Hiking in Sri Lanka: Discover the Most Beautiful Treks
Written on : 15 July 2021 By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Sri Lanka is a top hiking and trekking destination and absolute nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to admire nature in its pure beauty, with Sri Lanka's over 400 waterfalls, distinctive flora and fauna, lush jungles, imposing and mysterious mountains and rocks, then read on and find out the best trails for your trekking adventure.
Ella Rock Trail is a 5.3 km with 340 m slopes of moderate level into the Sri Lankan highlands, 1000 above sea level. Ella's Rock is a famous cliff in Sri Lanka and takes around 4 hours to reach. You can set off from two places-- the most popular one is from Ella train station, or you can start from the main streets and follow up the Waterfall Road-- the trek is very straightforward with its many well-market sign points.
It's the ideal trek to admire the Badulla green valleys and enjoy the stunning views of the Diyaluma Falls, the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka, boasting 200 metres of height. What's more, you can head over to its nearby infinity pool and take in the waterfall views from this viewpoint. To reach this waterfall, you need to travel to the Poongala village and then walk for 30 minutes.
This trail will lead to beautiful tea plantations, such as the Halpewatte Tea Factory (the largest in the region), where you can also learn about their tea production. Rivers, anthills, and quaint huts and villages with their friendly inhabitants are also things to expect on this hike.
Lipton Seat to Amba Estate
Located near Bandarawella, Marulla, Lipton Seat to Amba Estate is a 13.5 km point to point trail, taking around 4 hours to complete and is a medium-level hike. Here, you'll be able to contemplate lush countryside with gorgeous views of Ella Gap. This cosy region for nature lovers boasts a few waterfalls along the way, such as the famous Diyalum Falls, with a height of 171 metres-- the third highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Lipton's Seat viewpoint is one of Sri Lanka's most impressive belvederes. Scottish tea lord Thomas Lipton used to inspect his domain from this vantage point, and today you can view beyond emerald mountains and tea plantations of more than seven provinces.
Nine Arch Bridge
Nine Arch Bridge trail consists of an 1.3 km track on an ancient bridge near Kithal Ella. This emblematic bridge of 91-metres and 24 metres high is one of the major attractions in Sri Lanka, flanked by lush jungle and tea plantations. One can set off from Ella-Passara Road in Ella Town and follow the well-marked signposts, making it an easy 3km hike of 40 minutes.
Thanks to the bridge's architecture and its location, in the middle of an agricultural environment and a dense jungle, one can explore this beautiful region and see this imposing bridge with its train tracks. This archaic-style bridge was built by the British in colonial times. The most standing-out features are its materials and its contrast with the jungle. You can take memorable photographs here from the bridge's viewpoint.
World's End Trail
World's End Trail is a 4 km circular trail located near Haputale, that loops back to Baker's Falls (2km)-- making it a 9.5 km round trip, and taking 3 hours to complete. This trail boasts the enchanting Baker's Falls in the Horton Plains National Park, ideal for taking a break near its pond, as you cannot swim in it. It's also a nice place to take photographs and enjoy a picnic.
Once reaching World's End summit, you'll have a drop of more than 800 m, offering you breath-catching views that will linger long in the memory. Sit down and take in the marvellous scenic masterpiece in front of you.
Tailed deers, black bears, and wild turkeys are regularly sighted along this trail, as well as more than 200 bird species such as Northern Goshawk, yellow-bellied flycatcher, and white-throated sparrow.
Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak is an 8.9 km medium-level trail located near Maskeliya, Nuwara Eliya District, and with 965 m slopes, recommended to do early in the morning. Reaching Adam's Peak is known as one of the most recommended pilgrimages in Sri Lanka.
This mountain rises in the form of a vertical pyramid 2243 m above the dense jungle of Sri Lanka. Its famous large rock shaped like a footprint on its summit is the site of an age-old debate that encompasses the world's major religions. A celestial peak, it is revered by many Buddhists, Hindus and Christians, and a unique journey when it comes to discovering new scenery. It's recommended to be a seasoned hiker or be physically fit, as the summit features a temple reached by climbing 2,500 steps after a four-hour hike.
Before climbing the mountain, the trail's most prominent natural features are its rolling hills and tea and rice plantations.
Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock is one of the most famous hiking trails in Sri Lanka. Amidst thick vegetation and surrounded by towering lush trees stands a large 200-metre high rock, known as Lion's Rock. Renowned as a special symbol in Sri Lankan culture and history, many hikers venture into the jungle to reach this magnificent boulder.
According to historians, this site was occupied by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), who built an impressive fortress on this giant boulder and decorated its sides with frescoes.
This easy-trek trail of 2.7 km and 209 m slopes includes the habitat of 65 endemic bird species, where one can spot raptors such as the Shaheen Falcon, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Grey and Grey-Headed Fish Eagle.
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