Hiking in Hill Country

What You'll Do

Sri Lanka’s hill country is truly beautiful, with a variety of different ecosystems co-existing in the lush green landscape. From tea plantations, forests and spice plantations. On this trip we will be based at a beautiful colonial bungalow in the hills a perfect spot for wonderful guided hikes and an amazing safari.

Summary:

Day 1 Hike to Riverstone

Day 2 Hike to Manigala Rock

Day 3 Wasgamuwa National Park

On this trip you will experience some of the best countryside that Sri Lanka has to offer, paddy fields, tea plantations and spice farms, forests, local villages and mountains.You will also have the chance to view some of the wonderful wildlife living here. You’ll be accompanied by your local guide who will show you the routes and the view points known only by the locals and learn about the history, culture, cuisine and daily lives of the Sri Lankan’s living in Hill country.

Experience
Highlights

Explore remote villages, small family farms, jungles and waterfalls

Delicious lunch at a remote village

Game drive in Wasgamuwa National Park

Experience Itinerary

Hike to Riverstone

Today out hike will start in the morning after you meet your guide in the remote Gammaduwa village.

Your luggage will be transported to the hotel ad you will set off with your day pack, make sure you have a swimming kit for the opportunity to swim after lunch.

You will start your hike through the beautiful lush landsccape, you will climb uphill through pine forests and get onto the narrow trail to the extremely remote Kargastene village.

This remote village is completely isolated and supports only a small farming family. From here the scenery completely changes and we hike across grass land for a few kilometres before heading back into the jungle.

Our route crosses small reservoirs and streams before we reach the village of Puwakpitiya where we stop for lunch. You are welcome to help your local host to cook your lunch using locally produced ingredients- learn a little about the way of life here, and pick up a few Sri Lankan cooking tips too. A nearby waterfall is a great place to go for a small swim before the next stretch of your journey through this awe inspiring landscape.

From the village you will climb through the forests to reach Riverstone, the path will take you through dense jungles where elephants roam freely, if you are lucky you may spot them. You will come out of the jungle in front of the famous Mini World’s End, a spectacular observation point located within the Knuckles Mountain Range. It is an escarpment with a sheer drop of 1192 meters. At this point you will be met with magnificent and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The last stretch is on jeep trails up until the main road towards your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation

Sir Johns Bungalow

Nestled within Knuckles Mountain Range, Sir John’s Bungalow offers peaceful and comfortable accommodation with views of the landscaped gardens and beautiful countryside. All rooms have twin or double beds and en suite bathrooms and there is a restaurant serving a delicious selection of local and western dishes.

veranda at a bungalow in sri lanka

Meals: Lunch in the village en route, Dinner at the Hotel.

Manigala Hike

Today from your base at Riverstone you will head towards the famous Manigala Rock. You will start off on the village bus road before turning of onto smaller village back roads, passing through bright green paddy fields.

It is interesting to see paddy grown in terraces, using the step farming or “Helmalu” which are necessary in these hilly landscapes. Your climb then takes you through the forests which are criss crossed by small streams before you begin your climb to the peak of Manigala Rock.

From the top you will see the views over the mighty Knuckles range. After spending some time on the peak you will begin your hike down back to our comfortable bungalow for a well deserved dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation:

Sir John’s Bungalow

twin room in a bungalow in sri lanka

Meals:Packed lunch. Breakfast and Dinner at the Hotel.

Safari at Wasgamuwa

Today we head to the famed Wasgamuwa National Park for a Safari, boasting a jaw-dropping collection of wild beasts and birds, it is also the best place to observe Elephants especially between November to May when large herds can be sighted here.

The Park is home toa huge variety of wild animals and birds, there are two species of endemic monkeys: the Purple-faced Langur and the Toque Macaque, as well as other mammals including water buffalo, axis deer and a rare leopard or sloth bear. Among the reptiles are water monitor, mugger crocodile, estuarine crocodile and python.

We take you through this glorious Wasgamuwa Park and bring you closer to some of the most dazzling and magnificent animals found in Sri Lanka, including rare species of birds and large herds of elephants. You will enjoy a wonderful game drive through the National Park, and then return to your accommodation to relax for the rest of the day.

Accommodation:

Sir John’s Bungalow

Meals:

Breakfast and Dinner

Departure day

Check out of your accommodation after breakfast and make your way to your next place of adventure in Sri Lanka.

If you require transport to your next destination please let us know and we can arrange this at an extra cost.

Location Information

Your adventure takes place in central Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore the incredible landscapes of Riverstone, the mighty mountain ranges of the Knuckles Forest Reserve, and the beautiful wildlife in Wasgamuwa National Park.

Your base for the duration will be a stunning little colonial bungalow in the hills, the perfect spot to feel truly off the beaten track.

You will start at Gammaduwa village , where you will meet your local guide.

Please let us know if you require transport to reach Gammaduwa village – this can be arranged at an extra charge.

From £800 per person