Hotel Topaz | The Adventure Travel Site

The Hiking Trails around Kandy

Nestled amidst the lush, emerald-green landscapes of Sri Lanka, Kandy emerges as a captivating destination for hiking enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. With its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking vistas, Kandy offers a myriad of hiking trails that cater to both seasoned trekkers and leisurely explorers alike. From verdant tea plantations to mist-shrouded mountains, each trail promises an unforgettable journey through the island’s diverse terrain.

The Knuckles Range

With its diverse mountain ranges, including the challenging Knuckles Mountain Range, hikers can expect mesmerizing summit views and encounters with rich biodiversity. The Knuckles, named for their knuckle-like appearance, boast thirty-four peaks and offer various trails suitable for different skill levels. With lush forests, streams, and waterfalls, this World Heritage conservation area promises an unforgettable experience. If you choose to stay in a hotel in Kandy, make sure to consider such places as the Hotel Topaz to enhance your stay.

Riverston and Pitawala

Located within the Knuckles Mountain Range, Pitawala Pathana and Riverston Peak offer breathtaking panoramic views of nature’s beauty. Pitawala Pathana, a 24-acre grassy plain, culminates in a dramatic cliff known as ‘mini world’s end,’ accessible via designated nature trails. Endemic wildlife, such as the Kirthisinghe’s rock frog, inhabits this region, adding to its allure. The drive to these treks offers picturesque views of the Knuckles ridges and passes three natural water streams along the way.

Sigiriya and Pidurangala

Fondly dubbed the ‘palace in the clouds,’ Sigiriya Rock, or the Lion Rock Fortress, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of Sri Lanka’s historical and cultural legacy, acclaimed as the 8th wonder of the world. Rising 200 meters, this sheer rock formation, once a volcanic plug and ancient fortress, showcases the kingdom’s agricultural advancements, technical prowess, and architectural mastery. Adjacent to Sigiriya is Pidurangala Mountain, offering unparalleled views of the fortress in a serene, less-explored setting.

Rathna Ella, Hasalaka

Rathna Ella, situated in Hasalaka within the Kandy District, is a stunning waterfall boasting a height of 111 meters, making it the tallest in the Kandy region and the 9th tallest in Sri Lanka. Also known as ‘Navarathne Ella,’ this majestic cascade originates from the Knuckles Mountain Range, surrounded by lush vegetation nurtured by nearby paddy cultivation villages. Serving as a vital water source for irrigation, it supports the livelihoods of approximately 200 farmers.

Nature’s Hidden Gems: Hiking Trails Around Kandy

Situated in the Central Province, surrounded by the Knuckles and Hunnasgiriya mountain ranges, Kandy enjoys a colder climate, making it the ideal trail for hiking enthusiasts.

Mutukeliyawa View Point

If you have gone through the list of all the things to do in Kandy, you may be looking to step out of your comfort zone. However, it is understood that not everyone considers hiking for hours at an end fun. Thus, this hike is ideal for novices, as it can be completed in under 3 hours.

Hantana to Galaha

If you are looking to burn some calories after a hearty breakfast at a property such as Hotel Topaz, then consider embarking on the first stage of the Pekoe trail. This is another easy trail that is ideal for newcomers. This hike starts at the Ceylon tea museum at the Hantana estate, which is a must-visit.

Alagalla

While this is a popular hiking trail, it is more suitable for experienced hikers as the final steps of the journey involve a steep slope that is difficult to navigate.

Pettigala

This hike is open to anyone as it is relatively easy, and offers a breathtaking view. From the top, you would be able to observe both the Victoria reservoir and the Knuckles mountain range, which is absolutely worth the 1-kilometre hike.

Why You Should Visit Kandy

Once the royal seat of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a city perched on a plateau at the top of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. There are many reasons as to why you should be visiting Kandy. Here are our top 4.

It’s Perfect for Nature Lovers
The small city is surrounded by emerald mountains and plenty of forest land, estates and the famed Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. Everywhere you look, even out of the balcony of the best hotel in Kandy there is plenty of nature to adore.

It’s Home to Cultural Treasures
Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist landmark site as the resting place of the tooth relic of Buddha which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth at the royal palace in the city centre. It’s a quick drive from mountainside hotels like Hotel Topaz.

It’s a Classic Movie Location
Kandy was famously the location for movies such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Cheng Gong, The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo and Thai Flower among others.

It’s Where You Can Find a Good Cuppa
You can also find plenty of tea estates with cafés that will serve you the most delicious cup of steaming hot Ceylon Black tea.