We're going to give you 5 good reasons why you should come to Sri Lanka for a trekking holiday. A thorough guide giving you great insight into one of Sri Lanka's best holiday spots. Being truthful there are of course, other great destinations throughout Asia for trekking enthusiasts, or simply you love nature and the great outdoors:
Just what distinguishes Sri Lanka from so many others? You will come to discover it's all to do with the tropical landscapes, and breathtaking views when looking down, far and wide. The rugged terrain with its peaks and rolling hills creates the best anticipation and excitement for adventure. You will know yourself is Sri Lanka is for you or not, regards what motivates you to trek:
Sri Lanka has a little of everything rolled into one, with culture and history which makes it feel a little similar to Indonesia, actually.
Of all the amazing national parks Sri Lanka has for eager nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, what jumps out at you is Horton Plains National Park. What makes this park so darned hot and gorgeous you can't help but be pulled to it? Try heading to Nuwara Eliya District, there is a sheer cliff that scales 1200m in height. The location is called "World's End" and your heart will miss more than a few beats as you stand in awe of the sights. It really does take you some minutes to come to terms of where you are:
The difference between this, and Ella Rock, for example, is it is a cliff and you are on the edge. It's not simply a mountain, with a gradient but a vertical drop. In front of you, and your heart beats faster the closer to the edge you get. It's really amazing, and the breeze that you feel is so refreshing. All part of your adventure, that lives with you for ever more.
The park is carpeted in a lush green of varied forest and open, hilly landscapes home to streams, waterfalls and lots of deer herds. Most definitely worth going on a day long guided tour of the park, it's a relaxing experience and you don't need to be super fit to get the most from it.
The fear is that once you've been to the "World's End" drop, then Ella Rock may pale in comparison. For such sensational thrills, the aforementioned cliff gives you that, leaving you wondering why you must go to this rock as well. It's because there is no comparison between the two, Ella Rock has more beautiful settings in our opinion, in regards to time to reflect. Perfect for when you want peace and quiet ― time for yourself. But you get that anyway, from the other locations we've highlighted in this guide so there must be something more to Ella Rock.
Might it be on a very good, clear day you can see the distant coastline? Ella Town is positioned within a hilly landscape, sure but overall, it's a low-lying terrain for the most part. In Vietnam, you have rice terraces which glow gold in Autumn, but here in Sri Lanka (and India) you have deep greens from tea plantations. And the aroma during harvesting is very unforgettable.
Give yourself at least 3 hours to reach the summit of Ella Rock, and it's actually best to go under the guidance of a local if you've not booked in advance, any tour. There are a few more attractions that may interest you in and around Ella Town. Which is why we recommend you stay two days, one night (minimum) to fully absorb everything, including the Dowa Rock Temple. As you go exploring, you'll happen across:
Udawalawe National Park is less than 2 hours' drive (by taxi, costing you US$60) from Ella Town and highly recommended. The primary feature of the national park is its reservoir: wide open and beautiful you can see the water buffalo swimming happily with just their heads above the surface. Likewise with the crocodiles. Birds resting, perching on a branch of a submerged tree. These are perfect safari moments you'd want to capture on any holiday, but Sri Lanka feels more special because of it.
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The vast majority of options is to holiday as closely to the locals as possible for the most insightful experience of the area. That means, we propose you stay in a homestay as first choice, and hotel second in the event you fail to secure the homestay. In and around Ella and its town there are plenty of small guesthouses and homestays you can easily book, they're very affordable.
But. If you feel that's not for you then there are luxury resorts in the area too, if you prefer more "up market" but obviously they're a lot more expensive. The homestays are budget friendly, and you get to sample some really nice Tamil "home cooking" dishes at the same time.
If two days feels not enough for you to fully explore Ella, ask your homestay if it's convenient to stay another night. Be prepared to adjust your plans at short notice because the beauty in this part of Sri Lanka is spellbinding. It grabs you by the "short and curlies", refusing to let go. It troubles you to move on from here. When it suits you, take a tuk-tuk the brief few kilometers out of town to Ravana's Rock but eat light for breakfast.
There are over 600 steps to climb before you reach the cave entrance take note. And at the top the last final effort is over rockface because there are no steps, so wear boots with grip under foot so not to slip. The climb isn't steep per se but it twists and turns a little and, in some places, going up there are steps missing. Very enjoyable scenery though, and close to the top there's a clearing offering you grand views outwards.
The entrance fee to the cave is far less than one US dollar, but pay in the local currency (Indian Rupee). Don't go to the cave at midday as the temperature is too hot. Make your way to the cave early, it opens at 08:00 hours. The cave inside isn't particularly large or significant, bar the fascinating history which the locals are happy to tell you all about it. Take a local guide to show you the way there, because not all tuk-tuk owners give good directions or instruction.
As well as the Ravana Fall, there are other waterfalls throughout Sri Lanka, such as:
Besides which, the local guide will keep you right when you want to go for a swim in Ravana's waterfall. Don't worry, there is plenty of room in a tuk-tuk, they can squeeze in five people easily. If there is a group of you, it's better to pay for a proper tour itinerary ― the tour operator will provide a mini bus.
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There are other waterfalls other than Ravana's Falls. It would mean you staying in Kandy City, before reaching Ella Town. Arrive in Kandy City, from Colombo, the capital for example. The Gerandi Ella Waterfall is a 90-minute taxi ride out of the city:
This waterfall being one of the best natural attractions on Sri Lanka. The 240m tall waterfall is actually comprised of several waterfalls close together. We counted several tiers to the waterfall, peering over the lip of a rock ledge. That's as close to the waterfall you'll get unfortunately ― from the roadside. We are certain it would be far more dramatic during the monsoon season, for sure.
The train journey can be anything from 6 hours, often longer at 9 hours. Don't ruin your holiday, and miss out on some of the most breathtaking scenery and landscapes on Sri Lanka:
It's your one chance in life to see true authentic Sri Lankan life. Give the bus and taxi a miss and take the train, it really is the best advice we can give you. The train is clean, with spacious cabins and plenty of attendants onboard. And when you are hungry, go in search of food vendors who consistently serve you authentic delicious snacks. If you worry about being bored, or children being bored, don't. A lot of your time on the train will be consumed with an interest outside, or inside:
So, no: you are not going to be bored.
The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka at over 260m. To get to the waterfall you must begin your trail on the outskirts of Kalupahana Town, Sri Lanka's central highlands. Coming from Colombo City, on the west coast you find yourself in the city of Balangoda to the east. It's a 4-hour bus journey, where the bus makes more economical sense to you. Once in town and you have unpacked in your hotel, you have a choice:
If you are on foot, it may take you 90 minutes to move along the rough, broken trail. From a distance it appears as if only a trickle flowing over the top, except when it's the monsoon season there is more strength in its force. From the trail you can see the waterfall across the jungle canopy, but there is no clear route to the base of the waterfall. You could (not advisable though) if you are brazening to do so, look for a way down from the trail road? Of course, you'd be wearing sturdy boots without needing to be told.
Pro Tip 1: Ensure you have sufficient bottled water with you and remember to take the private bus (that has working air conditioning, possibly wi-fi and is less crowded) and not the Central Bus coach.
Pro Tip 2: Avoid the waterfall during the monsoon season, the rough trail is in bad shape at the best of times. It'll be even more hazardous when it has been raining heavily, with potential landslides and rockfall. Wait until the month of September to visit.
Moving on, another "big ticket" item Sri Lanka has for you is the ancient Sigiriya Rock fortress. The fortress ― a Royal palace at one time ― is thousands of years old and the most valuable historic monument on the Sri Lankan Island. You can't fail to not visit the rock, there is so much adventure to look forward to. There are too many things about the fortress to shock and awe you, so make room for it during your 10-day ― or two-week ― holiday.
There is no doubt in our opinion this UNESCO World Heritage listed site is one of the most impressive found in southeast Asia. Once you arrive and are ready to climb the walls of this mountainous rock, you'll share the same sentiment. But before doing so you will want to walk around first; the site has been beautifully cared for and landscaped gardens making your visit more welcoming. Paths take you down one route, and another in all directions.
At some point you'll find steps that take you to the next level, or terrace. So, you don't lose time, it's one more reason why you book a guided tour in advance. One noticeable thing about visiting this rock is how hot it can be, and there is no shade to scurry under so come prepared:
It's not a religious site or temple, so come in a shirt and shorts (but not sandals). The ground is dusty, in which sand can easily get between your toes causing a right nuisance for you.
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Climbing the steps, the further you go to the top, avoid looking down or you'll suffer vertigo, and your nerves will leave you jittery before too long. Hold back until you reach the top and are on the flat of the rock before peering over the edge. With over a thousand steps, in the midday heat (touching 90°F on some days), accept you won't be charging up those steps. Pace yourself and take your time, it takes most people a whole hour to reach the top. Besides, as the peak tourist season starts in December, the site quickly becomes crowded.
Halfway you can rest. Walk around and take photos of the landscape facing outwards. And it's here you understand why it's also called "Lion Rock", because of a pair of large claws hewed out of the rock. You pass between them in the center, the steps continue further up the mountain. Your reward for reaching the top ― tired and perhaps relieved the climb is over ― is enjoying stunning panoramic views far out to the horizon.
It makes you smile to see others below, on their journey to the top because they're "so tiny". Those thoughts reinforce the satisfaction you feel, being at the top too.
You can in fact, leave Kalupahana Town and journey on your way to Dambulla Town 200km north. The bus takes far too long, almost 10 hours. Is it better to pay the US$80 taxi fare and be there in 3 hours? Only take the bus option (US$10 a ticket) if you're traveling overnight, that way you can sleep through the hours. If you are in Kandy City however, it's far easier (and cheaper) to arrange personal transport to Dambulla.
Taking a tuk-tuk from Dambulla Town to Sigiriya Rock is only 30 minutes to being dropped off at the entrance. Entry to the site is quite expensive, even by foreign standards: an adult ticket costs US$30 and a child ticket is US$15, each.
Note: Only VIP (luxury buses) have onboard toilet facilities, and not every route has those operators. You are depending on regular bus stops along the way, therefore.
The waterfall is located close to Badulla City, or less than an hour from Ella Town if you prefer. You may be in the area of Ella, in which case hire a taxi to take you north to Badulla City for a day trip. If you relish a wild landscape which is beautiful and untouched then visit this waterfall. But a word of warning. Do not bathe or swim in the pool because the rocks are extremely slippery, and the water is deep. Also, don't climb or clamber too close either for the same reason as slipping.
Sit on the edge of the waterfall and enjoy the spray thrown your way, its cooling, and the setting is peaceful. Pack a lunch or picnic and enjoy the moment. From the city, rent a tuk-tuk to drop you off at the entrance and walk the rest of the way, it's not too far. If you haven't brought your own food, then you can purchase snacks from the various vendors on the trail.
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There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. The southwest, and west coast peak holiday period is from December through to April, for the least amount of rain. The rest of the Island (the east side, central and northern parts) is best holidayed between May and September. The average temperature is consistently in the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout Sri Lanks in all parts (regardless of monsoon season or not). At higher altitudes you can experience temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit.
It should be added that there are regional variations in temperature and rainfall. The weather is really only a major concern for you in regard to what beaches you want to be on and when.
Arguably, it's difficult to decide where to spread your time whilst holidaying in Sri Lanka. One certainty though, is not to spread it too thin and try and experience all three: Ella Rock, Sigiriya Rock and Adam's Peak.
We didn't include Adam's Rock in our guide (despite it being the most famous, probably) because for the average holidaymaker, a 5-hour trek to over 2000m is likely too arduous for them to complete. The trek to this rock calls for endurance and energy. It could prove to be too much of a challenge. It is thought that Ella Rock is a "lite" version of Adam's Rock anyway, which will suffice for most people. Leaving Adam's Rock for the hardcore trekker among you.
The mistake a lot of tourists make when visiting the interior of Sri Lanka is to underestimate the time they need to stay and actually sightsee all the major attractions. There should be no rush. We urge you to arrange your accommodation for three days and two nights, giving you more time to thoroughly enjoy yourself.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.