A Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in Sri Lanka: Exploring The Pekoe Trail

With its lush landscapes, rainforests, and tea estates, Sri Lanka is a trekker’s paradise. From peaceful nature walks to tough mountain treks, the island offers different trails to suit every experience level. Here is a guide to some of the best hiking trails in Sri Lanka, starting from the recently opened The Pekoe Trail to the iconic Adam’s Peak.

The popular The Pekoe Trail of Sri Lanka is a newly developed long-distance walking route that will take travellers across the central highlands. At 300 kilometres long, it’s named after Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Book a hiking tour in Sri Lanka and embark on this scenic trail that goes through some of the most eye-catching tea estates, mountains, remote villages, and railway tracks from the colonial era.

It is divided into 22 stages that cover different landscapes and difficulty levels. Your journey begins in the hill capital. Unwind in top hotels like Jetwing Kandy Gallery before going hiking in Kandy, Sri Lanka. From here, the trail goes through Hatton, Haputale, Ella, and other stunning hill country locations. Along the way, you’ll travel through a combination of forest terrain, grassland, and catch glimpses of the distant mountains.

The Pekoe Trail is ideal for travellers who want to experience the natural beauty and culture of the island. Whether you’re trekking in a single stage or going the full route, it is a must-do for hikers.

One of the most famous trails, Adam’s Peak hike in Sri Lanka, or Sri Pada, is a pilgrimage trail that is sacred to Buddhists. The peak is 2,243 meters high and offers one of the most spectacular views of the sunrise in the country. There are three routes – Hatton, which is the easiest and most popular, Ratnapura, and Dalhousie, (takes 3-4 hours).

The best time to go is from December to May when the pilgrimage season is in full swing. There are 5,000+ steps to climb before reaching the summit. Start the climb at night, to enjoy stunning views of the early sunrise. You will also see the famous shadow of the peak, forming a perfect triangle. The hike is challenging yet rewarding.

Horton Plains National Park, in the central highlands, is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known trails. This 9 km-long, round circuit provides a dramatic view from this sudden drop known as World’s End. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see 880 meters from the top, making it one of the best hikes in Nuwara Eliya.

The hike is moderate and relatively easy, and will take 2–3 hours to complete. Make your way through montane grasslands, see the gushing waterfalls, and spot wildlife which include sambar deer and rare bird species. It’s best to go early in the morning before the clouds roll in. This is an excellent option for nature lovers who prefer scenic walks rather than steep climbs.

Hiking in Ella, Sri Lanka is one of the must-do activities for visitors to this picturesque town. It is a relatively short but rather difficult hike which is ultimately rewarding, since it provides spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Find accommodation in Ella or nearby Badulla at comfortable lodgings like Jetwing Uva Ben Head Villa, or Jetwing Welimada Villa before starting out.

The hike takes about 2–3 hours, and starts from Ella town. From there, the trail winds through the railway tracks, tea plantations, and forests. It’s well-known for its amazing views of sunrise and sunset. There are no markings along the path, but local guides and fellow hikers can show you the way.

So-called because of its resemblance to a clenched fist, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best hiking places in Sri Lanka. It offers a variety of trails from easy walks to multi-day jungle treks.

This mountain is rich in biodiversity, with beautiful waterfalls, caves, and endemic wildlife. Some of the most popular trails here include Mini World’s End, Dothalugala, and Meemure Village. Hiking in the Knuckles range in Sri Lanka is peaceful, since it’s less crowded than more popular hiking spots, and is ideal for trekkers looking for adventures off-the-beaten-path.

From the long-distance The Pekoe Trail to the sacred Adam’s Peak and adventurous Knuckles Range, Sri Lanka is a dream destination for hikers. If you love hiking, don’t forget to add these trails into your Sri Lankan travel itinerary!