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 )

Little Adams Peak in Ella

Little Adams Peak is a must-visit destination in Ella, Sri Lanka. The place is very popular among both locals and foreigners, as well as hikers. A fantastic spot for a hike that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Ella

 

Little Adams Peak location

Little Adams Peak is situated a few kilometers away from Ella City. Here you can check the Google Maps location of the destination:

 

To reach Little Adams Peak, you need to drive through the Ella-Namunukula route after you come to Ella City. There are many tea plantations along that route. After around 1.5km of travel, you should turn right and follow a poorly maintained route to reach the trail’s starting point. If you face any trouble, then you can get the support of the locals to find the correct path. Most of the time, you will meet local tea pluckers who are around this route and will treat you with a beautiful smile.

There is a parking lot for your vehicles. No matter what kind of vehicle you are driving, it needs to stop in the park, and now you should start trekking on foot. If you are a foreigner who is reaching this place without a guide, then you can hire a tuk-tuk in Ella city to come to the trail starting point. There is an alternative route that starts near the 98-acre resort, which somebody else can try. You will also meet a little Buddha statue at the beginning of that route.

 

Hike to Little Adams Peak

At the beginning of the hike, you have to walk on a sloping staircase made of concrete. It’s tiring at the start, but gradually the tiredness will reduce. On this way, you can see the Flying Ravana Zipline. It is another place in Ella specially made for adventure seekers.

Our Guests During their Hike to Little Adams Peak

 

After about one kilometer of trekking, you will come to the top of the mountain. There, you can see the famous single tree on the mountain. Now on, you can trek a long distance through the mountain. Sometimes you need to walk on a downward route, and then it will not create upward walking anymore. The highest point of Little Adam’s peak is 1141m from the sea level.

 

What you can observe

There are few view points on the entire mountain range. Not many people trek long distances, and most of them finish their journey after they reach the first view point. At every view point, you can observe a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas.

From the top, you can observe the famous Ella Rock Mountain, which is considered the neighbor of Little Adams Peak. As well, you can clearly identify the Ella-Wellawaya route, which looks like a snake. As well, you can clearly identify most of the southern valleys and the surrounding hills. Kumbalwela area, Namunukula Mountain, and 98 Acres Resort are the other areas and things that you can observe from the top.

Most travelers believe early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit Little Adams Peak. At those times, you can capture marvelous pictures of both the sunrise and sunset. So, if you are a photo lover, then it’s advisable for you to visit those times to take some unforgettable shots.

 

Other facts about Little Adams Peak

The name ‘Little Adams Peak has been derived because of this mountain’s shape, which is quite similar to the famous Adams Peak (Sri Padaya). This is not a hard hike for anyone. You can finish the entire journey within 2–3 hours. Some areas of the trail are a little bit harder due to its rocky surface. Therefore, you should wear a pair of shoes for this trek. Further, don’t forget to carry enough water with you. There is no water source during the whole trek.

The top of the mountain is also superb for yoga and other meditation activities. If you are a person with such enthusiasm, then you can try them out on the mountain. Sometimes, we are sure that you can find some of those photos when you are browsing about Ella Little Adams Peak.

Further, the amazing fact about Ella is that it is the area where you can breathe the most pure oxygen in the whole world. Hopefully, this fact will also convince you to not do this nice little hike anymore.

 

Final Words

Little Adams Peak is a must-visit destination for all global travelers. It is an ideal spot for photography. You can observe a breathtaking view of both sunrise and sunset from the top.

As well, you can participate in the adventure activities that are organized by the Flying Ravana Team. If you are a foreigner, then you can choose Mahaweli Tours & Holidays as your trusted guide to do the hike to Ella Little Adams Peak. Here, choose our Ella Tour, which will also cover other nice places in the Ella area, including Ravana waterfall and Nine Arch Bridge.

 

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(Note: Cover Image Credit goes to the respective owner. We found it on Facebook)

 

 

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)

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

Kanneliya Forest in the Galle District

Kanneliya Forest

Kanneliya Forest Reserve is a nice place to visit in Galle District. It is a part of the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya (KDN) Biosphere Reserve. This covers almost 5306 ha in the southern province. The Kanneliya forest reserve is also regarded as one of South Asia’s most valuable forest resources. KDN was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2004. It is also the last remaining rainforest area after the famous Sinharaja Forest. Kanneliya is a catchment area for both the Gin Ganga River and the Nilwala Ganga River. Those are two major rivers in southern Sri Lanka.

 

Location:

Galle City is situated 35km away from Kanneliya Forest. The distance from Colombo is 150km. If you are starting from Colombo, then you can choose the southern highway and should exit at Pinnaduwa. Then you need to follow the Udugama road to reach the place, and overall, it takes around 3 hours.

If you are starting from Galle, then you can travel along the Udugama road from there to reach Kanneliya. It is around 35km away and will take 1 hour to get there. To enter the forest, you need to buy a ticket. The ticket counter is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Flora and Fauna

Kanneliya Forest is home to many flora and fauna. A large percent of them is endemic to Sri Lanka. 17% of lowland endemic floral species can be found here. There are over 220 known species of fauna. It includes 86 mammal species, 36 snake species, and 26 bird species. 20 bird species are endemic only to the Kanneliya. There are also 23 lizard species found here.

 

Attractions

There are many sightseeing places in Kanneliya Rain Forest. We need at least 2 days to explore all of those attractions. When you receive tickets at the entrance, the guide will help you explore those places. Here are some of the major attractions in Kanneliya:

  • Waterfall Anagimale Ella
  • Cave Trail
  • Elephant Creeper
  • A Giant Navel Tree
  • Malamura Waterfall
  • Kabbale Mount Trail.

 

Other facts about Kanneliya

  • There are over 10,000 people living in 78 villages around the KDN biosphere area.
  • Anagimale Waterfall is a fantastic looking waterfall to visit. It is very water heavy in the December–February season.
  • Narangas Ella is another tiny waterfall which is located inside the deep forest.
  • The March to September period is the ideal time for hikes in Kanneliya Forest.
  • This is a superb place to enjoy a day with your family. There is a nice spot to bathe near the entrance.

Lipton’s Seat in Haputale

Lipton's Seat

Lipton’s Seat is a popular high observation point in Sri Lanka among local and foreign travelers. It is situated at the top of the Poonagala Hills at an elevation of 1970m. This is also a viewpoint from which you can observe five major provinces in Sri Lanka. The route to Lipton’s seat is absolutely beautiful with greenish tea estates. We can suggest that it is another must-visit place near the Ella tourism city.

 

Location

Lipton’s seat is situated in the Badulla district of Uva Province. Haputale and Poonagala are the closest town to the area. Distance to here from Haputale is 16km and from Ella is 27km. There are two major routes to reach the place.

  • Bandarawela, Poonagala and through Nayabedda Estate
  • Hapuatale and through dambethenna tea estate

 

Those two routes are very scenic with lush and greenish tea plantations. It’s no matter whether you select one from them,

If you are starting from Ella, then the Poonagala – Nayabedda route is ideal for you. The surround is amazing to watch. Tuk Tuk is the most suitable vehicle for this route and it takes around 1 ½ hours to reach there. If you come from Colombo or from the Upcountry railway, then the Haputale-Dambethenna route should be your selection. The public transport busses are available on that route. But Tuk Tuk or a scooter are the most ideal vehicle for too this route. It also takes one hour to reach the destination.

However, you should buy a ticket to enter the Lipton’s seat. After the entrance, you have to walk around 1.5km to reach the actual viewpoint.

 

Amazing View

As we mentioned earlier, you can observe five major provinces in Sri Lanka from here. Those five provinces are; Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Southern and Central. As well as you can clearly identify some of the key places. In a clear day you can identify Chandrika Lake, Udawlawa Lake, Handapanagala Lake, Hambanthota Harbour, Wedasitikanda Mountain, Devinuwara Lighthouse, South Coast and Tricomalee Lighthouse.

Early morning is the best time to visit Lipton’s Seat. On that time you can observe the beauty of the sunrise from the distance. It is actually a fantastic picture and you don’t forget to capture it with your camera. Sometimes, the mist will cover the place and it will destroy your stunning view. In such a time, you can see the clouds under you. If you are lucky person then you will see clear picture of the surrounding. If not you will be unhappy with the mist.

 

History

Lipton’s Seat and the surrounded Dambethenna tea estate was established by the Scottish tea planter Sir Thomas Lipton around 1890s. He was also contributed in development of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. He managed all the surrounded tea estates and lived on there. After his duties, he came to this view point and sited on their leisurely by observing the scenic view. Sir Thomas Lipton also started the Dambethenna Tea Factory for the manufacturing of tea. On those time this was the estate produced the best Black Tea in the country.

 

Other Facts about Lipton’s Seat

  • Catherine Seat is another nice view point near the Lipton’s seat. It is few kilometers away and which is situated in the Nayabedda estate. This view point also generate a scenic picture and you can clearly identify the places like Bandarawela, Diyathalawa, Uva Valley and Namunukula Range.
  • Lemathota Waterfall is a nice waterfall that you will meet it in the Dambethenna estate. But it is not popular among most of the travelers. However, it is another nice place to wait for few minutes.
  • Lipton’s seat is a place with cool climate. You should be ready for that before go there. As well as you can expect sudden changing weather.
  • There is a nice statue of the Sir Thomas Lipton near the viewpoint. You can sit neat it and enjoy the beauty of the atmosphere.
  • The place is open from 6am to 5pm. Anyhow, Morning is the ideal time to go there.
  • You can visit Dambethenna Tea Factory and further can analyze the tea manufacturing procedure.

 

(Cover Image Source & Credit: Lanka Classy Tours Twitter) 

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)

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