Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that offers a range of scenic landscapes and breathtaking vistas, making it an ideal destination for trekkers and hikers. From lush forests and rolling hills to towering peaks and rugged terrain, there is no shortage of trails to explore in this island nation. Here are the 15 best hikes and treks in Sri Lanka to help you plan your next adventure.
1 Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is one of the most popular and sacred hikes in Sri Lanka, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The trail leads to the summit of the Peak, which stands at 2,243 meters (7,359 feet) tall. The hike is a strenuous climb, taking around 4-5 hours, but the views from the top are truly spectacular. In addition, you can see stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the summit, making it a breathtaking experience.
2 Sinharaja Rainforest
Sinharaja Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places for hiking in Sri Lanka. The rainforest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the hiking trails are well-marked and maintained. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, so there is something for everyone. The best time to visit Sinharaja is from December to April when the weather is dry, and the forest is lush.
3. Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife. The park is home to several hiking trails, including the famous World’s End trail, which takes you to the edge of a cliff with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The hike takes around 2-3 hours and is considered moderate in difficulty, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bit of a challenge.
4. Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock is a popular hike located near the ancient city of Sigiriya. The walk is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it. You can see stunning panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding countryside from the summit. The hike takes around 1-2 hours and is best done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat
5. Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain Range is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is a popular hiking destination. The range is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, and the hiking trails are well-marked and maintained. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, so there is something for everyone. The best time to visit the Knuckles Mountain Range is from February to June when the weather is dry, and the views are clear.
6. Ella Rock ( Mini Adam’s Peak )
Ella Rock is a popular hike located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The trail leads to the rock’s summit, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The walk is considered moderate in difficulty and takes around 2-3 hours. From the forum, you can see the beautiful town of Ella and the rolling hills of the central highlands.
7. Dolukanda Hike
Dolukanda is a beautiful and relatively unknown hiking destination located in the heart of Sri Lanka. This mountain is located near the city of Kandy and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
The trail to the summit of Dolukanda begins in a small village and winds through rolling hills and lush forests. The hike is well-marked and maintained, making it easy to follow even for those with limited hiking experience. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and see the local way of life, giving you a unique insight into the culture of Sri Lanka.
At the summit of Dolukanda, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The summit is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenery. From the summit, you can see the distant peaks of the central highlands and the lush forests below.
One of the best things about Dolukanda is that it still needs to be discovered, so you won’t have to compete with crowds of tourists for the best views. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more peaceful and serene hiking experience.
8. Hanthana Hike
Hanthana is a popular hiking destination located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is considered a moderate to strenuous trail. The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours, making it a full-day adventure.
The trail to the summit of Hanthana begins in the city of Kandy and winds through tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll pass by small villages and have the opportunity to see the local way of life and experience the culture of Sri Lanka.
At the summit of Hanthana, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The summit is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenery. From the summit, you can see the distant peaks of the central highlands and the lush forests below.
One of the best things about Hanthana is that it offers a range of hiking options, from easy trails to more challenging routes. This makes it an ideal destination for hikers of all levels and ages. In addition, the tracks are well-marked and maintained, making it easy to follow even for those with limited hiking experience.
9. Riverston
Riverston is a beautiful and relatively unknown hiking destination located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This mountain is located near the city of Matale and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The hike is moderate to strenuous and takes around 4-5 hours to complete.
The trail to the summit of Riverston begins in a small village and winds through rolling hills and lush forests. The hike is well-marked and maintained, making it easy to follow even for those with limited hiking experience. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and see the local way of life, giving you a unique insight into the culture of Sri Lanka.
At the summit of Riverston, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The summit is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenery. From the summit, you can see the distant peaks of the central highlands and the lush forests below.
One of the best things about Riverston is that it still needs to be discovered, so you won’t have to compete with crowds of tourists for the best views. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a more peaceful and serene hiking experience.
10. Haputhale Trekking
Haputhale is a beautiful and serene hiking destination in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is considered a moderate to strenuous trail. The trek takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete, making it a full-day adventure.
The trail to the summit of Haputhale begins in the small village of the same name and winds its way through tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll pass by small villages and have the opportunity to see the local way of life and experience the culture of Sri Lanka.
At the summit of Haputhale, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The summit is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenery. From the summit, you can see the distant peaks of the central highlands and the lush forests below.
11. Bathalegala Mountian ( Bible Rock)
In the Kegalle District of Sabaragamuwa Province, close to Aranayake, is the 798-meter-tall Bathalegala mountain. People on the A1 main road between Colombo (the Bandaranaike Airport or the Pinnawela Orphanage) and Kandy would recall the 20 km-long winding roads with the most incredible incline. The village uphill from this historic crossing is known as Kadugannawa. You have a beautiful view of the western highlands from Kadugannawa Pass. However, the most distinctive Peak in this landscape is Bathalegala, with its conspicuous cliffs and flat top surface.
12. Great Western
The huge Great Western Mountain, which rises to a height of 2,216 metres and is enveloped in cloud forests and heavy plumes of mist, towers over the Great Western train station and tea estate. The seventh-highest Peak in Sri Lanka is called Great Western; although it is a pleasant trek, it is relatively steep and calls for power and experience. A modest Hindu Kovil (temple) with colourful walls that stand out against the surrounding vegetation is reached along a route that starts along the railway tracks. A set of stairs next to the Kovil leads up to the woodland and the designated hiking track. From then on, you’ll be hiking through a thick forest, so that a machete will come in handy.
Depending on how many stops you take and how quickly you trek, the entire hike will take between 5 and 6 hours, and as you ascend, the terrain gets rougher, necessitating the use of a rope.
13. Yahanagala
One of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating and challenging mountains to climb is Yahanagala. The demon king Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana is thought to have died here. However, some devout Ravana believers think he is just sleeping before he awakens. Yahangala, rising from the grassy plains of the Central Province, is believed to be his ultimate resting place. The rock is also thought to be guarded by a native deity, and it is supposed that only travellers with good intentions can pass through. As a result, most visitors leave an offering at a temporary shrine.
Yahangala appears to be unlike any other peak; it has a flat hilltop that nearly seems to have been severed, covered in covering vegetation, while the sides are made of naked, ash-grey rock. The mountain is more complex to climb; at 1,220m, it is challenging even for the most seasoned hiker. Be sure to go with a guide, as it is pretty simple to get lost. Try ascending the mountain as early as possible because this area frequently experiences dense clouds of mist.
14. Kodiyara Gala
The tiny town of Mandaram Nuwara, one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque and secluded communities, is tucked away in the lush hills of the Nuwara Eliya District. Mandaram Nuwara, sometimes known as the “Foggy City,” is encircled by substantial misty mountains. Although the village is supposed to have roots that go back to the reign of King Ravana, the surrounding steep mountains and numerous flowing waterfalls make it so beautiful.
You can climb one of the peaks in this area, Kodiyara Gala, and take in stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in the nation. While the hike may not be as challenging as Yahangala, it is still not recommended for inexperienced hikers because it can be taxing. However, camping in the mountain’s foothills and hiking through the Kodiyara forest until you reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with one of the island’s most picturesque views, is one of the most popular ways to walk the mountain.
15. Lakegala
Meemure, Lakegala, located not far from the borders of the Kandy and Mathale districts and rising 1494 feet above sea level, is considered the pride or dream of rock climbers in Sri Lanka. The Knuckles mountain range’s twelfth-highest summit, this hill is the most challenging one for rock climbers. Ilakkagala, Lanka Pabbatha, Lakgala, Sumudumalaya, and Samudragiri are a few names it has gone by throughout history. However, only in March through April and August through September is it accessible to climbers, who are discouraged from doing so in the wet and windy months. The first person to climb it was a British governor named E.T. Dison.
After a trek of sweat and maximum stamina, the scenery from the top of Lakegala is surprisingly beautiful and heartwarming. Mother nature must have been lucky to provide you with the opportunity to see such a fantastic event since it undoubtedly holds your breath for a few minutes. Reaching the summit of Lakegala is comparable to conquering life by overcoming ostensible barriers with self-confidence and charged motivation, reflecting the truth of our human life with its millions of challenges.
16. Algama Mountain Hike
Are you tired of city life and ready to explore the great outdoors? If so, Algama hiking is the perfect activity for you. Algama hiking refers to hiking in the Western region, located within 1-hour drive from Colombo and known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and challenging terrain.
Before heading out on your hike, planning and preparing appropriately is essential. Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and gear, such as a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a hat and sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks. It’s also good to inform someone of your hiking plans, including your intended route and estimated return time.
When hiking in the Algama region, there are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to strenuous mountain ascents. Some popular trails include the Algama Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Algama Falls Trail, which leads to a scenic waterfall.
Article by
Ravindu Dilshan Illangakoon
As co-founder and Head of Content at Sri Lanka Travel Pages, I ensure that every blog post we publish is AMAZING.