Riverston is situated in Matale, and has a hike that will lead you up to another one of Sri Lanka’s “Mini World’s ends”. The area is only well known by the locals, but not by the tourists; making it untouched. The path is incredibly scenic, starting from the windy road going up, to the actual 300 m drop at the top.

Anything you should know

The road leading to the climb is quite narrow, and has some hairpin turns; so taking large vehicles is not advisable, but trishaws are freely available for the trip.

The climb takes around 2-3 hours, which is considerably short, but it does follow a tough route. So you would have to be moderately fit to climb it.

The best time to go would be early in the morning, so as to avoid the mist, and avoiding weekends would be ideal, as that is when the climb is most crowded.

The climate can get quite cold, so wear warm, comfortable clothing, as well as a pair of sturdy shoes. Bring enough water, and sun protection along with you; as during the day it can get quite sunny.

There is minimal signage along the route, considering the fact that it’s not too well known, but guides are available if you want to ensure that you get the best path to the top.

On your way

The path takes you through forest cover on a trail of nothing but dirt, rock, and root. You will also pass by paddy fields and farmlands where you can see some of the locals at work.

Going early in the morning will increase your chances of seeing the exotic birds that roam around the area; such as a variety of Flycatchers, and the Crested Serpent Eagle.

The best part about this track is that you pass 2 waterfalls; Bambarakiri ella, and Sera ella; where you can enjoy the cool spray of the water while you sit on some perfectly placed rocks. After that, you can even take a dip in the fresh waters of the Thelgamu River.

At the summit

This is the perfect place to capture some panoramic photos, so feel free to spend as much time here as you want before you are ready to head back down.

After your hike, and little detours on the way, you’ll arrive at the top to a breathtaking view. A few things you’d see would be Knuckles range, the Thelgamu Oya river valley, and a stretch of forest cover and paddy fields. A view like this really does feel like a great reward for minimal effort.

Mini Adams peak is the namesake of its larger brother, Adams peak due to their similar foot-like formation; leading people to declare it as the place where Adam set foot on the earth when he was banished from heaven.  It’s a 15 minute walk from the town of Ella, and is popular among the tourists as it has all the features of a great hike, with the least amount of effort required.

Before the hike

The best time to hike to the peak would be in the early hours of the morning so that you can catch the sunrise when you reach the summit; if you’re doing this staying the night in Ella beforehand would be one of your best options. There are many hotels and rest houses close to the main road which are only a few minutes away from the paths that lead you there.

Going for the sunset hike is also a great experience, but it does get dark fast so coming back down may become difficult.

It is a considerably easy hike that takes around an hour to do, excluding the time you spend at leisure. It requires a moderate level of fitness to climb.

If you’re hiking early in the morning, dress warmly as it can get quite cold, and take a flashlight with you. A hat and sunblock could be useful later on in the day, because it can also get hot. Carry enough water to keep you hydrated, a raincoat in case it rains, and a camera; there are plenty of photo-worthy spots.

On the way

There are two main known paths; one through bushes, and one that goes along a stone staircase. Both options are decked with great views.

The route leads you past paddy fields and through tea plantations where you can watch the Sri Lankan tea pluckers at work; although these women don’t mind you taking pictures of them, they do expect some money in return.

On your way, you’ll see lots of plants, bugs, dogs, and even birds like eagles; although the latter may be harder as it might get foggy as you ascend.

There are many secluded areas on the way up that you can stop at to relax for a while, as well as get some great pictures. One iconic place would be a rock that perches off the hill.

While going up, there are also pathways leading to other summits close by, but none of these have a stairway so they would be a little harder to get to, and would not be safe during the rainy season, but they are also definitely worth visiting.

At the top

Besides the great view of the sunrise or sunset, you can also see other places in Ella that are quite the attraction. Ravana Falls, one of the widest falls in the country, and Ella rock can be seen from the summit. Having a guide helps in this case, as not everyone knows where to look.

Even though this hike may be one of the easiest, it will leave you feeling accomplished. The perfect way to end it would be heading down to the 98 Acres Resort at the foot of the hill, and treating yourself to a celebratory drink; whether it’d be a beer or a cup of tea. 

Meemure, the highest village in the country is one of the 37 ancient villages in Sri Lanka, and is situated in the Central province in the Knuckles range area. This is the best place to disconnect from the rest of the world as there is no reception, allowing you to have an uninterrupted experience of how the villagers live.

Anything you should know

The best time to visit would be from March to September, as that is the period of the least rainfall in the area.

There is no signal in the area, but there is one CDMA phone in the village which is used for emergencies.

As it is one of the most rural villages in the country, make sure that any food item or medication you might need is purchased before you reach the area.

To reach Meemure you’d have to travel along a road from Hunnasgiriya for around 2 ½ hours. There’s a van that leaves Hunnasgiriya at 5:30 am which can take you to the village, and then back at 11:30 am. Although the drive is relatively long, a great view of all the mountain ridges and forest patches will accompany you.

Village tour

Tour the village and take a moment to step in to the lives of the villagers, and learn about their culture and history.

Starting off with learning about the architecture of the very houses in which they live, a unique style to Sri Lanka- to walking through cultivations of Cardamom and rice, the villagers’ main source of livelihood.

You could also follow the trails that lead through the forests surrounding the village that will lead you to mountains and to hidden waterfalls and natural pools.

Local guides know the area by heart, and can be trusted to ensure that you see all the best sites.

Hiking

The mountain Lakegala is thought to be the site where Ravana, a follower of the Hindi god Shiva, was buried. There is also thought to be a tunnel within it that was built during the Rama- Ravana war.

Once concurred you can get a view of the Eastern shore. The way up is a strenuous path decked with rocky obstacles, and the last bit is a climb; which is not too hard, but ropes can be provided if necessary. An ancient river valley and caves in the midst of a variety of flowers will meet you at the top, as well as eagles; a common sight in the area. 

There is also a 7 waterfalls hike, which takes you through the jungle to the falls where you can do other water activities. 

The villagers

The villagers are known to be very friendly, and are known to prepare food for tourists; a staple meal of rice and curry. 

They are quite traditional, and contrary to popular belief, are not uncivilized. It is expected that their culture and ways of life are respected by anyone who visits their village. 

All in all, Meemure is the perfect place to escape to for anyone who wants to go off the grid for a while.

The Lipton tea seat is an area of land situated high above the tea plantations in Haputale, where the Scottish tea planter, Sir Thomas Lipton, would sit while admiring the legacy he had helped to grow. Sir Lipton was known for making tea more freely available by planting it in the British colonies, and exporting it to the UK at half its previous price. This was the birth place of exporting tea in Sri Lanka.

All you should know

If you want a great view, going before 10 am is advisable, as the mist starts to come in a little after. Getting to the top takes around 2 ½ hours, so starting by around 7 am would be ideal. It is also suggested that going during rainy weather is avoided, as it can become dangerous.

The best part about Lipton tea seat, besides the view, is that it’s free to absolutely anyone. So paying for an entrance ticket is something you don’t have to worry about.

There is a road leading to the Lipton seat from the Dambatenna tea factory, which is also open for tours on some days.

The road leading up to the seat is very narrow, so it would be hard for big vehicles to drive on it. As an alternative, there are many trishaws available to take you on the journey for around 800 rupees. Many people say that the view from this road itself is captivating.

The higher you go, the colder it gets; dress warmly, and comfortably, and make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated, but drinks can be bought at the summit as well food in case you get hungry. 

On the way up

The climb goes through tea plantations, and is quite steep and slippery, but all in all it is very scenic. Along the side of the road you’ll notice the remains of buildings that were constructed in the British era, allowing to take a step back in history for a moment.

The route through Dambatenna will also give you access to the Lemathota waterfall, where you can relax for a while before continuing your journey to the top.

You will also see lots of tea pluckers. These women also use certain shortcuts to get around besides the main pathway, which you could also take if you want a quicker route to the top.

At the top

The Lipton tea seat truly gives you a Horton Plains view for the price of nothing.

It is situated on the edge of a large cliff, and not only does it look over the tea plantations and the houses of the workers, but the view also consist of distant lake harbours, mountain ranges, and forest patches.

You can stay at the summit for as long as you want, some people even have picnics there. Before heading back down, feel free to help yourself to some roti from the little café at the very top, as well as a warm cup of Ceylon tea to celebrate your climb.

Knuckles range was named by the British in Ceylon due to its 5 peaks resembling the knuckles on a clenched fist. It is situated just off Kandy in the Central highlands; which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The main summit also happens to be the 6^th highest in the country. Overall, hiking through this range would be a great experience for any nature lover as it has an abundance of fauna and flora, and boats of a panoramic view.

Before you go

The best times to visit the range would be between the months of June to September as that is when it rains the least in the area.

The hike itself takes around 6 hours to complete, so it is suggested that you start no later than 8 am. This also implies that you should be moderately fit enough to complete it.

The weather is usually unpredictable, so bring a raincoat along with you in case it rains. Other things to pack would include some sort of leech repellent; as there are many in the area, plenty of water, and even your swimwear.

The path you take

The route to the summit takes you through grasslands, tea plantations, and rare dwarf cloud forests, as well as past ancient caves, streams and waterfalls. If you plan on swimming in these waters, do take care as the current could suddenly strengthen or the water level could increase. As some of these waterfalls are hidden, having a guide who knows their way around would enhance your experience.

Occupants of 37 ancient villages inhabit the mountain range, and their livelihood depends on cultivation of rice, cardamom, and Chena. These people are known for distancing themselves from the industrial, technological world, and are quite traditional. Some of these villages even offer tours and allow camping to allow tourists to experience what it’s like to disconnect.

Knuckles range also has its own mini world’s end; an escarpment situated at its southern end which has a view of the villages below, and can be reached from the Knuckles Conservation Center in about an hour.

Biodiversity

Some of the common animals you’d see would be the purple faced leaf monkey, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, and more.

The range is also known for having many endemic species of plants and animals, some of which can only be found at Knuckles itself, and nowhere else in the land. The Crestless lizard, Pigmy lizard, Kangaroo lizard, and leaf nose lizard are some of the endemic creatures which are unique to the area.

knuckles is known to have about 200 species of birds. Along with that, 20% of the range’s forest cover is also said to be endemic. This makes it the best place for anyone who loves bird watching or is enthusiastic about plant life.

At the summit

Once you reach the top of the plateau you will have a panoramic view of the forest and sky. This is the perfect spot to spend some time away from it all, and just embrace the serenity at the top of the range till you are ready to come back down again.

Climbing up to the summit of the locally famous Ella rock is one of the many activities that is making it’s  little town of one of the new tourist hotspots. The path to the rock is surrounded by greenery, varying from tea plantations to Eucalyptus trees. This literal breathtaking hike is ideal for the adventurous, and those who can’t get enough of the outdoors.

 All you need to know

The best time to climb the rock would be from the months of January to May; so planning your trip within this time period would ensure the optimum experience.

The hike may take from 3-4 hours depending on how much time you spend at the summit; and gets more challenging as you go up: which means that you would have to be moderately fit to complete it.

Ella is known for its warm days and cold nights. During the day it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as a hat, as it can become quite hot and humid; so prepare yourself for some sun. It is advisable to carry plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and wet weather clothes during the rainy season. Carrying salt and lime along with you would also be a good idea, as they are the key ingredients to safely removing leeches off your body; a common occurrence in the area.

To get to the rock

There are 16 routes to get to the top. One of the easiest options would be to start off at the Ella train station, and follow the train tracks all the way up to the Kithalella station, or you could just start from there itself. After a few hairpin turns and crossing a footbridge, climbing and navigating begins to get difficult as the path gradually steepens and becomes rockier.

Some people get lost along the way, but guides can be hired to direct you, and the locals are almost always willing to give a helping hand. One thing to keep in mind is that there are no route markers, but it is still possible to find your way to the top as long as you just keep going up.

What you’ll see

If you start your journey by dawn, usually around 4 am, you will be able to make it to the top for the sunrise while overlooking the rest of Ella. The time of day is also ideal as you may be able to avoid any rain or fog. This scenic route will take you from along train tracks to forests full of rubber trees, and past tea plantations where you can watch the tea pluckers at work.

You know you’ve reached the summit when you see the Eucalyptus trees, which mark the top, and after walking through them you’ll come to the picturesque edge. Do keep caution; not only of getting too close to the edge, but also of the notorious monkeys that may steal your things, but don’t let that distract you from the amazing view that you are led to.

The Sinharaja forest in Sri Lanka has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, as well as a World Biosphere Reserve. It’s the largest rainforest in the country, and one of the few to remain being almost untouched by man. Translating from Sinhala, Sinharaja means “Kingdom of the Lion”, and although there are no lions roaming around its many acres, it does boast of a wide variety of life; including over 50% of the country’s endemic fauna and flora. While the trail is perfect for any nature lover, it would be paradise to the bird enthusiasts.

Plan your trip

The best time to visit the forest would be from December to May before 7 am, as that is when the weather is the most favourable.

To reach the reserve you can choose between walking up a hill for an hour or so, or hiring a jeep that will take you there in about 15 minutes.

Completing these trails can take up most of your day, so staying for at least one night in the area would be a lot less hectic than planning a day trip.

It is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes, and bring plenty of water along with you, as well as some form of leech repellent, but if you don’t have any it can always be purchased from the shops near by. 

It is an extremely large amount of land that you will be travelling through, so you will not be permitted to enter by yourself as there would be the risk of losing your way. Instead, experienced guides will be assigned to ensure that you complete your trip safely, while being able to see the best of what the trails have to offer.

There are 3 entrances to the reserve; Pitadeniya, the morning side entrance, and the most popular; the Kudawa Conservation Center.

Sinhagala

The Kudawa entrance will lead you along the trail to Sinhagala, which is one of the most popular paths for bird watchers due its close proximity with some bodies of water. The path challenges you to cross some streams, and gets a lot steeper as you get closer to its summit. Finally, your efforts will be rewarded by the panoramic view that stretches over the forest cover and mountain ranges in the area.

What to expect

Trekking through this rainforest is surprisingly easy, and almost anyone can complete it. 

There are many animals that live here, but some of them aren’t seen as much as the others due to the density of the forest cover. They roam around in the undisturbed land peacefully, and as we respect their freedom to do so, we do not interfere. These animals include the fishing cat, leopards, and even elephants. 

Sightings of deer, monkey, and wild boar are a lot more common, as well as a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. 

There is said to be 160 different species of birds living in Sinharaja, including a majority which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Keep your eyes on the trees, and you’ll most likely see some of these exotic birds. 

The forest is also known for having waterfalls and natural pools where people stop to have a swim break before continuing their journey. These waters are incredibly refreshing, and can really help you cool off after your hike.

Over all, the route itself is a testimony to how nature thrives without the touch of man, and inspires us all to protect every nook and cranny that holds life.