Trekking in Kandy

Trekking in Kandy isn’t about extreme climbs or elaborate trails; it’s about embracing the down-to-earth charm of Sri Lanka’s landscapes. Whether navigating Hanthana, exploring Udawatta Kele, immersing in local culture at Gannoruwa, or ascending to the Bahirawakanda Vihara, each trek offers a practical adventure that connects you with the heart of Kandy.

Hanthana Mountain Range Hike

Embark on a trek through the Hanthana Mountain Range, a series of lush hills surrounding Kandy. This is considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. The simplicity of the trail unveils panoramic views of the city, showcasing a side of Kandy that goes beyond its cultural heritage. If you’re short on time and prefer to skip road travel, consider the convenience of air taxis offered by domestic airlines like Cinnamon Air. By flying to Polgolla Reservoir in Kandy, you can easily access Hanthana without the hassle of lengthy road journeys

Nature’s Simplicity at Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Explore the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a tranquil forest reserve on the outskirts of Kandy. The straightforward trails wind through dense foliage, offering a quiet retreat where the simplicity of nature takes centre stage, and vibrant birdlife provides a symphony of sounds.

Cultural Interlude at Gannoruwa Hills

Combine trekking with a cultural touch at Gannoruwa Hills. Wander through quaint villages, meeting locals, and gaining insights into their everyday lives. The straightforward interactions offer a genuine experience of Sri Lankan rural culture.

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue Ascent

Bahirawakanda Vihara
Bahirawakanda Vihara – Photo by Yves Alarie on Unsplash

For a blend of spirituality and trekking, climb to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. The straightforward ascent provides not just an awe-inspiring view of Kandy but also a moment of reflection at the towering Buddha statue, a symbol of tranquillity in the midst of nature.

Things You Can Do on Your Vacation at Hambantota

A town full of fascinating facets that will thrill lovers of nature, culture, and history, Hambantota has plenty to do for down-to-earth seekers of experiential bliss. Here’s what you can’t miss!

Marvel at Yala National Park

A jaunty jeep safari across the nation’s largest and most renowned nature reserve is one of the crowning glories of a Sri Lankan vacation, hosting exhilarating encounters with over 44 species of native mammals and 200 species of birds in their natural habitat, from the elusively gorgeous Asian leopard to brilliant peacocks, lagoon crocodiles, adorable fishing cats, and the mightily gentle elephant.

Bathe at Muruthawela Reservoir

While the exhilarating jungle trek and boat ride to reach the steaming crystalline Mahapelessa Hot Springs are great additions to your itinerary, bathing in the picturesque Muruthawela canal, posing on its matchbox bridge, and visiting the ancient archaeological site provide a fulfilling challenge for those who like to veer off the beaten track.

Safari on Walawe River

Walawe River 
Image via Wikimedia Commons – Ji-Elle, Eléphants-Uda Walawe National Park (1), CC BY-SA 3.0

If you’re enamoured by dusky mangrove forests, windingly tranquil rivers, thrilling rapids, as well as an impressive diversity of water-loving animals, aquatic fowl, and rare plant species, the Walawe River is great for a splash-worthy escapade in the wild. The most enticing things to do in Sri Lanka are yours to seamlessly enjoy during your limited stay with an avant-garde domestic airline such as Cinnamon Air at your service.

Visit Ussangoda National Park

While Sri Lanka’s Down South is famed for its irresistible medley of sensational jungle-clad beaches, storybook fort towns, artisan tribal-meets-tropical bohemia, and palms majestic for swinging, and striking rock formations, Hambantota’s diversity of experiences is difficult to match. At Ussangoda National Park, for instance, you can find rich red soil plains unearthed by a meteor, beautiful stretches of ocean, rugged promontories, and an extraordinary assortment of flora and fauna.

Trekking in Sri Lanka

Wondering where to spend your next island gateway? Sri Lanka will be an ideal choice with its exciting mix of mesmeric beaches, wildlife, and cultural sights.

Hill_Country | img by Sandali.L.Kumarasinghe via wikipedia commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

 

Sri Lankan wildlife

Your safari tours in Sri Lanka will be incomplete if you fail to spot a Sri Lankan leopard. It is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Leopard watching is an exciting activity adored by many tourists who visit Sri Lanka for a holiday. The Yala National Park consists of the highest density of leopards, and it is the best place to enjoy a glimpse of these wonderful spotted wild creatures.

Explore the picturesque hill country

Sri Lanka’s hill country is the most stunning, mist-wrapped land featuring spellbinding views lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountains. Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit city showcasing some of the finest golf courses in Asia, breathtaking surroundings and exciting activities like course trekking, horse riding and camping. There are many accommodation options offered by travel entities like Amaya Resorts & Spas to make the best out of your stay.

A train ride to Kandy or Haputale

The train ride between Kandy and Ella is popular as one of the world’s top ten scenic train rides! This route will take you through vast and never-ending tea plantations in the country. The journey will take around four hours. Another option to consider will be to stop for a day or two in the small town of Haputale without going all the way to Kandy.

Go on a safari ride

Despite its appealing biological endemism, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lanka is home to one of the three types of Asian elephants. Due to its largest concentration of elephants, leisure travellers from all around the world spare time to go on an elephant-watching safari to Yala.

 

 

 

 

Explore the Natural Beauty of Kandy

There are many reasons why Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, is considered one of the best locations for trekking. Kandy is surrounded by beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and forests with diverse flora and fauna. The city is also home to cultural attractions and can be reached easily from other major cities in Sri Lanka. What’s more? Kandy is considered a safe destination for travellers; this makes it the perfect location for an unforgettable trekking adventure. Here are several tips to keep in mind when planning your trek in Kandy.

Wear Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes

Trekking in Kandy can involve walking over rough terrain, so it’s essential to have shoes that can protect your feet from rough areas and provide good support. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for hiking shoes; this will help you navigate various locations with ease.

Pack Light

Ensure to bring only the essentials and leave any unnecessary items at home; this will help you to travel to various locations in Kandy more comfortably and enjoy exciting things to do in Sri Lanka as you traverse the area. Bring a backpack with you with a few water bottles and some snacks.

Wear Protective Clothing

Kandy Town
Image via Wikimedia Commons – Charith Gunarathna, Kandy Sri Lanka (25818382171), CC BY 2.0

Depending on the weather and the type of trek you are doing, it may be wise to bring protective clothing such as a rain jacket or sunscreen. Kandy observes both the rainy season and the sunny season. So, make sure to prepare yourself in advance. If you want to travel to Kandy safely and quickly, use Cinnamon Air.

Protect the Environment

Remember to protect the natural environment and take steps to minimize your impact – this may include disposing of trash properly or avoiding disturbing wildlife. Be an environmentally conscious traveller and preserve the environment for younger generations.


  

Must Try Water Sports in Sri Lanka

 

It is no secret that Sri Lanka is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. If you are looking for something more exciting than just lazing by the beach, here are some thrilling water sports to try while holidaying in this tropical paradise.

image via https://www.flickr.com/

Scuba Diving

Home to a host of natural reefs and sunken ships, Sri Lanka is a hotspot for divers. You can choose between dive stations offering easy dives and those offering full PADI certifications. Some of the most famous scuba diving destinations in and around the island may include Unawatuna, Mirissa, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Hikkaduwa.

Surfing

The rippling ocean waves in this tropical paradise are ideal for surf lovers. Considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for some fun under the sun, there is no reason to be discouraged if you are still an amateur in the sport, simply because there is a host of places offering surf lessons to level up your skills. With waves that can be surfed all year round, next time you are holidaying on the island, make sure you ride these swelling waves.

Kayaking

With ample rivers, lakes and rainwater tanks scattered across the island, Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations to have a fun kayaking expedition. As you paddle across the river, you are bound to encounter exotic wildlife not to mention plenty of exquisite flora, you have never seen before. Interestingly, if you are staying at a beach resort belonging to the famous chain Amaya resorts & spa, a range of water sports including kayaking expeditions can be easily arranged at your convenience.

White water rafting

As dangerous as it may sound, white water rafting is one of the most exciting watersports to be enjoyed. As long as you are above the age of 10 years and are equipped with all the safety gear, you meet all the requirements to try this watersport. Kithulgala would be one of the best places to try this thrilling sport.

  

 

Guide to Whale Watching in Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the most popular coastal locales in Sri Lanka, and in addition to offering beautiful beaches with powdery sands and turquoise waters, it is has a significant whale population.

Overnight stay at Cape Weligama & Weligama
Image Credit – Walkers Tours

International Grade Operations

Pretty much all the providers of whale-watching expeditions operate under very strict guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of the marine titans. Among many things they refrain from venturing unnecessarily close to the whales, and they never interfere with the creature’s course.

The Vessels

The whale-watching boats are generally large vessels with a capacity of at least forty people. The ones run by the military are even bigger, and can hold more than a hundred passengers. The price is also generally inclusive of insurance relating to the boat and its passengers respectively.

Procuring a Tour

A whale-watching adventure should definitely be a priority when it comes to things to do in Sri Lanka. You can easily procure a whale-watching expedition from many travel providers such as Walkers Tours.

Whale-Watching Season

The optimal time to go whale-watching is from November to April, where there’s a very high number of whales and the seas are also quite calm. Although there will be whales from May to October as well, the seasons tend to be quite rough and the voyage is not recommended.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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