Experiencing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty is best done off the beaten track. There are a variety of experiences that embrace the local environment respectfully and sustainably, unlocking incredible remote trails in exciting ways.
The best example of this is the recently-curated Pekoe Trail: a 300-kilometer hiking route that traverses the hill country along historic trading routes. Passing through isolated villages, stunning tea plantations and mountain passes, this route embraces community and nature in an authentic fashion. The route is broken up into 22 stages, each of which has a well-connected start and endpoint, making it possible to leave and rejoin the trail at various points depending on preferences.
The trail is well-maintained by local communities and supported by the official Pekoe Trail App, which has reliable GPS routes and descriptions of each stage, which gives local insight into monuments, landscapes and villages that may otherwise go unnoticed. It is possible to purchase the trail pass directly in the app. This is truly the best way to explore the hill country and support local communities directly.
Pekoe Trail. Michael Iverson
The most straightforward stages are Stage 1, from the suburbs of Kandy to Galaha, Stages 13 & 14, which connect Haputale to Ella, and Stage 22, which is easily accessible from the town of Nuwara Eliya. Hotels and guides are also very accommodating of the trail, often offering bag transport and support for those hiking between towns. Despite fantastic infrastructure and accessible trails, the Pekoe Trail remains Sri Lanka’s greatest hidden gem.
In and around Nuwara Eliya offers some of the most accessible yet underappreciated trails, and acts as a great base for exploring the lesser-known corners of the hill country. In this region, stunning waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the intense heat of the midday sun. Bomburu Ella Waterfall is a peaceful escape from the town, hidden at the end of a well-marked trail that is predominantly visited by locals. It’s a great place to step into more remote nature and cool off in a freshwater pool.
Lover’s Leap Waterfall is slightly closer to the town and has incredible views of the surrounding plains, especially if you navigate the more difficult trail that leads to the upper rockpools.
Slightly further afield, Moray Falls near Sri Pada is another incredible place to escape for a swim. Nestled away beyond the tea plantations, the trail follows the lakeside along from the Moray Estate Tea Factory to a huge, isolated waterfall. The trail is somewhat challenging but locals are willing to guide you there for a small fee, which is well worth it when you have the plunge pool all to yourself.
Moray Falls. Michael Iverson
Elsewhere in the Hill Country, Kitulgala is home to iconic whitewater rafting experiences. The route navigates the upper parts of the Kelani River and ends at Block 36, which was a key filming location for Bridge Over the River Kwai, where a replica wooden bridge was destroyed with the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s lush jungle terrain. Whitewater rafting is a safe and exciting way to explore Sri Lanka’s jungle terrain with some adrenaline rushes scattered throughout. There are many tour operators in this area but it is wise to book in advance to find a reliable time, and unwinding on the riverbanks with a tea or a beer is the perfect way to end the afternoon. Cost estimate: $60 (with lunch).
Another unique experience for Sri Lanka’s national parks is Eco Grip’s Mahaweli Expedition. Ranging from two to four nights in length, travellers navigate the historic Mahaweli river in kayaks and camp on the riverside in the national parks. The guides have incredible local knowledge of the environment and wildlife, setting up camp each night and cooking fantastic meals under the stars. It’s an experience like no other. These trips escape the tourist trails and venture deep into the national parks, offering a whole new dimension to a safari. These are experiences that cannot be recreated anywhere else. Cost estimate: $500 for 3 days all-inclusive.
Eco Grip. Michael Iverson