Trekking & Hiking
in Sri Lanka
For the keen hiker, there is a plethora of opportunities awaiting in Sri Lanka's diverse and luscious hill country.
The river and numerous waterfalls in Sri Lanka are another key attraction that allows hikers and trekkers to enjoy a refreshing dip en-route!
The attractive area of BANDARAWELA, in Sri Lanka 's mountainous terrain and the nearby town of Ella are renowned for their many walks, including Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and the Namunukula Mountain Range. If you're in the Kandy vicinity, don't miss out on exploring the beautiful KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE.
The region stretches an impressive 155 sq km, with five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a real paradise for hikers, offering numerous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens. A hiking tour in Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without a visit to the fascinating SINHARAJA RAINFOREST where a variety of trails can be tailor-made to meet the specific interests/fitness levels of the group.
All Hiking Packages can easily be combined with one of our Sri Lanka Tours.
ELLA / BANDARAWELA TREKKING TOUR (3d/2n)
Day 1:
Arriving at the campsite in time for a late lunch.
AFTERNOON AND EVENING AT LEISURE to soak up the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of this uniquely picturesque location, over-looking the Namunukula mountain range. Why not take a walk through the shady forests of pine trees, explore the nearby paddy fields or simply relax on the spacious porch area and enjoy the peace and quiet! The area is name according to the Sinhalese word for waterfall and the Sri Lankan kital tree. At an altitude of 1230 metres, Kital-Ella has an extremely pleasant climate, with warm (but not humid) days and cool nights.
Enjoy a nutritious evening meal and a good night's sleep in preparation for the activities of the next day.
Day 2:
Depart the camp between 8 and 9 am after a hearty breakfast, and head off on the winding bicycle track down to Ella from Kital-Ella. Along the way there will be a chance to stop for drinks, admire the wonderful views and take photos, and even to visit to the tea plantation that the bicycle trail passes through.
Having arrived at the town of Ella (approx 4 km from Kital-Ella camp, guests can continue on their bikes along the road to the Rawana Ella Falls , looking down into the famous "Ella Gap" (although this part of the journey can be done in the 4WD if guests would prefer). En route we will visit the Rawana Ella Buddhist temple, which is part of a monastery and is linked to a cave that, according to local legend, was the cave in which Rawana kept Sita captive in the famous Rama-Rawana story. Arriving at the Rawana Ella Falls during the late morning, guests can either choose to admire them from the base of the falls, or for the more adventurous (and depending on whether it is the wet or dry season) one can venture up the steep route that runs alongside it.
Return to the camp (all up hill on the way back!) in time for lunch and time for relaxation.
In the afternoon at approx. 3 pm , depart on foot from the camp for a 2 - 3 hour hiking trail. The trail takes us through tea plantations, paddy fields, near village houses and vegetable plots, and dense forests of finas trees. For the more adventurous, one can climb the steep route up Ella Rock, with the worthwhile reward of panoramic views into Ella Gap at the top of the strenuous climb. From the top, one can see the town of Ella off to the left, as well as the roof of the temple (visited earlier on in the day). This trip up and down Ella Rock adds another hour or so onto the basic trail.
Arrive back at the camp, having worked up a good appetite during the day's activities and enjoy a warm shower and tasty meal to round off the day.
Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja’ means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest.
Day 3:
After breakfast, guests will depart to their next destination
Accommodation:
Accommodation - 2/4 persons in an insect & waterproof tent
Hot meals will be prepared at the site by professional cooks.
Toilet facilities - toilet tent and pit. [Camping commodes]
Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be carried by clients.
Insect repellent, Sunburn lotion etc. are recommended.
only US$ 265 / 3 days (per person)
- Campsite fees and all the rates applicable in the range.
- Accommodation in a camping tent with meals, on full board basis at Riverston.
- Unlimited number of trekking trails.
- Experienced local guides for all the nature trails.
- Services of a naturalist.
- All government taxes
- Transportation up to the camp.
- Any additional beverages or food, ordered extra.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any personal effects not mentioned here.