Sri Lanka is a small island that is filled with divine beauty. It is well known for its fine beaches, rich culture, delicious food, and incredible hiking trails. These trails offer a unique hiking experience to every adventurer from steep tea estates to scenic mountain tops. In this article, we will share some of the best hiking trails in Sri Lanka and the important information about each trail such as the best time to visit, notable special features, interesting activities, and beautiful sceneries.
Top Hiking Trails In Sri Lanka
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is the only spiritual mountain in the country, with a height of 2,243 meters. It is located in the central hills of Sri Lanka near Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura cities and is the most famous hiking trail in Sri Lanka for its sacred footprint on the summit. Buddhists believe it to be the footprint of Buddha, Hindus believe it to be the footprint of Lord Shiva, and Muslims believe it to be the footprint of Adam and all religious devotees climbing the mountain with the purpose of worshiping the footprint.
The pilgrimage season of the local pilgrims starts in January and lasts till May. But foreign tourists are allowed to hike the mountain throughout the year. Many people start hiking this mountain at mid of night cause they can reach the top at dawn and it gives them the opportunity to see the beautiful sunrise from the top of the mountain.
Best time: May to December (Offseason)
Features: Sacred Footprint, Sunrise, Religious Significance
Activities: Trekking, Pilgrimage
Ella Rock
Ella Rock is a popular mountain located near the popular Ella tourist town. Ella Rock is a moderately challenging climb and It offers a perfect view of the surrounding hills, tea estates, and Little Adam’s Peak. You can see the sunrise from here by climbing the mountain in the dawn and also can see a complete view of the lowlands below the Ella mountain range. The trail to the top of the mountain passes through lush forests, tea plantations, and rocky terrains, giving the trekkers a super experience.
Best time: All year round, but avoid rainy seasons
Features: panoramic views, Sunrise
Activities: Hiking, Photography
Views: Mountains, tea plantations, Little Adam’s Peak, valleys
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sri Lanka. Located between the cities of Kandy and Matale, this mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors with its unique landscapes, abundant biodiversity, and breathtaking views. During the trek, you can see a variety of species of birds and birds, and if you are lucky you will be able to spot leopards and mountain elephants. Tourists are strongly recommended to go with a local guide to hike the Knuckles Mountain range.
Best time: All year round, but avoid heavy monsoons
Features: Cloud forests, diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls
Activities: Hiking, trekking, camping, bird watching
Scenery: Mountains, valleys, tea plantations, waterfalls
Riverstone
Riverstone is an interesting scenic trekking in Sri Lanka with dense fog. This is another part of the Knuckles mountain range located in the central highlands of the Island. Pitawala Pathana, Sera Ella Falls, Bambarakiri Ella, and Thelagamuwa Valley are some of the top tourist attractions that meet during trekking at Riverstone. This humid ecological zone, which is often filled with fog, has a beautiful ecosystem and a high biodiversity. It is extremely suggested that tourists trekking at Riverston with a local guide.
Best time: All year round, but avoid heavy monsoons
Features: Cloud forests, diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, Mini World’s End
Activities: Hiking, trekking, camping, bird watching
Scenery: Mountains, valleys, tea plantations, waterfalls
The Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail is the longest trekking trail in Sri Lanka which goes through the country’s central highlands and has become popular recently. It starts from Kandy Hantana and extends through Horton Plains, Haputale, and Ella to Nuwara Eliya. its total distance is 300 kilometers and consists of 22 stages. National Geographic has added it to the world’s 20 best hiking trails of 2024 because it is a beautiful route to explore Sri Lanka’s most beautiful tea gardens, forests, waterfalls, different climates, and biodiversity.
Best time: All year round
Features: Tea plantations, hill villages
Activities: Walking, hiking
Scenery: Tea plantations, hill villages, scenic spots
Trekking in Sri Lanka is a unique experience where nature and culture are intertwined and whether you are into a challenging hike or an easy and scenic hike, you will now realize that these hiking trails in Sri Lanka are no problem. So, before starting the trek, you should prepare well and be well aware of the weather, the difficulty level of the trails, and your fitness level. Also, ensure your safety by preparing the necessary equipment and food for the trip and taking advice from experienced local mountaineers.