Best 10 Hikes in Sri Lanka – AMRAP Adventures

1. Adam’s Peak

Where: Central Province, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Dalhousie, Nallathanniya
End point: Sri Pada peak

Time needed: 5-6 hours.
Distance and Type: 5.5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Difficult

When to Hike: December to May (peak season); avoid weekends and full moon days to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay: Overnight in Dalhousie or Nallathanniya to start the hike early in the morning.

Adam’s Peak is a mountain peak situated in the central part of Sri Lanka. It is known for the “Sri Pada” or “sacred footprint”, a natural rock formation near the summit that has been considered sacred by people of multiple religions for centuries. The hike begins in Dalhousie or Nallathanniya and climbs 5,200 steps to the summit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is lit up at night during the peak season, creating a magical atmosphere. The hike can be strenuous, especially towards the top, but is doable for most hikers with a moderate fitness level. It’s important to dress appropriately and bring enough water and snacks for the hike. Many hikers start the hike around 2-3 am to reach the summit for sunrise.

2. Ella Rock

Where: Ella, Badulla District, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Ella train station or Kital Ella railway station
End point: Ella Rock peak

Time needed: 4-5 hours.
Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to Hike: December to April (peak season); avoid hiking during monsoon season (May to October).
Where to Stay: Overnight in Ella to start the hike early in the morning.

Ella Rock is a popular hiking destination in Sri Lanka, offering stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys. The hike starts from Ella train station or Kital Ella railway station and follows a scenic trail through forests and tea estates before reaching the summit. The trail is well marked but can be steep and rocky in places, requiring a moderate level of fitness. Hiking during peak season can be crowded, so it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Overnight stays in Ella offer a chance to explore the charming town and its surroundings.

3. Knuckles Mountain Range (Deanston or Rangala trail)

Where: Matale and Kandy districts, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Deanston or Rangala
End point: Knuckles peak

Time needed: 6-7 hours.
Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Difficult

When to Hike: December to March (peak season); avoid hiking during monsoon season (April to November).
Where to Stay: Overnight camping or homestays are available in the surrounding villages.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular hiking destination in Sri Lanka, known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. The Deanston or Rangala trail is the most popular and challenging trail in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The trail starts from either Deanston or Rangala and follows a steep and rocky path through forests, grasslands, and streams before reaching the summit. The trail is well marked but can be physically demanding, requiring a good level of fitness and agility. Hiking during peak season can be crowded, so it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Overnight stays in the surrounding villages offer a chance to experience the local culture and hospitality.

4. Horton Plains National Park

Where: Nuwara Eliya district, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Entrance gate at Pattipola or Ohiya
End point: World’s End or Baker’s Falls

Time needed: 3-4 hours for shorter hikes, full day for longer hikes.
Distance and Type: 9.5 kilometers circuit for World’s End, 3.2 kilometers circuit for Baker’s Falls.
Difficulty: Moderate

When to Hike: The best time is early morning for clear views; park is closed on Mondays and during the rainy season (October to January).
Where to Stay: Overnight stays are available in nearby towns like Nuwara Eliya or Haputale

Horton Plains National Park is a popular hiking destination in Sri Lanka, known for its scenic landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and unique geological features. The park is home to World’s End, a sheer cliff drop of 870 meters, and Baker’s Falls, a picturesque waterfall. The trails in the park are well-marked and easy to follow, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Hiking in the early morning offers clear views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park has limited facilities, so it’s important to bring enough water, snacks, and proper hiking gear. Overnight stays in nearby towns offer a chance to explore the local culture and cuisine.

5. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Where: Sigiriya, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Sigiriya parking lot
End point: Top of the fortress (lion’s paw)

Time needed: 2-3 hours.
Distance and Type: 1.5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat; best during dry season (December to March).
Where to Stay: Overnight stays are available in Sigiriya or nearby towns like Dambulla.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, it is an ancient fortress located in Sri Lanka that was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD. It is also known as Lion Rock due to the giant lion statue that once stood at the entrance to the fortress. The fortress was built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa as a fortified palace complex. The hike to the top of the fortress involves climbing steep stairs and navigating rocky terrain, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers can see ancient frescoes and the remains of the fortress’s intricate water system. The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and the dry season (December to March) offers the clearest views. Overnight stays in Sigiriya or nearby towns offer a chance to explore the local culture and cuisine.

6. Little Adam’s Peak

Where: Ella, Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Passara Road, Ella
End point: Little Adam’s Peak summit

Time needed: 2-3 hours.
Distance and Type: 3.8 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

When to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better views; year-round.
Where to Stay: Overnight stays are available in Ella or nearby towns.

Little Adam’s Peak is a popular hiking trail in Ella, offering stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys. The hike starts from Passara Road in Ella and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, with some steep sections towards the end. Hikers will pass through tea plantations, forests, and villages along the way. The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and the trail is accessible year-round. Overnight stays in Ella or nearby towns offer a chance to explore the local culture and cuisine.

7. Pidurangala Rock

Where: Sigiriya, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Pidurangala Temple
End point: Pidurangala Rock summit

Time needed: 2-3 hours.
Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better views; year-round.
Where to Stay: Overnight stays are available in Sigiriya or nearby towns.

Pidurangala Rock is a lesser-known hiking trail in Sigiriya, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The trail starts from Pidurangala Temple and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is rocky and steep in some sections, requiring some scrambling and climbing. Hikers will pass through forests and boulder fields along the way. The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and the trail is accessible year-round. Overnight stays in Sigiriya or nearby towns offer a chance to explore the local culture and cuisine.

8. Bambarakanda Falls

Where: The Badulla District of Sri Lanka.
Starting point: The Bambarakanda Rest House, located at the base of the falls.
End point: The top of the Bambarakanda Falls.

Time needed: 3-4 hours.
Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to Hike: The best time to hike is from December to May when the weather is dry.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns of Haputale and Ella.

Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a height of about 263 meters. The hike to the top of the falls takes visitors through a lush forest with stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains. The trail can be steep in some sections, but the stunning views at the top make it worth the effort. It’s recommended to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

9. Riverston Peak

Where: Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka
Starting point: Riverston area
End point: Riverston Peak summit

Time needed: 3-4 hours.
Distance and Type: 4-5 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

When to hike: The best time is from December to February.
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options in nearby towns like Matale and Dambulla.

Riverston Peak is a popular hiking destination located in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The hike starts from the Riverston area and follows a well-defined trail that winds through the beautiful, forested landscape, past a scenic viewpoint and a waterfall before reaching the summit of the peak. The hike is moderate to challenging, with steep and rocky sections, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it well worth the effort. The best time to hike is from December to February when the weather is cool and dry.

10. Belihuloya Waterfall Hike

Where: Village of Belihuloya, Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka.
Starting point: The Belihuloya Rest House.
End point: The end point of the hike is the waterfall itself.

Time needed: 4-5 hours.
Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
Difficulty: Moderate

When to hike: The best time to hike the Belihuloya Waterfall Trail is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
Where to stay: There are several accommodation options in Belihuloya, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays.

The Belihuloya Waterfall Hike is a popular trekking destination for both locals and tourists alike. The trail takes you through scenic forests and rural countryside, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The highlight of the hike is the waterfall itself, which is a beautiful cascade that flows down from the hills above. The trail can be challenging in places, with some steep sections and rocky terrain, but the rewards are well worth the effort. This hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and is worth checking out if you are in the Ratnapura district.