Have you ever thought of arranging a travel bucket list to climb a mountain this year?
This could be your dream traveller moment where you travel for more than your Instagram, more than your YouTube blog, and just for you to feel a sense of achievement!
Sri Lanka, at its best, has an incredible signature in the tropical regions in South Asia. If you want to make your hike happen amidst the lush rainforest, mountains and wild coast, we’ve got you!
1. Knuckles mountain range
Why is the Knuckles mountain range called the “Knuckles”? Fun fact: The range was named due to their resemblance to a clenched fist!
You get to witness mesmerizing views of cascading waterfalls in this beautiful hiking spot, located in Matale, Kandy. As famous as this trekking spot could be, it highlights the ideal spot on the map for adventure and nature exploring for locals and tourists to explore in the countryside of Sri Lanka.
Grab a guide and explore this diversified ecosystem with a very light luggage on your first day of the hike. There are plenty of guides provided by the hotels nearby who will provide you the supplies for the 2nd day. Just like most hiking spots in Sri Lanka, leeches are befriended everywhere. A dettol bottle and some soap/ salt water will help you make it through the hike.
2. Pidurangala Rock
Experience panoramic views of the eclectic city of Dambulla and Sigiriya after a moderate climb on the Pidurangala rock.
The climb on the Pidurangala rock is a 30 minute max hike. There is a million dollar view of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya. This hike is one of those quick climbs you could take for a picturesque Instagram picture you could upload on your feed!
3. Sigiriya
Located in the North Central part of Sri Lanka, an early morning climb to the Sigiriya rock will give you an epic sunrise view that you could not forget!
This incredible archaeological site was designed with the best of architecture by the giants during the time. There are steps carved to make it up to the climb. One of the ways would be to the lion’s paw. That’s where you take your first break. Next, you energize yourself to climb to the actual kingdom of the fortress, where King Kassapa had a view of the kingdom in total.
The climb could get very crowded and could possibly take 2-3 hours to reach the top. It is highly recommended to take a light backpack with your favorite snacks (much preferably healthy and light weight) and water. The weather up there on a sunny day can get you drenched. Sigiriya is one of a kind and would be the best photography spot for you!
4. Ella Rock
Ella Rock is an obvious photogenic location, drawn by many of the tourists who come to visit Sri Lanka.
Truth be told, Ella Rock is not one of those east climbs. The hike is sophisticated due to the unclear directions shown on the trails, with or without a guide. So hikers make their own directions, one of which is a challenge.
The round trip is a 3-5 hour hike that covers around 10 of the floor area. The best recommended hiking hours are in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the scorching Sun. The views are flabbergasting and would take your breath away when you hike during these specified hours. For one, you see an excellent morning sunrise and a delinquent sunset.
Ella rock distinguishes its hike experiences from the other hiking spots. There is a train track which is an excellent trail to explore Ella. Trains very rarely show up in these tracks and even if a train passes by, you will know by the distant horns blaring amidst the natural silence on these mountains.
5. World’s End cliff
Seemingly reviewed as a pretty easy hike spot around the Haputale – Badulla area. This beautiful location is a highly attractive tourist spot and a moderately effort climb.
As recommended, the tropical plains are best to be hiked around 6.30 am in the mornings, so that the mists are explored with the beautiful surroundings of grasslands and spotting a few herbivores animals once in a while.
The trails are known to be clear compared to most hiking spots. Ideal for first time hikers with a guide to explore a safe trekking experience in 2-3 hours.
6. Hawagala Hike
Passing the Belihuloya beauty of cooling waterfalls and exponential routes of rural life and views, Hawagala is a 3 hour climb overlooking the riverston and central terrains of Sri Lanka.
Best to climb this hike with a guide. There are multiple spots of misguided directions. There might be a couple husky looking dogs who will accompany you along the trek. You will probably forget how tired you are once you pass the clear springs of waterfalls trailing down the hidden rocks along the hike.
A light luggage with more water and more salt or soap water to distract the leeches will help you enjoy a perfect climb. Raincoats are always recommended in hikes, but Hawagala is a spot where it could rain unpredictably. Safety shoes are a must.
7. Kabaragala Rock
Kabaragala rock is an ideal camping spot with mesmerizing scenery to enjoy for a special long vacation.
Located in the Sabaragamuwa province, Kabaragala is known to be the highest peak of the Dolosbage mountain. The spectacular pathways of green tea estates and the ultimate Cliff where the most popular Instagram shots are taken, is a dream come true.
Since Kabaragala is the spot for you to camp after a 2 hour hike, it is best to hike in a group with a more hacker luggage if the vacation is spent up there for a while.
Happy hiking 2023!
Shamrina Carim
