Sri Lanka offers great opportunities for those who are keen hikers. There is a plethora of opportunities awaiting in Sri Lanka due to its diversity of terrain. You can trek through the hills, paddy fields, tea plantations, spice gardens, dense forests, streams and waterfalls. The tropical island of Sri Lanka brings to pass an exceptional experience that can’t be found any other way. Sri Lanka is a unique hiking destination as it offers hikes for all levels of experiences, from soft and easy walks to more difficult and intense hikes. The country has over 400 waterfalls, which is included in plenty of hikes around the island, mainly the central highlands.
With Sri Lanka’s wide vistas – sweeping mountains, tea estates, waterfalls and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets (need we say more?) – an avid hiker is spoilt for choice. If you’re one of those people who is looking for a great adventure but didn’t know where to go and how to begin, here are a few suggestions.
Sinharaja Rainforest Sinharaja Rainforest which translates to “Lion Kingdom”, is noted as a National Heritage Wilderness site covers an area of over 8800 hectares of rich biodiversity. It is the largest great lowland in Southern Asia making it a remarkable site for eco-tourists, naturalists and scientists. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve represents the islands only rainforest and is a living treasure trove of an untouched ecosystem. The rainforest is of international significance and was designated a Biosphere Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sinharaja Rainforest that comprises of a series valleys, ridges and mountain peaks offers numerous trails scattered by waterfalls and streams for hiking and trekking. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, as the reserve is home to over 50% of the country’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. It also home to over 60% of trees that are endemic and many of them are rare.
Knuckles Mountains Range The Knuckles Mountain Range spreads over 234 square kilometers and is one of the most picturesque hiking sites of Sri Lanka. As the name suggests, it forms the shape of a human fist. Knuckles Mountain Range is a World Heritage Conservation Area that features 34 mountain peaks ranging in height between 1900 meters and 900 meters. The Range has five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna with some breathtaking mountain scenery. The name “Knuckles” was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents traditionally refer to it as “Dumbara Kanduvatiya” meaning “Mist-laden Mountain Range”.The best time for trekking at the Knuckles Mountain Range is from March to May and June to September due to the possibility of rain being low to no rain at all. December to February and September to November are not the best times as there is a possibility of rain being moderate and the view not being that great. Knuckles range is home to mammals such as wild boar, giant squirrel, barking deer, spotted deer, mongoose, purple faced leaf monkey and the porcupine are found here.
Horton Plains National Park Horton Plains National Park offers exquisite hikes in an unusual environment, with forest patches, grasslands and high altitude vegetation. The region was designated as a national park in 1988. Some of the highlights of Horton Plains include the beautiful Baker’s Falls and the dramatic 880 meter drop at Worlds End. The high altitude allows the growth of the world-renowned Ceylon Tea. The national park is headwaters to three major rivers in Sri Lanka – the Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe. There is an altitude of 2100-2300 meters, has many species endemic to the region and is rich in biodiversity. The Horton Plains was named in the British period after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, the British Governor of Ceylon. Almost 54 woody plant species have been recorded from the park, of which 27 – 50% - are endemic to Sri Lanka. The annual temperature is 13oC but it varies noticeably during the course of the day For Sri Lankans, Horton Plains is very significant in their History and Culture. There is a significant folk story behind Horton Plains National Park. It is believed that “Thotupola” mountain used to be the place where King Rawana landed his aircraft. The story goes that King Rawana kidnapped Sitha, who happened to be the wife of Rama as revenge of cutting King Rawana’s sisters nose. It aggravated Rama in India and he led an army consisting of monkey-like-humans, whose leader was Hanuman. As the story, Hanuman set fire to the Horton Plains and that fire lasted a significant amount of time. The original name given to the plains “Maha Eliya Thenna” carries the meaning, “The hugely lighten ground”. Even now the up most layer of the soil can be seen as blackish grey color.