Discovering Ella Rock: A Spectacular Hiking Adventure in Sri Lanka.

Ella Rock and Ella- Wellawaya Route from Distance

Ella Rock is a popular hiking destination you won’t want to miss during your time in Ella City. This mountain can be spotted quite easily throughout Ella City, whether you’re heading towards Wellawaya or arriving from there. Nevertheless, embarking on a hike up Ella Rock ranks among the top experiences Ella, Sri Lanka, has to offer.

 

Hike to Ella Rock

Ella stands as a mountainous city in Sri Lanka, sitting at an elevation of 1041m above sea level. However, hiking up Ella Rock doesn’t present itself as a walk in the park. It leans towards a moderate level of difficulty, demanding a decent level of fitness from all who attempt it. The trail stretches over nearly 6 kilometers to reach the pinnacle, ensuring you’ll spend at least 4–5 hours completing the entire journey. This is one of the major attraction that we cover in our Ella Day Tour Package.

 

Trailhead

Countless trailheads lead to Ella Rock, with most remaining unknown and rarely utilized by locals. Here, we share with you one common trailhead frequented by both tourists and locals alike. While it’s possible to attempt the hike solo or without guidance, having a local guide accompany you is highly beneficial to ensure you stay on the right track towards the peak. A prevalent trailhead begins at Ella railway station; from there, you’ll need to head in the direction of Kithal Ella railway station, following the train tracks. The journey offers breathtaking views of landscapes, mountains, valleys, and tea plantations until you finally reach Kithal Ella Railway Station, even passing over a narrow bridge along the way.

 

Our Guests During Hike to Ella Rock

(Our guests during their hike to Ella Rock)

 

 

Journey toward the Peak.

After passing Kithal Ella Railway Station, keep trekking for another 10 minutes until you come across a small footpath on the left near a ‘Bo Tree.’ This downward path should be your next route, followed by reaching a small footbridge just a few meters ahead. Continue onward, taking the right path after crossing the small bridge. You’ll then traverse an upward, narrow path leading into a tea estate. After crossing the estate, opt for the left direction at its conclusion.

More path-walking will eventually bring you to a small shop. From there, choose the rightward direction and forge ahead until you reach a Eucaptalyst forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter several scenic viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the surrounding areas. Despite the gradual increase in slope, some sections may wear you out a bit. Keep moving forward until you reach the summit of Ella Rock, a journey lasting about 2–3 hours, the duration dependent on your physical fitness from the trailhead.

 

View Points of the Ella Rock

Your exhaustion will vanish upon reaching one of Ella Rock’s numerous viewpoints, offering absolutely stunning panoramic scenes to behold. From these vantage points, you can also catch sight of Little Adams Peak, another renowned hiking spot in Ella. Moreover, views of Ravana Ella Waterfall and its upper waterfall, Bandarawela, Kumbalwela, Lipton Seat, mountains towards Punagala, Ella city, Ella-Wellawaya Main Road, Wellawaya area, and most parts of the Monaragala and Hambanthota regions can all be taken in from Ella Rock.

Two primary viewpoints are situated here, each providing distinct yet equally gorgeous views, making them perfect spots to experience nature’s beauty and snap some memorable photos. At the summit, a small shop awaits where you can indulge in some delicious fruit juice that’ll surely rejuvenate you.

 

The best time to hike Ella Rock

The best time for hiking Ella Rock is believed to be from February to April. The period from October to February marks the wet season in the region, creating muddy hiking conditions, thus making it a challenging period for the hike. On the other hand, hiking between May and September proves favorable, albeit with dryer conditions. Arriving before dawn can offer breathtaking sunrise views from the eastern side, while sunset serves as a lovely time to visit and capture some delightful pictures. Hence, early mornings and late evenings shape up as ideal times to conquer the hike up Ella Rock.

 

Reverting to the same route will return you to Kithal Ella Railway station, signaling the completion of your Ella Rock hike.

 

Points to Reflect on Prior to the Hike.

  • Commencing your hike early in the morning is advisable since afternoons witness high traffic, making the trek difficult.
  • Remember to carry an ample water supply with you, though shops and vendors can be found along the path should you need a refill.
  • During the rainy season, the hike grows increasingly challenging due to wet soil and numerous leeches; thus, it’s recommended to steer clear of this period when in the Ella area.
  • Be considerate, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • With several routes and trailheads available, you may find yourself at a crossroads, so don’t hesitate to seek guidance from locals or enlist the help of a local guide to ensure you stay on course.
  • Dispose of polythene, plastic, and trash responsibly while on the hike, and make sure to take back with you any items you may bring but not need.
  • Along the hike, you’ll encounter local vendors providing essentials, making it convenient to meet your requirements en route.

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(Cover Image Credit: Sanjay Pathmanathan Photography )

The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka

The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka

The Pekoe Trail is a newly established long-distance walking trail in Sri Lanka. It covers 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the central highlands of the country. It is also considered the first ever long-distance walking trail, which provides a unique experience for hikers, trekkers, and nature lovers all over the world.

The Pekoe Trail consists of 22 stages where the trekkers will cross beautiful mountains, lush greenish tea plantations, desolate and tropical forests, grasslands, mini waterways, and traditional villages. This is an ideal trail, not only for experienced hikers but also for newbies. If you are someone who loves to walk through any stage of the Pekoe Trail, you will see fantastic views throughout the trek. The beauty of the waterfalls, the sounds of the wild animals, and the sudden changing climate will surely bring you an unforgettable, unique experience.

The Pekoe Trail was initiated under the funds of the Serendipity Trail by SLTDA, the EU, and USAID. Apart from giving a unique experience to the trekkers, they also aimed to uplift the livelihoods of the rural communities in which they are located.

 

Different Stages of the Pekoe Trail

As we told you earlier, there are 22 stages to the pekoe trail. The first stage starts in Hanthana, the closest village to Kandy, where the trail ends at the Pedro Tea Estate of Nuwara Eliya. It connects the three major tourism  cities of the country, which include Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya.

 

Here are those 22 stages of the pekoe trail:

  • Stage 1: Hanthana to Galaha: Distance – 12.8 km
  • Stage 2: Galaha to Loolkandura: Distance – 14.7 km
  • Stage 3: Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna – 18.1 km
  • Stage 4: Thawalanthenna to Pundaluoya – 14.1km
  • Stage 5: Pundaluoya to Watagoda – 14.1 km
  • Stage 6: Watagoda to Kotagala – 15.3km
  • Stage 7: Kotagala to Norwood – 16.2km
  • Stage 8: Norwood to Bogawanthalawa – 15.8km
  • Stage 9: Bogawanthalawa to Dayagama – 16.5km
  • Stage 10: Dayagama to Horton Plains – 14.9km
  • Stage 11: Horton Plains to Udaweriya – 13.1km
  • Stage 12: Udaweriya to Haputale – 14.8 km
  • Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine – 13.5km
  • Stage 14: St Catherine to Makulella – 9.4km
  • Stage 15: Makulella to Ella – 9.5km
  • Stage 16: Ella to Demodara – 8.8km
  • Stage 17: Demodara to Haliela – 12.9km
  • Stage 18: Haliela to Etampitiya – 13.9km
  • Stage 19: Etampitiya to Lunuwatta – 18.4km
  • Stage 20: Lunuwatta to Udupussellawa – 12.5km
  • Stage 21: Udupussellawa to Kandapola – 16.7km
  • Stage 22: Kandapola to Pedro Estate – 10.8km

 

Etampitiya to Loonuwatte is considered the longest stage, while the Ella to Demodara is considered the shortest stage of the above pekoe trail. Approximately, the hiker’s haves to trek around 13–14 km to completer a stage.

The name ‘Pekoe’ is an upcountry tea grade of the Ceylon tea. We can think the name comes because the trail covered many Ceylon tea estates during its different stages.

 

Scenic Highlights of the Pekoe Trail

  • Hanthana Mountain Range
  • Uragala Mountain Range
  • Dumbara Valley
  • Loolkondera Tea Estate
  • Taylor’s Seat
  • Chariot Path
  • Adams Peak
  • Idalgashinna
  • Horton Plains
  • Ella Rock
  • Little Adams Peak
  • Piduruthalagala Mountain
  • Nine Arch Bridge
  • Pedro Tea Estate

 

What you need to bring for the hike

  • Hiking Shoes
  • Raincoat
  • A hat/cap
  • Water
  • Leech Socks
  • Leech Protections
  • First Aid
  • Trekking Poles

 

The trekking through the Pekoe Trail is available year-round, but you should note that the rain can happen any month. So, you must be ready for that before the walk starts. There are some certain accommodation options available through the Pekoe Trail.

Here, we can suggest some camping sites around the trail:

  • Ravana Camping 360 in Delthota
  • Haritha Kanda in Bogawanthalawa
  • Bopaththalawa Camping Site
  • Devil’s Stair Camping (Udaweriya)

 

Final Words:

The Pekoe Trail is a newly established walking trail in Sri Lanka. It is well suited for someone who loves hiking, trekking, walking, or exploring the beauty of central Sri Lanka. There are 22 stages, and you can choose the best one or many according to your wishes. If you need a foreigner who is looking for a guide or support for the Pekoe Trail, you can simply contact Mahaweli Tours and Holidays. Whatsapp: +94777 111553

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Haputale Oliver )

Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka

Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka

Ambuluwawa Tower is a popular tourist destination that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. This tower is located near the town of Gampola, in the central province of Sri Lanka. The tower is built on top of the Ambuluwawa mountain, which is part of the Ambuluwawa forest reserve. The distance to the place from Kandy is 24 km, from Gampola it is 9 km, and from Colombo it is 120km. 

The Ambuluwawa forest reserve is spread across an area of about 327 acres and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forest reserve is located at an altitude of about 3567 feet above sea level, and it is one of the few remaining natural forests in the central province of Sri Lanka. The forest reserve is also home to several ancient temples, which are believed to date back to the Kandyan period.

The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique structure that was designed to resemble a stupa, a traditional Buddhist structure. The tower is 48 meters high, and it has nine levels, each of which represents a stage in the Buddhist path to enlightenment. The tower is made of steel and concrete, and it is surrounded by a winding staircase that leads to the top of the tower. The staircase has a total of 760 steps, and it can be quite challenging to climb for those who are not used to such adventurous activities.

To get to Ambuluwawa Tower, you can take a train or a bus to Gampola, which is about 17 kilometers away from Kandy, the capital of the central province of Sri Lanka. From Gampola, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to the foot of the Ambuluwawa mountain. From there, you can start your ascent to the tower. The climb can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level.

As you climb up the tower, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The tower offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, including the Knuckles mountain range, the Mahaweli river, and several other towns and villages in the area. The view from the top of the tower is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted in shades of orange and pink.

In addition to the tower, the Ambuluwawa forest reserve also has several other attractions that are worth exploring. There is a small park at the foot of the mountain, that has a playground for children and several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. There is also a small temple at the foot of the mountain that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

In conclusion, Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for those who love adventure, nature, history, and culture. The tower is a unique structure that offers a panoramic view of the central province of Sri Lanka, and the surrounding Ambuluwawa forest reserve is home to several other attractions that are worth exploring. So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to include Ambuluwawa Tower in your itinerary, and prepare yourself for a truly unforgettable experience.

Hike to Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya

Sigiriya View from Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is another famous tourist attraction in the Sigiriya area. It is a 360-degree viewpoint with a nice little hike to follow. The view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Pidurangala Rock is simply breathtaking, and we believe you’ve seen it while searching for images of Sri Lanka on Google Images.

Pidurangala Rock is not as famous as Sigiriya Rock. But it is a superb destination that you should also visit during your tour of Sigiriya. It is located 2 kilometers to the north of the rock fortress. The hike will start from the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya, where the initial part of the hike is not very difficult. In the beginning, there is a clear and nice footpath. After that, you will meet the Pidurangala cave temple and the ancient ruins around it. Historians believe that the ruins date back more than 2000 years. They also believe the entire area was a monastery before King Kashyapa came to Sigiriya in the 5th century AD.

After the cave temple, your hike will become much harder, and you will have to cross some difficult spots. The route is easy to find thanks to the man-made red arrow signs. Anyhow, your route is along the large boulders. If you are an experienced hiker, it will only take you around 30 minutes to climb this rock. But if you are a lazy hiker, then it will take you around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top.

The view from Pidurangala Rock is absolutely fabulous. It is an ideal spot to take some rare images. From there, you can observe most parts of the Central and North-Central provinces of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit there is at sunrise and sunset. These times allow you to take your best shots.

As a visitor, you should buy a ticket to enter Pidurangala Rock. It is open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no water source on the top; therefore, you should bring enough water with you.

Finally, we suggest that you don’t forget this place during your travels to Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Dambulla Cave Temple.

 

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(Cover Image Source: @ParadiseSrilanaka 

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)

Madulsima Mini Worlds End

Madulsima Mini Worlds End Sri Lanka

The Madulsima Mini Worlds End is a fabulous place to visit in the Badulla District. It is situated in the Madulsima area at an elevation of 1357m. The place has recently become popular among many local travelers. But it is an unknown place for most. You can observe a large portion of the eastern province from here. The view is absolutely mind-blowing, and it is fantastic for a photographer.

Location

Madulsima Mini Worlds End is situated in the village of Pitamaruwa. It is a small village which is situated 60km away from Badulla City. The distance to the place from Passara is 42km and from Madulsima, a small town, is 18km. Anyhow, the location is 290km away from the capital, Colombo.

Public transport is available to the Madulsima from Passara or Badulla. But it is perfect if you can use a private vehicle. Road conditions are poor in some parts. Therefore, it’s better if you can also use a 4-wheel vehicle or a bike. The surroundings of the route are very scenic with the greenish tea plantations. That will add additional beauty to your trip. The last part of the trip should be done by foot.

More facts about Madulsima Mini Worlds End

The mini worlds end is situated on the edge of the Roeberry Tea Estate. However, it is managed by the tourist board of the Uva Province. You are allowed to go camping in the area. But you should also consider the heavy wind. The panoramic view will definitely amaze anyone. Such a fantastic place to fly a drone and observe it from a bird’s-eye view.

The fog will cover the place on most occasions. The average temperature is around 18 °C and the annual rainfall is around 2000 mm. You should consider the weather before you go here. This is another place rich in leaches. So, please bring leech protection.

What can you observe from the Madulsima Mini Worlds End ?

The morning picture is wonderful with the sunrise. You can see clouds under you in most of the early mornings. The view is clear if the mist doesn’t affect it.

Mahiyangana, Sorabora Wewa, Senanayaka Tank, Ampara, Bibile, Kokagala, Mahaoya, Monaragala, etc. are some of the clearly visible places.

Final Words

Madulsima Mini Worlds End is a nice place to visit in Badulla. You can observe a beautiful picture from there. Aradunu Ella is a scenic waterfall you can go in the Pitamaruwa Village. DS Rock is another attractive mountain which you can observe during the trip.

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(Featured Image Credit: A w e s o m e from Facebook)

Peacock Hills in Pussellawa

Peacock Hills Mountain In Pussellawa

Peacock Hills is a nice place to go for a hike in central Sri Lanka. The mountain is situated in the Pussellawa area of the Nuwara Eliya District. It is a fantastic view point with a panoramic view. The height of the Peacock Hills is 1518m above sea level. Locals call this mountain “Monara Kanda”.

How to reach Peacock Hills

You first need to come to Pussellawa town to start the journey. The distance to Pussellawa from Kandy is 35km and from Nuwara Eliya it is about 45km. It is a town on the border of the districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. After the pussellawa, you must travel another 5 kilometers to the starting point. The road is small with poor conditions. You will see many beautiful tea plantations along that route. It is not difficult to find the starting point of the trail.

This is not a hard hike and you can come to the top within 30 minutes. You will see communication towers along the road. But you don’t need to get permission to cross them. The narrow footpath through pine trees will generate a nice feeling for anyone.

What you can observe from the Monara Kanda

As we mentioned earlier, the view from the peacock hills is amazing. The panoramic view is superb for photographers. Just sit on the large rock there and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. You can see many cities, villages, and the nearest mountains from there.

Gampola Town, Nawalapitiya Town, Pussellawa Town, Nuwara Eliya Town, Ambuluwawa, Dolosbage Mountain Range, Piduruthalagala Range, Bible Rock, Ramboda Falls, Poona Ella, Kothmale Reservior, and Mahaweli River are some of the clearly visible things that you can observe.

More Facts About the Mountain

The mountain got its name because of its shape. From a distance, it looks like the front neck of a peacock. That caused them to adopt the name ‘Peacock Hill’.

Kothmale is the nearest village to the mountain. It is a historical village in Sri Lanka. The king, Dutugemunu, lived in this village in his youth. He was a heroic king in Sri Lankan history and ruled his kingdom with great prosperity.

Peacock Hill is a superb place for campers. You can camp on the top of the mountain. But you need to bring enough water. Early morning sunrise and evening sunset are the perfect times to take some amazing photographs. You are not allowed to take drone shots. The place is normally crowded during the holidays.

So, visit Peacock Hills if you are love hiking, trekking, camping and photography. It is a nice place to visit in both Kandy and Nuwara Eliya areas. But keep in mind to don’t destroy the place with rubbish.

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(Cover Image Credit: Dhani_sparkly from Instagram)

Pettigala Mountain Hike in Kandy

Pettigala Mountain Hike in Kandy

Pettigala Mountain is a famous travel destination around Kandy City. It has been widely popular among local and international travelers recently. This single little mountain is situated in the Teldeniya area, about 20km away from Kandy. The beautiful view of the Victoria Reservoir and the amazing panoramic view have attracted many tourists here.

Pettigala Mountain consists of 760m of elevation from sea level. You first need to come to Digana town, which is 15km away from Kandy. Then you need to follow the Senarathwela-Digana road to reach the final location. That will all take one hour from Kandy City. Before reaching the mountain, you will enter the Bamabaragala Temple.

Bambaragala Temple is a culturally and historically valuable place in the Kandy area. History says that the area consists of 79 caves. These caves were built in 2-3 centuries A.C. Bambaragala Old Temple was modified in the 18th century by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. You can see some old paintings in this old temple. But you will not be allowed to take photographs of them.

The footpath to Pettigala Mountain starts from the Bambaragala Old Temple. The trek is not very hard and it’s through a forest with moderate difficulty. Some parts are much more difficult to cross because of their steep slopes. You will pass two caves during the trek; they are called “Situwam Lena’ and ‘Indrasala Guhawa’. One hour of trekking will carry you to the summit of Pettigala Mountain.

The top of the mountain consists of manabushes and big stones. There is no water source at the top. You have a large area to walk in and that will give you a few viewpoints. These viewpoints will provide different views of the surrounded areas. The large stone that is situated at the edge of the mountain is actually called “Pettigala’. It’s the best viewpoint of the mountain. You can sit there and watch a clear picture of Victoria Reservior. As well, you can see some prominent peaks of the Knuckles Massif.

The view from the top is absolutely amazing and beautiful. From here, you can observe a lot of areas of the Kandy district. Evenings are the best time to visit Pettigala Mountain, and that will generate some amazing photographs of the sunset.

(Cover Photo Credit: SL Traveler )

Trekking at the Beautiful Horton Plains

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Did you know that this small island called Sri Lanka is full of great natural treasures? Even though it is a very small country, it is filled with numerous mountains, plains, waterfalls, rivers, and exciting nature adventures. With a tropical weather in most part of the island, it is easy to adapt to the weather and enjoy the tour. This tour is designed to accompany you with a guide to Horton Plains. You will be provided with a proficient guide who is fluent in English and thorough with local knowledge. We ensure that the guides are informative and supportive. Language specific guides can be arranged upon request too. The tour is carefully constructed to give you the best experience of Horton Plains.

 

Horton Plains: The beautiful heritage

Horton Plains National Park is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is protected by the Department of Wildlife Conservation because the wildlife is very condensing in the area. The original name of the place is “Maha Eliya Thenna” which means “Great Open Plain.” Later the Plains were renamed after a British Governor. Sri Lanka has a lot of non-recorded history and people have come up with many folk stories regarding this place. Horton Plains are blessed with opulent flora and fauna and hikers and trekkers find this place quite amusing.

 

A must in the travel itinerary: Trekking at the Horton Plains

Are you up to seeing one of the most stunning places in Sri Lanka on a higher altitude? This is for you.

Wander across the cloud forests, green pastures and scattered pools while listening to nothing but the sounds of nature!

Your ears will be filled with the sound of birds chirping, water gushing, and fresh breeze sweeping across your face. For those for you who love trekking, why not inhale all the fresh experience that is in store for you!

The main attraction of the place is a drop called “The World’s End” from where you can see the farthest of Sri Lanka. You can see the most beautiful waterfall from top of the plains called The Baker’s Fall which runs from the very top of stony mountains down to the greeny valleys. The whole trekking experience will give you an adventurous thrill while soothing your tired self with cold breeze and perfect peace offered by nature. There is nothing more tranquil than receiving every ounce of nature’s fresh air and breeze from the trees while listening to buzzing bees.

 

Best of the Bests

This is the place for all candid photographers to capture as many memories as you want. The higher you climb, the better the view, the fresher the breeze, and more beautiful the feeling. Trekking at the Horton Plains has thus far become one of the favorite spots of backpackers, trekker, and globetrotters who love adventures. Our guides will guide you through this miraculous hike explaining the endemic species of trees and animals the place is blessed with. Come and see for yourself!

So, you can plan a horton plains trekking with us. Here are the details of the tour;

 

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Nuwaraeliya, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Ella, Ohiya, Kandy, Hatton  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It will take around 4 – 6 hours to complete the tour depending on the weather condition and the desire of the travelers.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach

 

Read more about our other tours:

Hanthana Trekking

Ella City Tour

(Cover Image Credit: Evic Kushan)

Hike to the Knuckles mountain range

Knuckles-Hike

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Wasgamuwa, Polonnaruwa,Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mathale, Kandy, Mahiyanganaya, Pasikudah  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : Safari Tour will take around 3 ½ on average.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach.

This is a tour particularly designed for adventurous trekkers who come from all over the world. We will provide a guide for you who will communicate with you in English. If you require language specific guides, that can be arranged upon special request. We will provide our excellent guides who provide you with sufficient knowledge about the local area and give you instructions about the hike. They will be with you throughout, to help you go through the trails without missing out. This should be a must in your itinerary as it will show you the opulent nature of the country.

 

Knuckles Mountain Range: Location, weather, hike!

Dumbara Mountain range is another name for Knuckles mountain range. The range is located off Kandy and is surrounded by Mahaweli River on the South and East. The range has gotten the name ‘Knuckles Mountain Range’ is because it looks like knuckles of a clenched fist if looked at, from different parts of the city.

The range comprises of grasslands, lush greeny forests, and steeps that cover in waterfalls and streams. It is indeed a paradise for trekkers. The range is a conservation of World Heritage and there are still many places yet to explore. It is full of biodiversity and nature. Enthusiasts take up even a three to four day trek with the help of a guide to explore the beauty of this range.

There is a number of species of animals that are endemic to Sri Lanka. It is home to many mammals such as wild boar, deer, monkey and giant squirrel. 20 percent of the entire forest cover of Knuckles is endemic to Sri Lanka. It has gotten dry and wet pathana, savana, and evergreen forests. Because of the vast territory and forests, you will be provided a guide who will be with you the entire hike.

Knuckles is considered as one of UNESCO’s heritage sites and a beloved spot for trekkers. It is tried by locals and foreigners alike, mainly to explore the vegetation and animal kingdom.

What a wonderful experience as a hiker, to experience one of the largest ranges in Sri Lanka!

The beautiful waterfalls that you meet on the way are a quick refreshment of energy. There is also a mini ‘World’s End’ on one of the summits. There are more than 34 trails and each of them is different to the other. You will come across breathtaking views from if you take the trail from the south.

One of the best trails to take is Duwili Ella trail where this beautiful fall is hidden behind lush forests. The special feature of this is that it hides a cave behind it and allows travelers to get behind the waterfall to enter the cave. This is one of the most interesting things to do at Knuckles. For all of you, who are coming in anticipation and energy, save it all for this and you will not be disappointed.

 

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