Author: Trek
Knuckles Trek
The Knuckles Forest Region (KFR) rests in the regions of Kandy and Matale in Central Sri Lanka. Extending over 18,500 ha, the KFR is a valuable bio-diversity hot spot on the island. The topography is rugged. With its 35 peaks soaring above 900 to 1900 m is one of the most challenging hiking areas in the country. Montane forests, varied animal & plant life, deep valleys, streams & rivers, and panoramic rice fields make this UNESCO World Heritage Site a unique blend of environment, culture and experience.
Province: Central Province-Knuckles Southwest
Duration: 2 days 01 night
Trip Type: Multi-Day
Length: 19 km
Hiking Days: 2
Elev Gain/Loss: + 1,044 m, – 1,561 m
Level: Moderate to challenging
Group Size: 4 to 8
Joining Point: Kandy
Finishing Point: Kandy
When: December to April and July to September
Itinerary
Day 1: Kandy*/Gomera/Thangappuwa – Joining point*
Day 2: Thangappuwa/Udispattuwa/Kandy* – Finishing point*
ACCOMMODATION
Double/Twin room share basis
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Air-conditioned passenger van with the rear luggage space
- Chauffeur
- English-speaking experienced Trek Guide
- Support team
- 01-night accommodation
- 02 breakfasts
- 02 lunches (packed/local eatery)
- 01 dinner (sit-down)
- Water & trail snacks
- Admission fees to Knuckles Forest Region
PRICE
You may join a group if you wish to or choose your dates, and who goes with you and then we will send you the price and the detailed itinerary.
[/symple_tab]We will acknowledge your enquiry within 24 hours, and you will receive a complete response within 5 working days.
3-Province Trek
Immerse yourself in history, legends and nature as you tackle the 3-Province trek through three provinces. Hike through dense native forests, along streams seeping and snaking across tea gardens and diverse landscapes. Climb the second-highest peak on the island. Connect with the local communities in the least travelled areas dotted with remote villages. /p>keep walking
Provinces covered: Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva
Duration: 10 days 9 nights
Trip Style: Multi-Day trek
Trail route type: Point-to-point
Hiking days: 6
Length: 115km
Cumulative elevation gain: 5035m
Cumulative elevation loss: 6049m
Level: Moderate to challenging
Rest days: 2
Group size: 4 to 8
Period: December to April
Joining point: Kadugannawa
Finishing point: Colombo
Itinerary
Day 1: Kadugannawa – joining point
Day 2: Kadugannawa/Kandy
Day 3: Kandy/Hewaheta
Day 4: Hewaheta/Nuwara Eliya
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – rest day
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya/Ohiya
Day 7: Ohiya/Haputale/Ella
Day 8: Ella – rest day
Day 9: Ella/Udawalawe
Day 10: Udawalawe/Galle/Colombo – finishing point
Itinerary map
Accommodation
Double/Twin room share basis-9 nights
Transport
Air-conditioned backup passenger van with the rear luggage compartment for transfers between points/hotels
Inclusions
- Transport
- 9 nights accommodation
- 9 breakfasts
- 6 lunches (packed/local eatery)
- 9 dinners
- Water & trail snacks during treks
- Admission fees to Horton Plains National Park
- Experienced Trek Guide and support team from day 1 to day 10
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Departure tax (if applicable)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Pre & post activities
- Tips and personal expenses
- Lunch on day 1,5,8 and 10
What to bring
Your large luggage can remain most of the time in our backup vehicle and you will have access to your luggage every day except day 5. You should carry your essentials for the night in your day pack.
- Trekking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
- Extra pair of light walking shoes or trainers
- Pair of flip flops (optional)
- Trekking trousers (convertible to shorts recommended)
- Warm t-shirts or shirts
- Socks
- Cap/hat
- Sunglasses & sun protection cream
- Windproof jacket/fleece jacket
- Light waterproof jacket (k-way)
- Lightweight towel, quick-dry (optional)
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit & your personal medication
- Waterproof cases to keep your gadgets dry
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes
- Insect repellent
- Pencil and notebook (optional)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Phone/power bank(optional)
- Day pack to carry your personal gear
Price
Choose your dates, who goes with you and then we will send you the price and the detailed itinerary.
Fill in the following details. Your inquiry will be acknowledged within 24 hours and a full response will be sent within 5 working days.
Peak Wilderness Trek
Hike through montane grasslands and cloud forests. Conquer the second and the fourth highest mountain peaks in Sri Lanka. Learn about the fauna and flora of the Peak Wilderness. Experience the spectacular sunrise from the 2238m tall conical sacred mountain peak.
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Provinces covered: Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa
Duration: 8 days 7 nights
Trip Style: Multiday trek
Trail route type: Point-to-point
Trekking days: 5
Length: 100 km
Cumulative elevation gain: ????
Level: Tough
Group size: 4 to 8
Period: December to April
Joining point: Nuwaraeliya
Finishing point: Deraniyagala
Itinerary
Day 1: Nuwara Eliya – Joining point
Day 2:Nuwara Eliya/Ohiya
Day 3:Ohiya/Belihul Oya
Day 4: Belihul Oya/Nagrak
Day 5: Nagrak/Bogawantalawa
Day 6: Bogawantalawa – free day
Day 7: Bogawantalawa/Adam’s Peak/Deraniyagala
Day 8: Deraniyagala – Finishing point
Itinerary map
Highlights
♥ Horton Plaines Plateau- 2100m
♥ Kirigalpoththa Peak – 2389m
♥ Nagrak – 2133m
♥ Adam’s Peak – 2238m
Accommodation
Double/Twin and multi-share basis – 7 nights
Transport
Air-conditioned backup passenger van with rear luggage compartment for transfers between points
Inclusions
- Transport
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 lunches (packed, local eatery/house)
- 7 dinners
- Water & trail snacks
- Admission to Horton Plains National Park
- Experienced English speaking Trek Guide
- Support team
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Departure tax (if applicable)
- Pre & post activities
- Tips and personal expenses
- Lunch on day 1 and 8
What to bring
Your large luggage can remain all the time in our backup vehicle and you will have access to your luggage every day except day 4. It would help if you carried your essentials you might need in your day pack. Be well prepared for chilly nights.
- Trekking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
- Extra pair of light walking shoes or trainers
- Pair of flip flops (optional)
- Trekking trousers (convertible to shorts recommended)
- Warm t-shirts or shirts
- Socks
- Cap/hat
- Sunglasses & sun protection cream
- Windproof jacket/fleece jacket
- Light waterproof jacket (k-way)
- Lightweight towel, quick-dry (optional)
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit & your personal medication
- Waterproof cases to keep your gadgets dry
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes (recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Pencil and notebook (optional)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Phone/power bank(optional)
- Day pack to carry your personal gear
Price
Choose your dates, who goes with you, and then send you the price and the detailed itinerary.
Fill in the following details. Your inquiry will be acknowledged within 24 hours, and a full response will be sent within 5 working days.
Primates and Home Gardens
Travel across five different agro-climatic zones. Learn about the social life of primates and the significance of the traditional Kandyan home garden system. An unforgettable train journey through tea plantations. This southbound-across-the highland walking tour starts in Yapahuwa and ends in Negombo.
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Duration: 14 days 13 nights
Type: Small group – 4 to 8
Treks: 4 – 61 km (total distance)
Level: Easy to moderate
Start: Bandaranaike International Airport
End: Bandaranaike International Airport
Day 1: Airport – Yapahuwa
Activity: Yapahuwa rock fortress
Day 2: Yapahuwa – Nikawewa – Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Activity: Nagala trek – 16 km
Day 3: Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Activity: Pidurangala rock
⊕ Optional visits: Sigiriya Lion rock, National Park (Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park)
Day 4: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Activity: Introduction to primates of Sri Lanka and Loris trail by night
Day 5: Polonnaruwa – Riverston (Knuckles forest range)
Activity: Guided monkey trail through the Polonnaruwa archaeological site
Day 6: Riverston – Kandy
Activity: Maningala trek – 12 km
Day 7: Kandy
Activity: Balana trek – 18 km
Day 8: Kandy
Free
⊕ Optional visits: Peradeniya Botanical Garden / Kandy city & market / Sacred Tooth Relic Temple
Day 9: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Belipola
Day 10: Belipola
Activity: Analog Forestry & organic farming
Day 11: Belipola – Ohiya
Day 12: Ohiya – Kalupahana – Wirawila
Activity: Kalupahana trek – 15 km
Day 13: Wirawila – Galle – Colombo
Day 14: Colombo – Airport
Itinerary map
Highlights
♥ Dambadeniya ancient rock fortress
♥ Panavitiya Ambalama – an ancient wooden shelter for travellers resting on a stone structure
♥ Yapahuwa rock fortress and temple
♥ Explore lesser-known archaeological sites
♥ Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya
♥ Gain a better understanding of primates of Sri Lanka
♥ Knuckles forest range
♥ Learn about the importance of the Kandyan home-garden system and analogue forestry
♥ Ancient strategic outpost in Kandy
♥ Learn the art of traditional dance & drums
♥ Scenic train journey
♥ Interact with the local community
♥ Try your hand at cooking a Sri Lankan meal with a local family
♥ Do your own thing
Accommodation
Double or Twin room share basis – triple/single on request
Our preferred accommodation stops
- Yapahuwa – Yapahuwa Paradise
- Pidurangala – Kurulu Uyana
- Riverston (Knuckles forest range) – Sir John’s Bungalow (en suite rooms with private bathrooms) or Gal Bungalawa (dorm-type accommodation with separate bathrooms & toilets)
- Kandy – Queens hotel or Shangrila family-run guest house in Kandy city centre
- Belipola – Forest Garden
- Ohiya – Hill Safari Eco Lodge
- Wirawila – Farmers House
- Colombo – Lake Lodge (Colombo 5) or Horakelle bungalow (in close proximity to the airport)
Transport
- Air-conditioned passenger van with the rear luggage compartment
- Auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) / local bus &train – as required
Inclusions
- Transport
- English speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Local trek guide during treks
- 13 nights accommodation
- 13 breakfasts
- 11 lunches (packed, local eatery or local house)
- 10 dinners
- Water & fruits during walks
- Entrance fees to Yapahuwa rock fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Polonnaruwa archaeological site & Knuckles forest range
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Departure tax (if applicable)
- National Tour Guide – on request
- Optional visits and entrance fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Drinks during meals
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners
Price
Choose your dates, who goes with you, tailor-make the program if you wish to and then we will send you the price and the detailed itinerary.
Fill in the following details. Your inquiry will be acknowledged within 24 hours and a full response will be sent within 5 working days.
Lakes and Fortresses
Travel across four agro-climatic zones. Trek through villages and forest patches, brown gravel tracks; white-clad smiling children on their early morning stroll to school, vast open paddy fields with watch-huts and scarecrows, century-old man-made lakes and canals in the human-elephant conflict zone. Striking rock fortresses with remarkable stone & wood carvings. Climb the Pidurangala rock for a magnificent view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock. Soak up the spectacular rugged terrain of the Knuckles forest range.
This trekking tour starts in Wadakada in the North-Western province and ends in Kandy, the hill-capital of Sri Lanka.
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Duration: 11 days 10 nights
Type: Small group – 4 to 8
Treks: 5 – 75 km (total distance)
Level: Easy to moderate
Start: Bandaranaike International Airport (B.I.A)
End: Bandaranaike International Airport (B.I.A)
Day 1: Airport (B.I.A) – Wadakada
Village walk
Day 2: Wadakada – Dambadeniya – Wadakada
Trek to Dambadeniya rock fortress – 17 km
Day 3: Wadakada – Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa temple & rock fortress
Day 4: Yapahuwa – Nikawewa – Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Trek to Nagala mountain – 16 km
Day 5: Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Climb Pidurangala rock
⊕ Optional visits: Sigiriya Lion rock / Polonnaruwa archaeological site / National Park (Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park)
Day 6: Sigiriya – Riverston (Knuckles forest range)
Trek to Kaludiya Pokuna Archeological forest in Kandalama – 12 km
⊕ Optional visits: Dambulla cave temple
Day 7: Riverston
Trek to Maningala mountain – 12
Day 8: Riverston – Kandy
Day 9: Kandy
Trek to Balana Fortress – 18 km
Day 10: Kandy
Free day
⊕ Optional visits: Botanical Gardens / Kandy city & market / Sacred Tooth Relic Temple
Day 11: Kandy – Airport (B.I.A)
⊕ Optional visits: Tea factory / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Itinerary map
Highlights
♥ Dambadeniya ancient rock fortress
♥ Panavitiya Ambalama – an ancient wooden shelter for travellers, resting on a stone structure
♥ Yapahuwa rock fortress and temple
♥ Explore lesser-known archaeological sites
♥ Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya
♥ Knuckles forest region
♥ Ancient strategic outpost in Kandy
♥ Learn the art of traditional dance & drums
♥ Interact with the local community
♥ Try your hand at cooking a Sri Lankan meal with a local family
♥ Do your own thing
Accommodation
Double or Twin room share basis – triple/single room on request
Our preferred accommodation stops
- Wadakada – Birds Park
- Yapahuwa – Yapahuwa Paradise
- Pidurangala – Kurulu Uyana
- Riverston (Knuckles mountain range) – Sir John’s Bungalow (en suite rooms with private bathrooms) or Gal Bungalawa (dorm-type accommodation with separate bathrooms & toilets)
- Kandy – Queens hotel or Shangrila family-run guest house in Kandy city centre
Transport
- Air-conditioned passenger van with rear luggage compartment
- Auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) / local bus & train – as required
Inclusions
- Transport
- English-speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Local trek guide during treks
- 10 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts
- 8 lunches – packed, local eatery or local house
- 7 dinners
- Water & fruits during walks
- Entrance fees to Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa rock fortress, Pidurangala rock & Knuckles forest range
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Departure tax (if applicable)
- National Tour Guide – on request
- Optional visits and entrance fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Drinks during meals
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
Price
Choose your dates, who goes with you, tailor make the program if you wish to and then we send you the price & the detailed itinerary.
Fill in the following details. Your inquiry will be acknowledged within 24 hours and a full response will be sent within 5 working days.
Kirigalpoththa Hike
Montane cloud forests and sambar deer…
You will walk across the mountain grasslands interspersed with montane cloud forests within the Horton Plains National Park (2139m), the most elevated tableland in Sri Lanka and eventually hike up to the Kirigalpoththa — the second highest peak (2,392m) in Sri Lanka. The way back is on the same trail.
Location: Horton Plains National Park
Distance from Nuwara Eliya: 32 km
| Length | 14 km |
| Level | Challenging |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick up point | Post Office, Nuwara Eliya – 06:30 |
| Drop off point | Pick up point – 17:00 |
| Inclusions | Trek guide/transport to and from Horton Plaines / entrance fees/water |
| Exclusions | Breakfast / transport to the pick up point / lunch – bring a picnic lunch |
What to wear
Walking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
Trekking trousers
Warm t-shirt or shirt
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
What to put in your daypack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Hand towel
Small trash bag
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on weather
Plastic bags (to keep your phone/camera dry)
Emergency Phone Numbers
Copy of your ID or passport
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $90 | $85 |
Kandy City Walk
Seeking the unseen…
Rituals and traditions, drums and dance, caparisoned elephants, pious devotees, intricate wood carvings and vivid mural paintings, hipped roofs, synthesized culture and architecture. This is Kandy- a UNESCO heritage city.
Location : Kandy
| Length | 6 km |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick up point | Queens hotel lobby – 8:00 am |
| Drop off point | Queens hotel – 13: 30 |
| Level | Easy |
| Inclusions | Trek Guide / entrance fees / snacks & tea |
| Exclusions | Transport to the pick up point / Water |
This walk is not available on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
Highlights
Queen’s bath
National Museum
British Garrison Cemetery
Tooth Relic Temple Square
St.Paul’s Church
Trinity College Chapel
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
What to wear
Light walking shoes/trainers
Comfortable trousers
T-shirt / casual shirt
*No sleeveless tops
What to put in your backpack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on weather
Copy of your ID/passport
Emergency phone numbers
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $30 | $25 |
Balana Hike
Battle grounds and strategic forts…
Walk the final stretch of the historical Old Road to Kandy, the path of diplomacy and trade, trodden on by Kings, Governors, and Generals. Many battles have been fought along the way.
Location : Kandy
| Length | 16 km |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick up point | Suspension bridge, Gannoruwa – 07:00 |
| Drop off point | Kandy town – 16:30 |
| Level | Moderate |
| Inclusions | Trek guide / lunch / water / transport back to Kandy |
| Exclusions | Breakfast / transport to the pick up point |
Highlights
Suriyagoda Buddhist Temple
Dodanwela Temple
Danturé Village
Balana Fort
What to wear
Walking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
Trekking trousers
T-shirt / casual shirt
What to put in your backpack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Hand towel
Small trash bag
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on weather
Plastic bags – to keep your phone/camera dry
Emergency phone numbers
Copy of your ID or passport
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $40 | $35 |
Kodigahakanda Hike
Keepers of the forest…
When the streams and wells started to go dry as a result of the extensive quarrying and deforestation, the villagers of Olaboduwa North formed a society known as “Mihithala Mithuro” (Earth Friends) on their own initiative to protect the forest resource on which they were so dependent …
Location : Gonapola
Distance from Colombo city : 32 km
| Length | 8 km |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick up point | Boardwalk restaurant car park, Waters Edge, Battaramulla – 07:00 |
| Drop off point | Pick up point – 16:30 |
| Level | Easy |
| Inclusions | Trek guide / transport / lunch / water |
| Exclusions | Breakfast / transport to the pick up point |
Highlights
Kodigahakanda (Flag-Tree Hill – 115m MSL)
Granite-based hillock with it’s 45ha secondary scrub jungle considered as one of the most biodiverse concentrations in the Kalutara district: 133 species of flora, 18 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, 16 species of fish, 45 species of butterflies, 72 species of birds and 17 species of mammals.
Olaboduwa: The home of Raigam family of the low country folk dance tradition. Here you will get a chance to meet Guru (Master) Karunadasa Olaboduwa who is the leading figure of this hereditary family.
What to wear
Walking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
Trekking trousers
T-shirt / casual shirt
What to put in your backpack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Hand towel
Small trash bag
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on weather
Plastic bags – to keep your phone/camera dry
Emergency phone numbers
Copy of your ID or passport
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| USD per person | $65 | $55 |
Maligatenna Hike
Ambalamas, caves and drip ledges…
Historic sites, rock caves used by monastic monks, dramatic rock formations, diverse landscapes, and vibrant rural life, all offering unforgettable experiences.
Location : Buthgamuwa
Distance from Colombo city : 37 km
| Length | 12 km |
| Group size | 4 to 8 |
| Pick up point | Boardwalk restaurant car park, Waters Edge, Battaramulla – 06:15 am |
| Drop off point | Pick up point – 16:30 |
| Level | Moderate |
| Inclusions | Trek guide / transport / lunch / water |
| Exclusions | Breakfast / transport to the pick up point |
Highlights
Maligatenna buddhist temple & rock
Pilikuthtuwa caves
Haweriwela Ambalama (an open-sided wooden pavilion, which was an ancient wayside rest)
What to wear
Walking shoes with a good grip and ankle support
Trekking trousers
T-shirt / casual shirt
What to put in your backpack
Cap/hat
Sunglasses & sun protection cream
Hand towel
Small trash bag
Light waterproof jacket (k-way) – depending on weather
Plastic bags to keep your phone/camera dry
Emergency phone numbers
Copy of your ID or passport
Basic first aid kit
| N° of persons | 4-6 | 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Per person | $60 | $50 |