhabitants. Visit a local village house, and have the most humble meal made by a family. Transfer to Kandy – the sacred city of central Sri Lanka and unwind for your night stay.
Overnight at a hotel in Kandy
Day 7 Kandy
Morning proceed to Hanthana to trek the mountain Uragala Katusu Kanda and Knife Edge and view the unbelievable beauty of the landscape that the natural beauty that tiny Sri Lanka has to offer in so many different aspects. Evening visit the Sacred Kandy Temple of the Tooth.
Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 8 Kandy to Nallathanni
Proceed to Nallathanni ro climb the Ambuluwawa Tower which is a narrow but so exciting to climb to the top which is worth the climb an experience that would be heartily appreciated. This climb is one of the well-known and famous attractions in Sri Lanka. Prepared yourself for the night climb on the Holy Mountain – Adam’s Peak
Day 9 Nallathanni to Nuwaraeliya
Check-Into the Hotel and Relax
Overnight Stay in NuwaraEliya
Witness source at the top of Adam’s Peak. Truly speechless moment and a unique experience for all hike lovers. Climb down and take the scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya. Sightsee the St. Clair and Devon Waterfall.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 10 Nuwaraeliya
Morning Trek to Horton Plains
Visit to a Working Tea Plantation and a Tea Factory
Drive through Little England
Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya
Early morning proceed to Horton Plains and commence a trek through a 9.5 km trail. You will encounter beautiful sambar deer, and if you’re very lucky a Leopard sighting can be truly fascinating. Having trekked your way to Worlds End thereafter proceed to Bakers Falls a beautiful water fall within the Horton Plains. Visit to a tea factory to experience the making of Ceylon Tea. Evening a city tour of Nuwara Eliya
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Day 11 NuwaraEliya to Ella
Ride by train to Ella viewing the most scenic features in Sri Lanka. Visit the 9 arches bridge and spend time at the Ella town. Reset and reset for tomorrow.
Overnight stay at Ella
Day 12 Ella
Morning Hike to Ella Rock
Relax at the Hotel
Late Evening Culinary and Dining Experience at a Typical Local Place
Overnight Stay in Ella
Hike to Ella Rock for the sunrise through the mountains. Return to the hotel to enjoy hotel amenities. Evening, engage in a unique culinary experience in Ella. Have your meals which you prepared and savour your Lankan Rice Plate.
Overnight stay in Ella
Day 13 Ella to Sinharaja
Take a hike to Little Adam’s Peak, thereafter to Sinharaja Forest, Sri Lanka’s only rain forest, rich in wildlife. Trekking through Sinharaja forest is a must for hiking enthusiast Sinharaja Forest is a must do.
Hike the Little Adam’s Peak in the morning and transfer to Sinharaja. Sinharaja is one of the dense and rich in wildlife rainforest in Sri Lanka. Evening Night Trail will be arranged in the Forest. A special trekking guide will assist you here to spot the nocturnal animals. Return and spend your night, nestled at the mighty rainforest at the Eco Lodge.
Overnight at Eco Lodge
Day 14 Sinharaja to Bentota
Trek to Sinharaja Rain Forest
Transfer to Bentota
Relax By the Beach
Overnight Stay in Bentota
Start your day with a break to Sinharaja Forest. The unique species of animals and the flora and fauna will fascinate you. Once your trek to Sinharaja has been completed you would set off to the South of Sri Lanka to the beaches.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota
Day 14 Bentota to BIA
Airport Transfer
It’s time to say good bye to Sri Lanka. We at SUNGATE LANKA TOURS are extremely glad to have arranged this breathtaking trekking and hiking tour and it has been a privilege to have been able to care for you and sincerely hope that you enjoyed every bit of your stay in Sri Lanka and we look forward to your returning to Sri Lanka in the not too distant future. Until then, have s safe journey back home.
