Introduction
Sri Lanka’s hill country is renowned for temperature’s similar to a good summer day in the western world. Abundant with tea-laden hillsides, cascading waterfalls and stirring mountains, don’t miss out on the chance to explore Sri Lankan scenery at its finest with a wonderful walking tour in Sri Lanka. In this itinerary, Blue Lanka Tours focuses on some serious walking, offering a chance for walkers and nature lovers to experience Sri Lanka’s breathtaking scenery on foot.
Wherever necessary, guides are provided so that you can focus more on the views rather than being concerned about going off-route in areas that have poor network. Once the day’s walk is complete, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel to relax in comfort. Each day’s walk differs in terms of level and duration and we can customize this tour based on your preferences and personal fitness levels.
It is important to note that the weather conditions will affect this tour as it is not advisable to perform most of the activities on the walking tour in Sri Lanka during the rainy season. Therefore, January to March are the best months to visit. Although there may be some showers, it is less likely for there to be continuous days of rain during these months.
Colombo
What better way to capture the true essence and character of a city than by exploring on foot! Begin the tour at sunrise from the old Dutch Hospital precinct. Here you can learn about the Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization, each of which saw great potential in Colombo – being a strategic location and having its own natural harbor. It was a major shipping route between the east and west, and the close proximity to India was an added benefit. During their reign, each of these colonies left a mark in Colombo – for example, the Lady Ward Clock Tower and Fort Railway Station.
Indulge in a freshly cut King Coconut, locally known as ‘Thambili’, to quench your thirst as you walk towards the Pettah Bazaar and observe people set up shop. Visit landmark places such as the Largest Chandelier in South East Asia and have a look at some of the ancient coins of Sri Lanka. The Grand Red Mosque is another highlight that has the feel to truly transport you to another time. Continue exploring the trading hub of Colombo and feel free to shop what you like as you walk along.
The Galle Face Green stretch is also a peaceful area to explore the developed parts of Colombo – observing skyscrapers on one side and the beautiful Indian Ocean on the other as you walk from one end to the other. The Old Parliament building is an important highlight on this stretch, reminding one of the splendid architecture that was evident during the British era.
Kitulgala
Once you’ve had a good night’s sleep, head towards Kitulgala, the popular hub for adventurous water sport activities as well as nature’s indulgence. Perfect walking trail opportunities await – choose from tropical rainforests, jungle-clad mountains, and rubber plantations, or a combination of all 3. You can also enjoy fun water excursions such as white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, cliff jumping, canoeing, and finally a dip in the river!
Laxapana Falls
This day’s walking journey will begin early, taking you across the scenic Kelani river on a peaceful catamaran ride, and you will then proceed to visit the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka – Laxapana Falls. Follow trails passing the Seven Maiden Mountains as well as lovely tea estates and some gravel roads – totaling approximately 18kms to get to the falls. Stop for a snack while you take in the serene view and charming sound of water rushing down the cliff.
Adam’s Peak
Check into one of the many hotels at the base of Adam’s Peak – Nallathanniya. Have an early night as you need to prepare to begin the walk and climb at midnight. You will be making your way up to the summit for about 3-4 hours (12km walk), and reach in time to catch stunning views of the sunrise. The sacred foot step of Lord Buddha is found at the summit and worshipped by many faiths. Once you’ve enjoyed the views and spent enough time up there, slowly begin your descend and get back to your room for some relaxation. December to May is the best time to visit Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka.
Lipton’s Seat
Choose to stay in Haputale, Ella or Badulla and head to the base of Lipton’s seat by vehicle. Dambetenna Tea Estate is what you should look out for. The 2.5 hour walk begins from here and ends at the Lipton’s Seat viewpoint. This is where Scottish tea Mogul – Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and examine his flourishing empire with a warm cup of tea in his hand. Take the Nayabeddha Estate route while walking back and enjoy another spectacular viewpoint. You can also combine this walking tour in Sri Lanka with a tea factory visit along the way for an educational experience on how tea is manufactured, as well as some tea tasting at the end of the workshop. A total of 16kms are covered along this day’s walking route.
Bambarakanda Falls
Bambarakanda is the tallest waterfall in the country and is a hidden gem away from the normal transportation routes, which is why we include it in this walking tour of Sri Lanka. The trek to get to the falls takes you through beautiful tea estates, rural villages and breathtaking sceneries. There is a swim-friendly natural pool at the base of the fall that guests can enjoy and spend a few hours as they rest their bodies in between the 14km walk for the day.
Idalgashinna Rail Track
Beginning from the hamlet of Idalgashinna, on this day, you will walk along the railway track of Idalgashinna station. Recorded as the most mind-blowingly picturesque walk in Sri Lanka, this trail includes a visit to Needwood tea plantation and Kotugodella Fort – an old-abandoned fortress that is believed to be a Portuguese fort. Witness endless green hills with a few scattered buildings peak through the greenery, and spend sufficient time capturing these unmatchable views!
Horton Plains National Park
Compared to the above destinations, Horton Plains National Park is a fairly easy 10-15km walk that takes you through montane grasslands and cloud forests. Renowned as a biodiversity hotspot, the park is home to several species of endemic flora and fauna. Some interesting wildlife you may spot while you walk along the uneven terrain and observe the stunning vistas are the Sambar Deer and the Jungle Fowl. You are allowed to freely explore the surrounding beauty and follow the sounds of birds singing. Within the park is the World’s End view point and Baker’s waterfall that must not be missed during your walk. It gets quite chilly here so remember to carry a pullover or a shawl to wrap yourself in.
Single Tree Hill
While in Nuwara Eliya, take a morning to visit the Single Tree Hill viewpoint. Dawn or dusk are the two best times to visit this breathtaking viewpoint of Nuwara Eliya. It is an enjoyable hike up the hill, which takes about an hour. Until the Single Tree Hill temple, the road can be accessed by vehicle. From there onwards, walking is best. Walking through tea plantations and radio towers, the footpath will lead you to the top of a hill where a single tree is planted, offering gorgeous views of Nuwara Eliya town from here.
Ambuluwawa Tower
On your way back to the airport or down to Colombo, make a stop in Gampola to visit the Ambuluwawa Tower – the first multi-religious shrine in Sri Lanka. It is 48 meters tall, in the shape of a cone, and offers several viewing platforms as you climb higher. The narrow spiral staircase is a challenge for most visitors, which in fact has been making the destination largely popular over the recent months. Although the distance from the entrance to the peak is just 3km, it is a steep climb. You can take a detour to Ambuluwawa tower during your stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
