Walking Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Walking Trips

From the lowlands to the hill country, our walking holidays in Sri Lanka take you on an epic journey along well-trodden and more remote trails that lead you through diverse landscapes. Explore awe-inspiring sites such as Dambulla and Sigiriya and scale the iconic Knuckles Mountain Range.

There’s plenty of time to discover the island’s rich cultural heritage along the coast and at traditional tea plantations that surround Horton Plains. Most of our walking in Sri Lanka is on the road-less-travelled and our expert guides will steer you towards hidden treasures that others rarely experience.

Sri Lanka is also famous for its exquisite beaches and has been described as the finest island of its size in the world. Behind the dazzling coastline is a lush interior with thick jungles, vast palm and paddy plantations and – up in the hill country – tea estates, montane forests, high waterfalls, rushing rivers and old Raj hill stations. In addition, the country has a long and intriguing history and is home to ancient Buddhist temples, spice gardens and abundant wildlife.

Trek along the pilgrimage trail to Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), a distinctive mountain famous for its “sacred footprint”. This is a challenging yet rewarding climb with spellbinding views from the summit. In stark contrast, the kaleidoscopic city of Kandy takes you on an eye-opening discovery of botanical gardens, the ancient Temple of the Tooth Relic and lively markets.

Head to Yala National Park for an unforgettable wildlife adventure and go in search of the elusive leopard, elephants and a variety of bird species on an afternoon game drive.

Walking Holidays in Sri Lanka

12 Days from USD 3000

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Go deep into the emerald tea country, following the hiking world’s most exciting new trail

Walking & Trekking

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Top 5 Trails on Walking Holidays in Sri Lanka

The Manigala Trail
Snaking across the Knuckles Mountain Range, the Manigala Trail is a UNESCO World Heritage site punctuated by paddy fields, dense forests and the villages of Pitawala Patana and Etanwala. Pause at the escarpment to catch your breath and inhale the uninterrupted views of rural Sri Lanka. From here, follow the trail to the highest part of your walk at Manigala Top, standing at 3,660ft. The Knuckles Range is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including several endemic species, which you might spot along the way.

Yodakandiya Lake
Located in the Tissamaharama District of Sri Lanka, Yodakandiya Lake is a stunning manmade lake, dating back to the 3^rd century BC. Flanked by lush vegetation, this is an idyllic spot for bird watching as you walk along the waterside trail. Along the way, you’ll also get a glimpse into the life of the locals as they go about their day-to-day lives. Unwind in the tranquility and enjoy a peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Adam’s Peak
Also known as Sri Pada, Adam’s Peak is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and sacred mountains. This pilgrimage site is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The trek to the summit of Adam’s Peak is an enlightening journey that begins around midnight, with the goal of reaching the top by sunrise. The trail consists of thousands of steps that wind their way up the mountain, passing through lush forests and small villages. Your reward at the summit is a breathtaking sunrise that illuminates the misty valleys below.

Horton Plains
Horton Plains is a vast plateau overlooking the central highlands of Sri Lanka and boasts some of the most scenic hiking trails on the island. Home to unique ecosystems, including grasslands and cloud forests, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as sambar deer, purple-faced monkeys and endemic bird species. Follow the trail, past Baker’s Falls, to World’s End, a dramatic escarpment with unparalleled views of the plains and valleys below.

Ella Rock
Nestled in the charming hill town of Ella and standing at 3,743ft, Ella Rock is a popular route for walking in Sri Lanka owing to its panoramic views and relatively easy accessibility. Trek among tea plantations and paddy fields, stopping at remote villages to learn about rural life in Sri Lanka. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and more forested, eventually leading to the rocky summit, where you’re rewarded with views of Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak and the surrounding hills.

Ten challenging but supremely rewarding walking days, each ending in comfortable accommodations with ample time to get clean, enjoy fantastic food, rest and recover for the next adventure. Three well-spaced rest days to relax and enjoy the charming towns of Chamonix, Courmayeur and St. Gervais. Breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif at all angles in various conditions. Life affirming moments overcoming the Cols (mountain passes). Delightful interactions with fellow trekkers from around the world, and exposure to French, Swiss and Italian cultures. Thrilling optional activities including tandem paragliding (highly recommended) and a visit to the amazing Aiguille du Midi.

Lawrence Leclair Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

We recently completed the Tour, having waited a few years after a ‘covid cancellation’ and whilst being fortunate with the weather (there were high temperatures before our trip and heavy rain afterwards), we enjoyed it immensely. The physical challenge was huge, perhaps not unexpectedly and the scenery utterly beautiful. If I could sum up our experience I’d say that our previous two major treks were in the Himalayas amongst mountains almost twice the height but this did nothing to lessen the majesty and sheer beauty of the Mont Blanc region. Any disappointments such as too much shopping for lunch and a poor hotel experience in St Gervais were minor niggles.

David Handcock Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

I’m 70. I had a yearning to see Everest since I was quite young. As I grew older, I hoped to do the trip with my sons but the length of the trip was not conducive. I wasn’t particularly fit but trained for a few months beforehand, not knowing if I could manage the amount of walking , let alone the unknown element of altitude.
Arriving in Kathmandu, the hotel was excellent and we had time to visit the old city of Thamel.
The flight to Lukla was a great experience in a small plane, next the start of the trek.
The ‘Teahouses’ along the way offered a warm convivial welcome, with varying numbers of other trekkers present. Suspension-bridge crossings, some several hundred metres long were great! We were lucky to have clear visibility and sunshine nearly every day as we progressed ever higher amid awe-inspiring scenery, expertly led by our leader Valerie Parkinson, and Nepalese guide Saroje. Our yakman Nawang took care of all our luggage except for our light daysacks.
We gazed up at Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Macalu, Pumori, to name but a few peaks. From various vantage points including the aptly named Everest View Hotel, we had excellent views of Everest with the South Summit and South Col.
We experienced at first hand the logistical marvel of how everything is transported up here; by yak, mule, dzo or porter.
Bird-life included Vultures and Golden Eagles soaring overhead, plus Tibetan Snow birds that took a fancy to my lemon drizzle cake on Kala Patthar during our final acclimatisation trek.
After taking in the Kumbhu Glacier, we reached Gorak Shep before the final push to Everest Base Camp itself. Unlike most other treks, we had ample time at Base Camp rock before the short walk to one of the expedition camps where we stayed overnight, amongst an array of camps looking like something out of a Bond movie. We witnessed a massive avalanche, and spent time on the ice shelf, truly surreal amongst the surrounding peaks.
Overall, it was tough but an utterly amazing experience, in the competent hands of our leader Valerie, a lifetime goal achieved.

Julian Pomery Everest Base Camp Trek