The trails through the island’s mountains

The hills of Sri Lanka have an abundance of hikes and treks for those of any level. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll to unwind or a more challenging encounter, the mountainous terrain of Sri Lanka is the perfect escape into the wild.

Nuwara Eliya

On a sunny day in Nuwara Eliya, the beauty of the realm known as Little England truly comes alive. There's much to explore, from the colonial charm and architecture to the culture and life of the locals. However, one's journey into the hills is not complete without hiking or trekking through the lush fields of tea or exploring the pristine forests that the mountains call home.

Pedro Tea Estate

In the midst of lush tea fields and distant flowing waterfalls, the Pedro Tea Estate and Factory offers the perfect setting to learn about the origins and production of tea. While sipping a refreshing cup of tea in the corner tea boutique, you can enjoy a stunning view over the estates.

If you have a local guide showing you the way, they might be able to take you to the Bomburu Ella reservoir. It's an amazing stroll that passes by vegetable farms and backyard gardens dotted with vibrant flora and fauna. The route comes to an end, and as you reach the woodland near the reservoir, your adventure becomes more enchanting. Keep a look out for a variety of indigenous animals and flora as you move through the forest, where the huge pine trees cast cold shadows. You'll reach a spot to rest your feet after a brief stroll where the reservoir may be seen peeking through the trees.

Your expedition can end here, but for the more capable and adventurous few, there is another leg of hiking with quite a delightful surprise. It must be advised that this leg of the trek comes with its own set of dangers and perils, so unless you are physically capable and geared up, do not attempt to take it on.

Galway's Land National Park

Galway's Land National Park is one of the few well-known national parks in the city, although being one of the smallest. It is situated 3 km from Nuwara Eliya and hosts a diverse range of birds, wildlife, flora and fauna.

Galway's Land National Park, one of the island's smallest national parks, lies tucked away amid the rugged landscape. The Park was established as a wildlife sanctuary on May 27, 1938, and it gained national park status in 2006. A montane ecology, 20 rare migrant bird species, and 30 local species can all be found in the deep forests that cover 27 ha (0.10 sq mi) of land. Along with a diverse avian population, the Park is home to priceless native and foreign flower species. The Park's primary entrance is located near Nuwara Eliya along Udupussellawa road.

Kandy

The Central Province of Sri Lanka is home to the city of Kandy, which served as Sri Lanka's final capital throughout the reign of its ancient kings. The Kandy plateau, which cuts across a region of tropical plantations, primarily tea plantations, is where the city is located. The town lies surrounded by mountain ranges that are filled with thrilling excitement, awaiting your presence.

Loolkandura and the legend of James Taylor

In the beautiful mountainous terrain within the centre of the island lies a realm of history and mystique. The rolling verdant fields of tea tell a story of the past, of industry and the impact that one man had on an entire nation.

The adventure begins with a bit of knowledge, where you can learn about the process of producing one of the most sought-after commodities throughout history and even in the modern world. Take in the history of "planting," the way of life of the earliest colonial settlers, the manufacturing process, and how flavours are developed to appeal to different palates. If you time it right, you can see the big bulky machines from the colonial past operating with vigour and factory workers attending to a number of tasks throughout the factory floors.

The trail becomes more difficult as one climbs higher up the mountain and through denser forests, and you finally reach a massive rock face. Once you climb through a crevice on the side of the rock face, you come to the top and then greeted by the most stunning view. The top of the rock is between two valleys on either side, where you can almost touch the clouds. The view itself is a combination of mountains, forests and small settlements scattered across the landscape.

The Knuckles Trek

The drive to the starting point of this trail is around two hours from Hanthana through Theldeniya and passes the small town of Rangala, where you can stop to get some supplies for the journey ahead. The starting point is known as Thangappuwa, a village in the Central Province, southwest of Loolwatta, and east of Cottaganga State, with an elevation of 1,513 metres.

The climb gets more challenging as the elevation rises and the trail twists through dense foliage. The waist-high tea plants gradually vanish, the wilderness begins to dominate the scene, and before you realize it, the mountains and the jungle have swallowed you.

You then come upon a steady stream of water that falls from the mountaintop alongside a flat rock creating the perfect natural pool which beckons you to dive in. Known as the Kotagangaella, this beautiful body of water brings an air of serenity to the weary souls traversing the mountains.

The Indiana Jones Trail

An expedition through the trail that is renowned for its appearance in the iconic movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

A short distance from the famous location is W15 Hanthana, from where you have the choice of taking on the trail by foot, bicycle, or in an open-top Land Rover Defender. The route initially passes through luscious tea fields before entering areas of tall grass as the forest begins to gradually take over the landscape.

Katusukonda, Buffalo Pass, Urgala and Uraketugala are a few of the mountains and peaks you’ll be able to spot on this trek.

W15 Hanthana Estate Kandy and W15 Lake Gregory are perfect for indulging in the beauty of the hills amidst luxury and comfort. Explore the terrain with the W15 Luxury Collection and discover the beauty of the mountains bound by absolute grandeur and elegance.