Sri Lanka being one of the most sought-after holiday destinations, out of most of the adventurous and adrenaline filled journeys, the Jungle trekking and hiking is a pervasive experience in Sri Lanka. Trekking through the thick foliage of the towering trees in the vividly green Hot and Wet Evergreen Forests take you into a wholly new spectrum of indigenous fauna, wildlife, waterfalls and many other surprises. The most rewarding of all being the tranquillity of being able to watch nature undisturbed firsthand.
Trekking and Camping sites - Sri Lanka
The soar of feet anesthetised by the intoxicating night stars
Some of the places that would interest both the beginners and the nature lovers for trekking in this tropical paradise are:
- World’s End/Hortons Plain National Park
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Belihuloya
- Ella Rock
- Kitulgala Rainforest Trekking
- Adam’s Peak
- Knuckles Ranges
- Meemure
- Ohiya
- Yala National Park
(Please note that the above locations are in no means ordered in any manner hence each location has its own attractions that can strike out the others. So make it a point to visit all the places without fail!!!)
World’s End/Hortons Plain National Park
Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World heritage site is a picturesque of nature with added flamboyance through the endemic birds, mammals, reptiles and fauna. It is one of the most beautiful Hill Country locations in the country with splendid waterfalls and thick forests and grasslands. On the plane is the unforgettable hiking tour to discover the majestic beauty of World’s End, which is a sheer cliff located in the national park.
The Horton Plains are the sources of three major rivers of Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are known as Maha Eliya Plains. The mornings and evenings are engulfed by the murky mists over the plains which can hinder vision to the nearest 3-5 meters distance. Worlds End is the perfect trekking track that encompasses of all attractions one would need to witness on a journey such as waterfalls, reservoirs, streams, wildlife, birds, and the unforgettable breath-taking view at the edge of the steep precipice.
The plains boast of its fauna and flora especially as an important Bird Area with 21 species of endemic birds in Sri Lanka and a few of them only found at Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.
The ultimatum epitome of the Horton Plains is the Worlds End that curls though for at least 9.5 km. The hike is about 4km to the sheer precipice from where it loops to the Bakers falls where one can enjoy the cascading waterfall in about 2km. On returning back to the entrance it would take another 3.5km. This hotspot even occupies one of the choicest viewpoints in “Lonely Planet”. The exquisite scenic view from the top, tower above the town Balangoda along with an eagle eye view of the panoramic waves of green mountains screening around.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The Sinharaja forest is the largest forest reserve in Sri Lanka. This forest reserve is home to the endemic nature and is a delightful paradise to the bird lowers. The forest boasts of the pristine and natural eco system embedded within the reserve designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.
From trees to birds to fauna and flora, the diversity and endemism of this uncanny forest is baffling. Alongside are the rivers and the cascading water falls to rejuvenate within.
Sinharaja boasts of the complex and diverse ecosystem consisting of five levels of canopy of which every level is an empire in its own right. Skilfully meandering through the lush forest, following the natural trails, would lead you to breath-taking panorama and vistas, gigantic trees with a thick foliage endowing shadows upon the below creatures and flowing streams witnessing the epitome of ecological evolution.
For camping and trekking, the paths can get dangerously slippery and will be laden with leaches due to the wet conditions. Hence its advisable to gearup with all necessities for the adventure.
Belihuloya River Camping
Between the Dry and Wet zones of Sri Lanka lies the small village of Belihuloya in the Rathnapura District approximately 150 Km from Colombo. Situated at an elevation of over 600m, the climatic conditions favour well for natural vegetation due to the weather conditions being perfect for the ecosystem. The hot and wet ever green forest foster large savannas, grasslands and montane temperate forests.
The village is in very close proximity (within a radius of 10km) to several natural attractions such as the Pahanthuda Ella, Surathalee Ella, Papulagala Ella, Brampton tea estate, Hirikatuwa Oya etc. (Ella refers to Waterfall in the Sinhalese language)
The name Belihuloya is derived from the name of the river “Belihul Oya” that flows through the village harbouring lovely natural rock pools where two streams meet with its pristine waters making it the perfect hotspot for a splash and canoeing. It is a perfect camping site for those who just wish to get away from the city buzz and stay by a river with the shade of mighty trees that still allows the right rays whilst the dusking night encamps with its lustrous jewels looking upon you engulfing into a spectacular aura.
Ella Rock
Situated in the UVA province of Sri Lanka is the Spectre of the typical countryside view of seas of tea plantations, battered by the whistling winds making the meadows and grassland sway like green waves.
The monumental 9 arch bridge with rail tracks is another epic scene and is bragged by most travellers/bloggers who visit Ella. For those who have watched Harry Potter, it should ring a bell of the train to Hogwarts (Glenfinnan Viaduct-Scotland).
The breath-taking panoramic view at the zenith of the peak stands out for most hikers who make it to the top and will never regret the time spent throughout life. The mornings may start with mist and dew but along the day, becomes brighter with the shining sun and towards the evening can get foggy. The best time to visit would be the early mornings before the sun rises and the enchanting ore of beauty of the rays will crack open that chakra of peace and tranquillity.
Kitulgala Rainforest
The scenic and tranquil village of Kitulgala is situated west of Sri Lanka, 95 km from Colombo in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The forest reserve covers approximately 1,155 hectares of natural vegetation being home to a multitude of rare and endemic wildlife. A fun fact Kitulgala is well known for is in the famous World War II epic film “The Bridge over the River Kwai” where a bridge was blown up for the movie.
Kitulgala is renowned for the Adventurous white water rafting in the Kelani River that flows through the village. If you are up to some adventure in tandem with camping this place has a deal that can never be declined.
For those who are pumped with adrenaline the platter is laid with White Water Rafting, Flat Water Rafting, Waterfall Rappelling, Jungle trekking, river baths, Trekking to Waterfalls, Adventure Jumps & slides in natural ponds, River Expeditions, Mountain biking, and then for limbering down one may visit prehistoric caves, Forest Camp and enjoy Bird Watching.
Adams Peak
Adams Peak, Samanala Kanda or Sri Pada are some of the names this peak in known by due to several religious and cultural beliefs. The peak is a popular tourist destination amongst the locals as well as for foreigners. The peak can take from 3 to 4 hours to complete the 5200 (Approx.) flight of stairs to the top. The sunrise is what most travellers wish to see hence would start their journey up the cliff late at night in order to witness the rising sun. The full moons (also known as Poya Days) and the Sinhala Tamil New Year can be a crowded time having to wait longer to reach the top. The trekking will be through the dense forest up the peak. During off seasons, alternative routes are taken to reach the top.
Being one of the most popular tourist trails in Sri-Lanka, with the hike to Adams Peak at night, one can make it to the peak to enjoy the spectacle of the aurora of daybreak. Adams Peak or Sri Padas has an important significance for all major religions of the country. While Buddhists claim that it is the left foot of Lord Buddha, Hindus believe it to be Lord Shivas footprint. Muslims and Christians believe it was Adams first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden. Hence the pilgrims that congregate to reach the peak as a ritual too to see the giant foot print.
The hike can get crowded with the locals on holidays such as Full Moon Poya days, holidays, festivities and certain seasons as well. So make sure to choose the least busiest times for a serene climb.
Knuckles Ranges
Between the Matale and the Kandy Districts lies the Knuckles Mountain Range in central Sri Lanka. Whilst this name Knuckles was assigned by early British surveyors due to the mountains taking the shape of human knuckles when viewed from certain places of Kandy, the native residents have traditionally referred to the area as “Dumbara Kanduvetiya” meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range.
The Knuckles range attracts the finest of natural attractions in Sri Lanka which encompasses of grasslands, waterfalls, rivers such as the Mahaweli, endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs only found in these forests and the wildlife such as the purple face monkeys, jackals, different lizards and wild boars making it stand out as one of the remarkable places to visit.
It takes an experienced Hikers to get to the vast range due to its extreme conditions but for ones who are looking out for that experience for the first time, its best you get a guide to help out and thereafter any hiking will be a piece of cake.
The access to this range can be through several avenues such as Matale via Rattota / Riversten or Wattegama through Panwila. The other entrance is via Hunnasgiriya, which is closer to Kandy and through Corbett’s gap revealing the mesmerizing gigantic range. On reaching the peak, its obvious to notice the strong blowing winds and the cold climate as well. With several attractions with in reachable distance, such as the mini worlds end one could feel the true essence of nature through the music of the lofty winds.
Meemure
In the remotest of places deep between the Kandy and Matale district lies the small lazy village “Meemure” packed with a kaleidoscopic picturesque of natural attractions and the much-famed Hospitality of the natives. The photo worthy vista of natural beauty hosts the Great Knuckles range that lures the viewers with the enchanting music of nature, making it the ideal camping site.
This isolated village with its pristine biodiversity is a paradise for campers and hikers who wish to spend a night. Passing through the meandering pathways, explore the lovey rivers, waterfalls and the wildlife of the dense forests. For those with a knack for historical annals, the villagers may open up to the folklores of Ravana from the Ramayana and the ancient king Vijaya who banished his wife and children to this part of the country.
Ohiya
In the countryside situated in the Badulla district of the UVA province sprouts the quaint village Ohiya. The Ohiya railway station is said to be the 3rd highest in the country at about 5800ft above sea level which itself speaks volumes about the scenic location. The railroad from Colombo to Ohiya meander through some of the picturesque views of the countryside through rough cut tunnels in the mountains, waving shrubs, grass and bushes brushing along the railway and the steep mountains at the edge of the roller coaster ride.
That been said, the introduction on the path to the village itself boast of the beauty of Ohiya at the peak of the mountains. Bag packers and solo travellers make it a bucket list point to visit Ohiya and conquer themselves. Undoubtedly, Ohiya is a predominant hotspot for ultimate adventurers who have an irresistible impulse for trekking, hiking, camping and mountaineering, especially through the thick forests while being surrounded by natures epic miracles leaving you gasp in awe
Yala National Park
If you are the kind of person who enjoys dry climate with along with wild life safaris, the Yala National Park is an ideal place for you. To experience the wild life of the jungle grass land, you may have to embark in the forest for at least 2 to 3 days to experience the life in a natural grass land.
Being home for the Sri Lankan Leopard, getting a glimpse of one can be a challenge so the stay of 2 to 3 days can reward you with this majestic wild cat and many other birds and mammals.
The park is packed with adventure and also has bungalows within, where visitors can stay for up to 3 nights. At the vicinity, Jungle Cabins, boat houses and tree houses are no exceptions to this and for those with a bucket list to spend a romantic night if not an adventurous morning amidst the jungle, please feel free to contact us and we will help you with a nostalgic memory that you would write in golden ink.
It is a refreshing retreat for those who are desperately in quest to unwind their souls, usually tired of the hectic metropolitan life and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Sri Lanka without any doubt is home to some of the most scenic places in the world and the most amazing aspect of it is that no matter what the weather is, you will see views which will nostalgically be imprinted for a lifetime. No matter how many days you spend at these serene and tranquil destinations, the soul in you will be enchanted and bewitched to extend the stay; a payoff for inner peace and calm being invaluable.