For a more intimate view of Sri Lanka it is better
to rely on your own feet!
Trekking through the countryside and villages enables
you to enjoy and interact with the environment and people better
than any other activity.
You will probably also be amazed by the huge range of smiling
faces in the countryside.
The main trekking center in Sri Lanka is Kitulgale,
the starting point for a variety of treks into the Hill Country.
Decent hiking maps are hard to come by in Kirulgala
itself, though there is a good four-piece country map available
from the Survey Department in Colombo.
Local villagers, however, are more than willing
to help you navigate, though try to be patient.
The most famous route for a good, stiff hike is up Sri Lanka's
most sacred mountain, the Adam's Peak, which is the site for
many a pilgrim between January and April.
You will be rewarded with breath-taking views.
Especially at dawn when you are treated to an extremely fine
view - the hill country raises to the east, while to the west
the land slopes away to the sea.
There are also numerous walking tours to try
in Sri Lanka's many National
Parks.
