If you and your friends prefer adventures over indoor activities, consider hiking as a way to enjoy nature and get away from the city. Sri Lanka offers hiking trails primarily in the Central Province, amid the country’s mountainous terrain. These trails vary in difficulty but are all enjoyable in their own ways.
located near Kandy, Sri Lanka, is one of the more popular hiking spots. The range consists of seven peaks, with Uura Kanda being the tallest at a height of 3,800 ft. Although the climb isn’t too difficult with staircases leading you up to the peak, you’ll reach a point without stairs. You’ll need to exert some effort to reach the top from this point. Uura Kanda is a triangular peak jutting out of the mountain. The hike up to Uura Kanda is pleasant, with plenty of shrubbery and trees to keep you company.
the lesser-known neighbor of the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress is slightly smaller in height but offers a more challenging climb. The rock houses a temple about 500m off the ground, and you can use stairs for about half of the ascent. After the stairs end, you must rely on boulders and rocky walls to reach the top. If you’re interested in culture, you can visit the sleeping Buddha statue inside the rocky cavern, one of the largest of its kind in the country. Despite the effort required to reach the top, the panoramic view of the countryside makes it all worth it.
a quiet rural area is great for those seeking an escape from busier trails. The village of Meemura is nestled in the hills near the Knuckles Mountain Range. The natural pools and waterfalls in the area make Meemura an attractive hiking destination. It’s also a hotspot for rare endemic wildlife, so keep an eye out and have your cameras ready. Through Meemura, you can access the Knuckles Reserve without having to worry about accommodation, as the friendly villagers can arrange it for you. Be sure to visit Dothalugala, a 3-hour trek, which is well-marked to prevent you from getting lost.
located in the Badulla district, is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka at a height of 220m. The hike to the summit takes nearly a couple of hours and is not excessively challenging. Along the way, you can swim in the rock pools to cool down and relax, although it’s best to avoid this during the rainy season. The climate is usually cool and comfortable, making the hike less likely to dehydrate you. At the top, you can enjoy the view of the magnificent waterfall as it drops several hundred feet to the pools below.
is a trail to the second-highest summit on the island, located in Nanu-Oya. It is certainly one of the greatest nature trails you will ever encounter. The trail covers a distance of only 5.6 kilometers and passes through areas of wet lush lands, cloud forests, dazzling blooms, and endemic creatures. Once you reach the summit, you’ll feel the crisp, clean air piercing through your throat. You’ll also enjoy a breathtaking view that stretches for miles, and the majestic feeling of conquering the summit will make you forget all your muscle pains!
