Best Hiking Places in Kandy

Hiking Places in Kandy

Looking for the best hiking places in Kandy? If yes, you are in the correct place. This post will go over the top six hiking and trekking spots in and around Kandy. According to us

Here are the best hiking places in Kandy and its surrounding areas.

  • Hanthana Mountain Range
  • Pettigala
  • Knuckles Five Peaks
  • Alagalla
  • Yahangala and Kehelpathdoruwa
  • Dothalugala

We will go into greater detail about these 06 locations from here, but if you are really interested in them, we recommend that you read more about them.

Hanthana Mountain Range

Hanthana Mountain Range is a very popular destination among hikers in Sri Lanka. It is situated very close to Kandy City. You can observe this mountain range from the city. The radio transmission towers on the mountain range will definitely catch your eye as you look towards the entire range. It’s not difficult to reach the place.

There are 4 main routes to go there;

  • Peradeniya-Sarasawigama Route
  • Mahakanda – Sarasawigama Route
  • Galaha – Delthota Route
  • Hanthana – Uduwela Route

The Hanthana-Uduwela Route is the simplest of the four. It’s a few-hour, moderately difficult hike. After reaching the first peak, you can trek long distances along the whole mountain range. Uragala is the highest point, with an elevation of 1240 m.

Katusukonda is the most attractive spot for adventure in the Hanthana Range. It is a narrow footpath on the edge of a large rock that is ideal for adventure lovers. There is a sudden change in weather on the top of the range. As a result, it is best to go on a hike after considering the weather forecast. You can observe the entire Kandy city from the Hanthana. This is certainly one of the best hiking places in Kandy for sure. 

Related: Hanthana Mountain Tekking with Mahaweli.

Pettigala

Pettigala Mountain is 20 kilometers away from Kandy. To reach there, you should first visit Digana Town via the A26 route. You’ll need to travel another 5 kilometers to get there. Before Pettigala, you are entering the Bambaragala Raja Maha Viaharaya. It is a historically important temple because of the old temple. During your hike, you can visit the Bamabragala Raja Maha Viharaya with devotion.

Hiking to Pettigala is not much of a difficult effort. It is easy, and you have to travel around 1 km to reach its top. The height of the mountain is 760 meters, and anyone can go to the top without any problem. You will meet two ancient caves called ‘Indrasala Guhawa” and “Sithuwam Lena” during this trek.

The top view is absolutely fantastic, and you can observe Victoria Reservoir from there. wonderful spot to relax and take in the scenery. You can view the Knuckles Mountain range and the surrounding mountains from there.

Knuckles Five Peaks

The Knuckles Mountain Rage has spread to Kandy and Matale districts. You can enter the Knuckles range by traveling around 30 to 40 kilometers from Kandy. Knuckles Five Peaks are the most popular hiking spot in the Knuckles Massif, with an elevation of 1863 m. It is the second-highest point in the entire range by elevation. For the travelers, it is a much more difficult hike and a much longer trek.

There are two major routes to reach the Knuckles Five Peaks. one from Wattegama-Bambarella and the other from Teldeniya-Thangappuwa. The best route to follow is the first one. The Dawatagala Nature Trail serves as the starting point for the trek. You will meet a beautiful waterfall called ‘Knuckles Falls’ during your trail. The hike is easy at the start and then gradually gets harder when the elevation goes up. You can reach the first peak within 2 hours. According to your preferences, you can cover all five peaks in a single day. Second Peak is the highest point and offers the best views. From there, you can view most of the Knuckles Mountain Range.

Alagalla

Another popular hiking destination in Kandy or Sri Lanka is Alagalla. It is a moderately difficult hike with a duration of 2–4 hours. There are two major routes to reach the mountain. One comes from Ihala Kotte Railway Station, while the other comes from Poththapitiya Village. But the most famous route is from Ihala Kotte station. You can reach the station easily via the Kandy-Colombo Railway route.

The hike starts near the Alagalla Tea Factory, and both routes join together there. You have to follow a small footpath to reach the mountain. Because of the steep slope, the later part of the hike is much more difficult. The elevation of the highest point is 1140 m. You can observe a scenic view from the top of the mountain, where you can identify most of the Kagalle and Kandy districts. It is a superb place for adventurous hikers.  So, don’t miss this place if you are seeking best hiking places in Kandy or Sri Lanka. 

Yahangala & Kehelpathdoruwa

Both Yahangala and Kehelpathdoruwa are the two neighboring mountains on the south-eastern side of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Those two peaks are now really popular among local hikers and trekkers. Yahangala (1220 m) is a popular place where it combines with the epic tale of Ravana. The mountain is very hard to climb and needs a proper guide to reach its top. Kehelpathdoruwa (1485 m) is not much harder to climb, and you can trek long distances to reach its top.

To get to those two mountains, you must travel about 60 kilometers to the eastern side of the Kandy district. Therefore, you should first come to Udadumbara, a small town, and then travel to Kalugala, a small village. From there, the trail will start, and it takes around 12 hours to complete the whole journey.

Dothalugala

Dothalugala is another beautiful mountain in the Knuckles Mountain range. To reach there, you should enter Knuckles Range through Hunnagiriya. The distance from Kandy is 50 kilometers. The trail will start from Deanston Village, and you will need to trek around 3 km to reach its top from there. It’s not much harder to climb, and there is a well-maintained footpath available for visitors. The place is not very popular among most travelers. Rather, describe it as a hiking destination; a nature trail is an excellent way to introduce the area.

Dothalugala is a biodiversity hotspot. Here you can identify rare flora and fauna. It is one of the two places where you can go camping in the Knuckles Mountain range. Dothalu Ella is a nice little waterfall that you will meet during your trek. So, finally, we can recommend that Dothalugala is one of the finest hiking places in Kandy district.

Final Words

Here are the six best hiking places in Kandy and its surroundings. If you are a foreigner, then you should have a local guide with you to visit these places. Apart from these six places, there are a few rare hiking spots also available around Kandy. We haven’t included them because they are best suited for experienced hikers. If this post would satisfy your requirements, then we request that you share this article with your friends on social media.

(Cover Image Credit: Isuru B Rathnayake)

Sigiriya Village Tour (Habrana) with Mahaweli Tours and Holidays

Sigiriya Village Tour

Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you an exciting and memorable experience, for sure. This guide will give you all the information regarding the tour.

Introduction to Sri Lanka Tours

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean with a total area of 65610 sq km. It is a rich nation in lovely beaches, scenic landscapes, amazing wildlife, and cultural heritage. It is a worthwhile decision to visit Sri Lanka in 2022 and beyond. There is no matter whether you are a foodie traveler, an adventure lover, a beach lover, or a wildlife enthusiast. Sri Lanka is the best place for all these activities. The island is now free from COVID-19 and welcomes tourists with great hospitality.

Our Village Tour in Sigiriya

If you are interested in experiencing traditional Sri Lankan culture, you should definitely visit a Sri Lankan village or a remote area.Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you opportunities to listen closely to villagers and their normal lifestyle, which they have been surviving for thousands of years.

You can spend a few hours with villagers to learn about their daily lives. You can enjoy sightseeing paddy fields, chena cultivation, poultry keeping, and beekeeping during your Sigiriya village tour. Activities such as bullock cart riding and traditional catamaran riding will also provide you with unforgettable experiences.

The visitors will also participate in learning how to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. Here you can take part in its activities and finish up with delicious Sri Lankan dishes. Finally, you will take the buffet lunch that you worked on.

Highlights of Our Sigiriya Village Tour

Dates and times are available all year.
Time: It is preferable to begin after 11.30 a.m.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Meals Included: Sri Lankan Lunch
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dress code: Casual dresses with shoes, sunglasses, and caps and hats if required since it is an outdoor activity taking place during the middle of the day.
Tour Type: Private
Guided Tour: Yes. Tour guide will accompany the guests,s and there will be local guides to explain each activity.

Activities / Places Nearby

Image Gallery

Arugam Bay Beach in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It’s a beach with a beautiful shoreline. The place is hugely famous among local and international surfers, where it is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Sri Lanka and the world. Therefore, Arugam Bay is busy with surfers during the season.

Arugam Bay beach is situated in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka, 320 km away from Colombo. The distance from Ella is 134 km, and the distance from Kandy is 213 km. For that, you should first come to Pothuvil, and then you should travel 4-5 km to reach the place. The surrounding area is home to a diverse religious population, the majority of whom are Muslims.

The beach is so attractive and superb for water activities. The blue ocean with gently rolling waves is ideal for swimming with joy. White sands are great for doing beach volleyball and football with your buddies. There are many restaurants, hotels, and guest houses available for the visitors. You can stay or take your food from there. The nights are also busy with travelers. It’s fantastic if you can stay there late at night around the bonfire.

As we mentioned earlier, it is an awesome place for surfing. During the season, the beach hosts a number of international surfing competitions. Beginners can also learn to surf, and there are numerous surfing schools to help them. You can rent surfboards and ride the waves until you’re exhausted. The lifeguards are always waiting to help you during the season, so you don’t want to fear surfing. Arugam Bay’s season runs from June to September.

Arugam Bay is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, where the average rainfall is around 1250 mm and the average temperature is around 28 °C. As a result, you will experience hot and humid conditions the majority of the time. The wet season begins in November and lasts until February.

Other than the beach, there are some nice places to travel around Arugam Bay. Baby Point, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, Kumana National Park, and Elephant Point are some of the places to visit nearby.

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Related Article: Beautiful Beaches in Sri Lanka

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(Cover Image Source: Pearl Exp from Facebook) 

White Water Rafting and Outdoor Adventure Tour at Ulapane

Whaite Water Rafting Ulapane

White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka

White Water Rating is an adventure activity with lots of excitement and joy. It is a water activity that is an interesting thing to do in Sri Lanka. Being an island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is renowned as a beach paradise. But the country is rich in cascading waterfalls, scenic mountains, cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife.

There are more than 100 rivers all around Sri Lanka. Some topographical features of some of those rivers have made them ideal spots to do whitewater rafting. It is a challenging activity for newbies. The Kelani River, Mahaweli River, Kotmale River, and Sitawaka River are the most suitable rivers for this activity. Kithulgala is the best and most famous place for whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka. The Kelani River is flowing through Kithulgala, where it has created the best spots for whitewater rafting.

White Water Rafting in Ulapane

After the Kithulgala, Ulapane is another nice place to do whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka. The Mahaweli river flows through Ulapane before reaching the Gampola area. The water’s flowing speed and other geographical features make it ideal for doing this water activity there. It has rapids graded from grade 4 to grade 5.

Ulapane is a place that is situated 28 kilometers from Kandy and 130 kilometers from Colombo. You can’t do this activity on a heavy rainy day because of the high water speed and huge amount of water. Anyhow, it is possible to do it on other rainless days.

Starting time from Kandy: 8.30 a.m.

Travel time to reach Ulapane: approximately 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Not Recommended for: Pregnant Women; Travelers with Back Pain and Knee Pain

Dress codes: Suitable sportswear with shoes Safety helmets and other equipment will be provided.

Meals: Drinking water and lunch will be provided.

Other Outdoor Adventure Activities

Apart from whitewater rafting, you can do many other water sports, including rafting, kayaking, and water abseiling. As well as being lucky enough to do wall climbing, air rifle shooting, archery, etc. We will provide safety guards and other safety equipment for each individual where we have high concerns for their safety. Those will be managed by well experienced guides who have worked in Sri Lankan forces before.

You are also allowed to go trekking through villages, tea estates, and waterfalls. It will definitely bring you fun and new experiences. Ulapane is a beautiful spot near the Mahaweli River with a pleasant environment.

Adventure Activity in Sri Lanka
Wall Climbing

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya.

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Introduction

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple that is situated in the Mahiyangana Area of Sri Lanka. The place belongs to the Badulla district of Uva Province, where the temple is situated a few kilometers away from Mahiyangana City. This is a historically and religiously important place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It is considered by the Mahiyangana Temple as one of the Solosmasthana, or 16 sacred religious locations in the country.

How to get Mahiyangana Temple?

The distance to the location from Colombo is 185km and from Kandy City is 68km. You can easily reach the location if you are following the Colombo-Padiyathalawa A26 route. After reaching Mahiyangana City, you need to go around 3 kilometers along the Mahiyangana-Badulla Route to reach the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya.

History of the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

According to the Mahavansa, Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka after the 9th month of enlightenment. This happened on the full moon, Poya day, of the Duruthu month. The Lord Buddha’s aim was to stop the fight between two groups of local people called “Yakkhas. On that day, the place was renowned as “Mahanaga Park,” where Lord Buddha landed in Mahiyangana. It was the first time Lord Buddha landed in Sri Lanka in the 6th century BC.

Lord Buddha gave his hair relics to the god ‘Saman’, and then he made a stupa in the Mahiyagana Area by keeping those hair relics. In the early days, it was renowned as the “Miyuguna Viharaya”. The place where the stupa was established is considered where Buddha kept his feet in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya and the area are extremely important places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

In history, Mahiyana and the surrounding area were called “Binthenna”. It was a historically important place because it connected both Ruhuna and Rajarata.

The stupa of the Mahiyangana Temple was reconstructed on many occasions. King Devanampiyathissa, King Dutugemunu, King Parakramabahu, and King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe were some of the kings who contributed to the development of the temple. In the last century, former Prime Minister DS Senanayake contributed to the Modern Stupa of the Mahiyanagana Raja Maha Viharaya.

Modern Temple

The modern temple looks really beautiful from a distance. You can find many beautiful photos of the temple on Instagram and other social media. Many pilgrims visit the place every day, and it is a fabulous place to visit in the Uva province of Sri Lanka. The surroundings also look so beautiful, with many mountains and paddy fields. The Mahaveli River also flows near the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya. The perahera festival in Mahiyangana is also a nice cultural festival to watch in Sri Lanka.

Places to Visit in Mahiyanagana and Surrounding Areas

–Sorabora Wewa

-Dambana Weddha Village

–Rathna Ella waterfall in Hasalaka

-18 Bends Route in Udadumbara

–Wasgamuwa National Park


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(Note: Mahiyangana Temple Image Credit goes to respective Owner)

Colombo City Tour from Negombo / Colombo

Colombo City Tour

Summary of Our Colombo City Tour

No of Pax : 01 – 15

Tour Type : Private Tour with English speaking Chauffer Guide / Guide (Guides of other languages can be provided on request)

Pick-up Locations : Hotels in Colombo, Negombo, Public Bus Stands, Railway stations, Colombo International Airport, Colombo Port (Harbor) or any other within the Colombo & Negombo areas.

Recommended Starting time : 9.00 am
Approximate Tour Duration : 06 – 07 Hours

Places to Visit :

  • National Museum – Colombo
  • Independence Arcade & Independence Square
  • Diyatha Uyana & Parliament Complex Area
  • Viharamahadevi Park
  • Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
  • Colombo Lotus Tower (Newly opened. Entrance fee : US$ 20 pp)
  • Colombo Main Street
  • St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Colombo (Kotahena Church)
  • Red Mosque Colombo
  • Old Parliament Complex
  • Galle Face Green

Shopping Malls & Stores

One Galle face, Colombo City Centre, ODEL, Laksala (Government shop for Srilankan Suverniours), House of Fashion, Colombo Gem Museum & Store, Ceylon Tea Supermarket, Spa Ceylon – Sri Lankan cosmetic and personal care product manufacturer)

Book Now

Contact Us to Book the tour and more information;

Voice / Text / Whatsapp  +94777111553,  +94772392091
Email : info@mahaweli.lk    

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(Cover Image Source: NK from Facebook)

Galway’s Land National Park in Nuwara Eliya

Galway’s Land National Park

Galway’s Land National Park is another newly established national park in Sri Lanka. It is situated near Nuwara Eliya City, 2 km away from the city centre. Therefore, this is a nice place to visit during your Nuwara Eliya tour. It is also a fabulous place for those who love wildlife and nature.

Galway’s Land National Park is a small sanctuary with an area of 27 ha. Consisting of montane dense forest, it was first declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938, then became a national park in 2006. Visitors can access this site from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.

It is a place that you can’t explore with your vehicle and where you need to walk on your own two feet. There is a nice foot path that continues for almost 2km. Together with Victoria Park, the area is considered the perfect place for bird watching in Sri Lanka. It has found 10–30 endemic birds and many migratory birds here. The North East monsoon season is considered the best time to see migratory birds, which is the ideal time to visit Galway’s Land.

Apart from those birds, Galway’s Land National Park is home to other animals, including waterhogs, mouse deer, barking deer, and wild boar. You can also see many flowering plants, large trees, local plant species and a few foreign plant species. The cool and calmness are ideal for those who love to relax within an urban environment. So, we recommend not missing this place during your next Nuwara Eliya visit.

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(Cover Image Credit: Kompasuwa – කොම්පාසුව )

Goyambokka Beach in Tangalle

Goyambokka Beach

Goyambokka Beach is another beautiful shoreline in the Tangalla area of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Matara district and is situated 34 km away from Matara city. The distance from Colombo to the beach is 205km. Anyhow, it is 3 km away from Tangalle city.

Goyambokka Beach is not a popular beach among most Sri Lankans and foreign travelers, apart from the locals nearby. You can easily get here after a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride. The beach will surely attract you with its moderate waves and white sands. It is considered that Goyambokka beach is a superb spot for swimming and surfing. As well as that, you can do other water activities, including diving.

The beach and surrounding sea are rich in marine wildlife like other places in Sri Lanka. Therefore, visitors can dive deep to explore them. Sea turtles are common, as you can see here. Some tourists love to explore how turtles lay their eggs in the mid-night.

There are many restaurants and guest houses nearby. Therefore, you have enough facilities on or near the beach. It is a place with fewer crowds most of the time. The palm tree line has given a beautiful view of the beach further.

Goyambokka Beach is a fantastic spot if you are visiting Tangalle Beach or the surrounding areas. If you are a passionate traveler who is exploring hidden treasuries in Sri Lanka, then you should add this beautiful beach to your list.

Kaudulla National Park in Sri Lanka

Kaudulla National Park Sri Lanka

Kaudulla National Park is a newly established national park in Sri Lanka governed by the department of wildlife conservation. It is situated in the Polonnaruwa district, 197 km away from the capital, Colombo. Habarana is the closest town to the Kaudulla National Park with a distance of 22km. Furthermore, it is 39km away from Polonnaruwa city.

Kudulla National Park was designated as a national park in 2002. It was the 15th such national park in the country, covering an almost 6900 ha area. Hurulu Eco Lodge and Minneriya National Park are two neighbors to the Kaudulla National Park, where they are located very close.

Sri Lankan elephants are the major attraction of the Kaudulla National Park. From August to December, visitors can see large groups of elephants near the Kaudulla Tank. They migrate there to find water and food. For that season, the elephants also migrate to the Minneriya Nationa Park, where it is considered Asia’s largest elephant gathering place. Therefore, a lot of elephant lovers come to Kaudulla to see this beautiful incident of nature too.

In any case, visitors to the Kaudulla can see Sri Lankan Sambar deer, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, wild boar, sloth bear, and leopards.It is home to a large number of wild animals, including 24 mammal species, 160 bird species, 9 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and 75 butterfly species.

It receives almost 1500mm of average annual rainfall and its average temperature is nearly 26°C. The November to February period is considered the rainy season in the area. So, September is considered the best month to visit Kaudulla National Park.

Going on a safari tour to the Kaudulla is a nice experience to get if you love Sri Lankan elephants. There you can find safari tour providers around the Habarana. You need to pay an entrance fee to enter the National Park. The place is just close to the Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle, so you can go there during your Anuarapahura, Polonnaruwa, or Sigiriya visits.

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(Featured Image Credit: ©Dulani Dissanayake photography )

 

Dalawella Beach in the Southern Province is stunning.

Dalawella Beach

The Sri Lankan Southern Coast is a beach paradise where you can find so many beautiful beaches in the entire province. Here we are discussing another magnificent beach called Dalawella Beach.

Dalawella Beach is situated in the Unawatuna area of the Galle District. It is 8km away from Galle City and 150km away from the capital, Colombo. The place is a popular tourist attraction because of these two things. One is called “The Palm Tree Rope Swing” and the other one is called “Ship Rock”. It is not far from the famous Unawatuna beach, where you can reach it within 10 minutes by tuk tuk.

The palm tree rope swing is an activity where you can swing out over the sea water. It is a funny and nice experience to get in here. You should note that it is a payable activity to start. The Ship Rock, also known as Wijaya Rock by some, is close to the rope swing.There you can capture an amazing photoshoot. It is a large stone that you can climb to its top. The view is fantastic because it allows you to shoot some nice photos to post on Instagram.

Most of them think that ‘Wijaya Beach’ is another name for Dalawella Beach, and most of them think those beaches are two different ones. They are, however, the same.

Evening is the best time to visit Dalawella Beach, which generates colorful pictures for our eyes. Just like other beaches in Sri Lanka, Dalawella beach is a superb spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. For the daytime, you can rest out on the beach to enjoy the sun bath. There is a beautiful palm tree line throughout the entire beach. As well, a lagoon is situated nearby where you can also visit.

Dalawella beach is also popular for watching sea turtles. You can find every aged sea turtle here. If you are doing snorkeling here, then you can swim along with those sea turtles. Anyhow, it is important to note that you are not allowed to disturb them or catch them.

So, we recommend Wijaya Beach as the best place to visit in the southern province of Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to take a camera and enjoy your leisure in a fantastic manner.

 

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(Cover Image Source: Sri Lanka travels & trends )

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