Hiking & Trekking in Sri Lanka

With diverse climates and stunning natural beauty, there is no better way of exploring Sri Lanka than an exciting hiking trip. Trekking refers to multi-day hiking excursions through rural and often rugged terrain. It is an ideal manner to discover a country, its people, beliefs and traditions.

Campsites and trails in Sri Lanka have been well planned out in order to provide the nature lover and explorer a memory that will last a lifetime. Necessary measures have been taken in order to ensure the benefit of the local commune and the maximum protection of nature.

There are different forms of hiking opportunities provided. Travellers will have the choice of hiking or trekking in cities and towns that lies within easy reach to the business capital of the country, which is Colombo. For instance, areas like Gampaha are perfect for an easy hiking experience. Such places provide the opportunity to explore the little villages and farms. On the other hand, the Knuckles range which is a staggering 1,863 metres above the Dumbara Valley is a dream come true for the more challenging hiker.

Travellers will also have the opportunity to visit the Wasgamuwa National Park or meet up with the Veddahs who are Sri Lanka’s native folk. The Veddah lives in a territory called Dambana in Mahiyangana. The Knuckles range features a number of allocated trails like the Alugallena Montane Forest Nature Trail. The latter is 5 to 6 hour trail with a distance of 8 kilometres. It begins at Thangappuwa and ends at Alugallena cave. Other allocated trails include Dekinda Stream nature trail. This trail is nearly a 2-kilometre walk via the hill slope of Naela. The trail ends at Dekinda stream. Prior permission is required from the Forest Department in order to enter the forest since the Knuckles range is considered a protected area.

Yet another exciting trek is from Belihul-Oya to the Horton Plains. This is regarded as one of the most picturesque hiking trails complete with wild life, waterfalls, fauna and flora. The list goes on and on as Sri Lanka is renowned for offering its visitors adventure at its very best!  

Adventure in Sri Lanka