For the keen hiker, or the less serious ambler, there is an abundance of opportunities for scenic treks and rambles throughout this beautiful and astounding country. Take in the breathtaking mountain scenery on walks through the Hill Country that will overwhelm you with marvelous views at every turn as you weave through damp jungle full of exciting and rare wildlife, terraced paddy fields and lush tea fields beside breathtaking waterfalls just perfect for a refreshing dip.

The lower regions are equally impressive and consist of beautiful butterfly-strewn paths through grasslands, archaeological ruins, paddy fields and past little hamlets. The mysterious Horton Plains, magical Adam's Peak and the astounding Knuckles Range are just some of the glorious highlights not to be missed.

 

Piduruthalagala

Standing at a magnificent 2,525m high, the mountain of Piduruthalagala, or Mount Pedro as it is informally known, is Sri Lanka's highest peak that stands guard over the entire island. Located in the Nuwara Eliya District overlooking the town and a sea of green tea, it is shrouded in forest, dripping with waterfalls and ensconced with Rhododendron bushes and wildlife. Sadly however, due to security reasons, it is not possible to climb to the top.

Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)

Adam's Peak is Sri Lanka's holiest mountain and the only mountain in the world venerated by pilgrims of four religions. Though it is essentially a Buddhist place of worship whose devotees believe that the footprint found on the summit is that of the Buddha, it is also climbed by Christian, Hindu and Islam devotees. The mountain that stands 2,243m tall is also familiarly called Samanala Kanda (Butterfly Mountain) by the Sinhalese due to the myriad of butterflies to be seen at the start of the season.

Hunnasgiriya

Hunnasgiriya is a 1,184m peak at the edge of the beautiful Knuckles Range situated in the Kandy District. Tea plantations carpet the lower slopes in a swathe of green while a walk up to the peak will take you into sub- montane forest bursting with bamboo and wild strawberries, past a waterfall, through lush growths of moss and ferns to the top where amazing panoramic views will astound you. From the peak you can look over the Knuckles Range to Victoria Reservoir, the Hantana Range, Bible Rock, Matale Mountains and the valleys in-between. Many endemic bird species can be seen in the area as well as monkeys, deer and giant squirrels.

Knuckles Range

Originally called the Dumbara Kanduvetiya (Misty Mountains) the Knuckles were named by British surveyors who saw that the five peaks resembled a clenched fist. Since it is situated in the Intermediate Climatic Zone, the largely untouched and rugged terrain, 1,864m at its highest point, enjoys varied rainfall and temperature. This combination has fostered a diverse range of habitats from lowland semi-evergreen forest and patana to montane wet evergreen forest that harbour a great degree of wildlife all vying for your attention as you journey through.

 

Mammals sighted include leopard, sambur, mouse deer, monkeys and the rarely-seen otter while the endemic Kirtisinghe's rock frog and leaf nosed lizard are only found in the Knuckles and are highlights to see. Over 120 bird species may be observed on any one of many exciting treks, including the yellow-fronted barbet and the dusky blue flycatcher, on your way up to Corbett's Gap to be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Ritigala

Ritigala, at 766m is the highest isolated hill in Sri Lanka that rises sharply from the flat surrounding countryside. Although Ritigala is a Strict Nature Reserve measuring 3,878 acres, where elephants, sloth bear and leopard have all been sighted, you are not permitted entry into the reserve further than the archaeological ruins of an ancient forest hermitage. This monastery was home to an aesthetic order of Pamsukalika monks in the ninth century AD, though Ritigala's antiquity is believed to stretch as far back as the second century BC.

Your visit to these extensive remains deep in the forest will allow you to experience a part of Ritigala's significant nature despite not being able to venture further. Even though it is located in the Dry Zone, its peak has a surprisingly cool, wet microclimate that spawns vegetation similar to a wet, evergreen forest. Many medicinal herbs and plants are also found while the area is rich in bird life.

Kirigalpotta and Thotupola

These two peaks both tower over Horton Plains and form part of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, in which Adam's Peak is situated. From the dizzying height of Sri Lanka's second highest mountain Kirigalpotta, that stands 2,395m tall, and Thotupola, the island's third highest mountain, that stands at 2,357m tall, you are able to get dramatic views over the beautiful expanse of Horton Plains. The treks are quite tough, ranging from one to four hours though you'll trek through forests, hop across streams and delve into the mist before emerging at the top where, when the sun comes out, you'll be rewarded with unforgettable views.

Namunukula

This sixth highest of Sri Lanka's mountains that stands 1,214m high forms part of the Namunukula (nine peaks) Mountain Range and rises above the tea plantations of Badulla town in the Uva Province. From its summit prepare to be astounded at views that stretch as far as Welimada Basin, the town of Kataragama, Uda Walawe National Park and even as far as Hambantota on the south coast. This mountain is great for an eco-adventure as you'll see a great variety of flora and fauna while the climb itself is highly enjoyable.