Tourism Hotline: 1912
favicom.ico

Famous Trails of Sri Lanka

Discover iconic hiking routes through mountains, forests, and ancient sites across the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

8 Epic Trails
All Skill Levels
UNESCO Sites

Sri Lanka's Most Iconic Hiking Trails

Sri Lanka's diverse landscape offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking trails, from sacred mountain peaks to ancient rock fortresses. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment on Adam's Peak, panoramic views from Ella Rock, or challenging adventures in the Knuckles Range, the island's trails cater to every level of hiker.

Each trail tells a unique story - from ancient pilgrimage routes to colonial-era paths through tea plantations. Our comprehensive guide covers the most famous trails with detailed information on difficulty levels, best times to visit, and essential safety tips for an unforgettable hiking experience.

Trail Difficulty Guide

1

Very Easy

Flat paths, under 1 hour

2

Easy

Gentle slopes, 1-2 hours

3

Moderate

Some steep sections, 2-4 hours

4

Challenging

Steep climbs, 4-6 hours

5

Very Challenging

Technical terrain, full day+

Adam's Peak Sacred Mountain
Erantha Trail
Back from Summit

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province
7 kilometers
4-6 hours ascent
December to May
2,243 meters (7,359 feet)

Sri Lanka's most sacred mountain, Adam's Peak attracts thousands of pilgrims and hikers annually. The challenging night climb rewards adventurers with spectacular sunrise views and the famous 'Sacred Footprint' at the summit. This ancient pilgrimage route features over 5,000 steps carved into the mountainside.

Trail Highlights

  • •Sacred footprint revered by four religions
  • •Breathtaking sunrise views from summit
  • •Chain of lights visible at night during season
  • •Ancient pilgrimage route with rich history
  • •360-degree panoramic mountain views
  • •Spiritual experience for many visitors

Hiking Tips

Start climbing around 2 AM to reach summit for sunrise. Bring warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly at night. The trail is well-lit during pilgrimage season with tea stalls along the way.

Safety Notes

  • •Trail can be extremely crowded during peak season
  • •Weather changes rapidly - bring layers
  • •Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms

What to Bring

Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteriesWarm jacket and rain protectionComfortable hiking boots with good gripWater and energy snacksSmall backpack for essentials

Nearby Accommodation

Dalhousie rest houses and guesthousesGreen House Holiday ResortAdam's Peak Pilgrim Rest
Knuckles Mountain Range
Cloud Forest Trail
Mountain Peaks View

Knuckles Mountain Range

Matale & Kandy Districts, Central Province
Various trails from 5-25 kilometers
Full day to multi-day treks
January-March, July-September
1,906 meters (6,253 feet) highest point

A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity and challenging terrain, the Knuckles Range offers some of Sri Lanka's most rewarding wilderness experiences. With cloud forests, grasslands, and endemic species, this mountain range provides authentic adventure for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Trail Highlights

  • •UNESCO World Heritage site status
  • •Incredible biodiversity with endemic species
  • •Cloud forest and montane grassland ecosystems
  • •Multiple trail options for different skill levels
  • •Camping opportunities in pristine wilderness
  • •Authentic Sri Lankan mountain village experiences

Hiking Tips

Mandatory to hire certified local guides. Multi-day treks require camping permits. Weather can be unpredictable - prepare for all conditions. Best experienced as guided tour with proper equipment.

Safety Notes

  • •Never attempt without experienced local guide
  • •Weather conditions change rapidly and severely
  • •Mobile phone coverage is limited or non-existent

What to Bring

Professional hiking boots and gaitersWaterproof clothing and camping gearGPS device and emergency whistleFirst aid kit and emergency suppliesHigh-energy food and water purification tablets

Nearby Accommodation

Kandy city hotels (base for day trips)Corbett's Gap camping sitesVillage homestays in surrounding areas
Ella Rock Summit View
Tea Plantation Trail
Ella Gap Panorama

Ella Rock

Ella, Badulla District, Uva Province
8 kilometers round trip
3-4 hours round trip
Year-round (avoid heavy monsoons)
1,041 meters (3,415 feet)

One of Sri Lanka's most Instagram-famous hikes, Ella Rock offers stunning panoramic views of the hill country's tea plantations, valleys, and the famous Ella Gap. The trail combines railway track walking with forest paths, making it an adventurous yet accessible experience for most fitness levels.

Trail Highlights

  • •Panoramic views of Ella Gap and surrounding valleys
  • •Walk along active railway tracks
  • •Tea plantation landscapes stretching to horizon
  • •Perfect sunrise and sunset viewing spot
  • •Instagram-worthy photography opportunities
  • •Relatively accessible for beginners

Hiking Tips

Start early morning (6 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. Follow railway tracks initially, then look for trail markers leading into forest. Hire a local guide if unsure about the route.

Safety Notes

  • •Be extremely careful on railway tracks - trains pass regularly
  • •Trail can be confusing without proper guidance
  • •Weather can change quickly in hill country

What to Bring

Good hiking shoes with ankle supportSun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Plenty of water (2-3 liters recommended)Camera for spectacular photo opportunitiesLight snacks and energy bars

Nearby Accommodation

Ella hostels and guesthouses98 Acres Resort & SpaZion View Ella Green Retreat
Little Adam's Peak Trail
360° Mountain Views
Sunset from Summit

Little Adam's Peak

Ella, Badulla District, Uva Province
3.2 kilometers round trip
1-2 hours round trip
Year-round
1,141 meters (3,743 feet)

Perfect for beginners and families, Little Adam's Peak offers spectacular 360-degree views with minimal effort. The well-maintained trail winds through tea plantations and provides an excellent introduction to Sri Lankan hill country hiking without the physical demands of more challenging peaks.

Trail Highlights

  • •360-degree panoramic mountain views
  • •Easy accessibility for all fitness levels
  • •Beautiful tea plantation walk
  • •Perfect for sunrise and sunset viewing
  • •Family-friendly hiking experience
  • •Great introduction to hill country trekking

Hiking Tips

Perfect for sunset viewing - plan to reach summit 30 minutes before sunset. The trail is well-marked and suitable for children. Combine with visit to nearby Nine Arch Bridge.

Safety Notes

  • •Trail can be slippery during rainy weather
  • •Bring flashlight if planning sunset hike
  • •Stay on marked paths to protect tea plantations

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoesWater bottle and light snacksCamera for panoramic photographyLight jacket for wind protectionFlashlight if hiking during sunset

Nearby Accommodation

Ella budget hostels and guesthousesAmbiente Ella ResortGrand Ella Motel
World's End Cliff
Horton Plains Grasslands
Baker's Falls

World's End - Horton Plains

Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province
9.5 kilometers circular trail
3-4 hours circular trail
January-March, August-September
2,100-2,300 meters (6,890-7,545 feet)

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the World's End trail offers one of Sri Lanka's most dramatic cliff-top experiences. The circular trail through unique montane grasslands leads to a sheer 870-meter drop with breathtaking views across the southern plains and coast on clear days.

Trail Highlights

  • •Dramatic 870-meter cliff drop at World's End
  • •UNESCO World Heritage montane ecosystem
  • •Baker's Falls waterfall along the trail
  • •Unique high-altitude grassland environment
  • •Endemic flora and fauna spotting opportunities
  • •Views extending to southern coast on clear days

Hiking Tips

Start very early (6 AM) as clouds form by 10 AM, obscuring views. Entry fee required for national park. Bring warm clothes as temperatures can be near freezing in early morning.

Safety Notes

  • •Altitude can affect some visitors
  • •Weather changes extremely rapidly
  • •Stay on designated trails to protect ecosystem

What to Bring

Warm layers including windproof jacketComfortable hiking bootsWater and high-energy snacksCamera with extra batteries (cold drains power)National park entry fee payment

Nearby Accommodation

Nuwara Eliya hotels and guesthousesOhiya Railway Station area lodgingPattipola area accommodations
Devil's Staircase Trail
Devil's Staircase Trail
Devil's Staircase Trail

Devil's Staircase (Ohiya to Bambarakanda)

Ohiya, Badulla District, Uva Province
12 kilometers
5-7 hours one way
December to March (dry season)
Descends from 1,900m to 1,200m

An adventurous railway track trek through Sri Lanka's highest mountain wilderness. The trail follows abandoned and active railway sections through tunnels, across bridges, and past waterfalls including Sri Lanka's tallest - Bambarakanda Falls. This challenging route offers authentic backcountry hiking experience.

Trail Highlights

  • •Passes Bambarakanda Falls (263m tallest in Sri Lanka)
  • •Railway tunnels and colonial-era bridges
  • •Remote mountain wilderness scenery
  • •Descends through cloud forest zones
  • •Train track hiking adventure
  • •Relatively untouched by tourism

Hiking Tips

Hire a local guide as the trail is poorly marked. Check train schedules before hiking on active tracks. Start early as the hike is long and challenging. Bring headlamp for tunnel sections. Best done as one-way trek with transport arranged at Bambarakanda.

Safety Notes

  • •Active railway track - trains still pass through certain sections
  • •Remote area with no mobile coverage
  • •Weather can change rapidly in mountains

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking boots for rough terrainHeadlamp with backup batteries for tunnelsRain gear and warm layersPlenty of water and high-energy foodFirst aid kit and emergency suppliesGPS device or offline maps

Nearby Accommodation

Ohiya Railway Station rest housesHaputale guesthouses (20km away)Bandarawela hotels (30km away)
Idalgashinna Railway Trail
Misty rail Path

Idalgashinna to Haputale Railway Trail

Haputale, Badulla District, Uva Province
10 kilometers
3-4 hours one way
December to March, July to August
Varies between 1,300-1,500m

A scenic railway track walk through Sri Lanka's stunning hill country, offering breathtaking views of tea estates, mountain ranges, and the famous Idalgashinna railway loop. This moderate hike follows one of the most picturesque sections of the Badulla-Colombo railway line.

Trail Highlights

  • •Spectacular Idalgashinna railway loop views
  • •Panoramic tea estate landscapes
  • •Historic colonial railway architecture
  • •Views of Uva valley and Diyaluma Falls
  • •Railway tunnels and viaducts
  • •Less crowded alternative hill country trek

Hiking Tips

Check train schedules before starting - trains still use these tracks. Start early morning for best weather and light. The trail follows railway tracks so navigation is straightforward. Can be done as one-way with train return journey.

Safety Notes

  • •Active railway - be alert for approaching trains
  • •Step off tracks immediately when train approaches
  • •Weather can turn misty quickly reducing visibility

What to Bring

Good walking shoes with ankle supportLight rain jacket (mist and rain common)Water and energy snacksCamera for spectacular railway sceneryTrain schedule informationSmall first aid kit

Nearby Accommodation

Haputale guesthouses and hotelsDambatenne tea estate bungalowsBandarawela accommodations
Tea Plantation Trail
Hill Country Villages
Mountain Tea Estates

Pekoe Trail

Central Highlands (Kandy to Nuwara Eliya region)
300+ kilometers total (divided into stages)
Multi-day trek (22 stages total)
January to March, July to September
Varies 600m-2,000m depending on stage

Sri Lanka's first long-distance hiking trail, the Pekoe Trail traverses 300+ kilometers through the heart of tea country. Divided into 22 stages, it connects historic tea estates, traditional villages, and scenic viewpoints, offering authentic cultural immersion and spectacular highland landscapes.

Trail Highlights

  • •Sri Lanka's premier long-distance hiking trail
  • •Walk through historic tea estates and factories
  • •Authentic village homestay experiences
  • •Stunning Central Highlands scenery
  • •22 stages from easy to challenging
  • •Cultural immersion with tea plantation workers

Hiking Tips

Can be hiked in individual stages or as multi-day trek. Book homestays in advance through Pekoe Trail Foundation. Best to start with easier stages to gauge fitness. Hire local guides for better cultural insights. Each stage takes 4-8 hours.

Safety Notes

  • •Some stages require good fitness levels
  • •Weather in highlands can change rapidly
  • •Book accommodation in advance in remote areas

What to Bring

Comfortable multi-day hiking bootsLayered clothing for varying altitudesRain gear and warm jacketDaypack with water and snacks for each stageCamera for tea estate photographyBasic first aid supplies

Nearby Accommodation

Village homestays along the trailTea estate bungalowsNuwara Eliya and Hatton hotels

Essential Trail Tips

Start Early

Begin hikes before sunrise to avoid crowds, heat, and afternoon weather changes. Early starts provide the best lighting for photography and views.

Check Weather

Mountain weather changes rapidly in Sri Lanka. Check forecasts and be prepared for sudden rain, mist, or temperature drops.

Respect Nature

Follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on marked trails, don't litter, and respect wildlife and vegetation. Preserve these trails for future generations.

Hire Local Guides

For challenging trails like Knuckles Range, local guides provide safety, navigation, and cultural insights that enhance the experience significantly.

1