There’s no better way to explore the natural scenic beauty of this island which is blessed with diverse climatic zones.Trekking is an excellent way to explore a country, people, their traditions and beliefs. Paths and campsites have been selected to give nature lovers the experience of a lifetime. All measures are taken to ensure local community benefit and nature conservation in keeping with all international camping guidelines.
The possibilities are endless as one has the option of hiking or trekking in cities and towns which are in close proximity to Colombo ( the business capital) such as Gampaha which is ideal for an easy hike. It offers the chance to view tiny hamlets and farms. For the more challenging hiker, the Knucles range (a cluster resembling the knuckles of a hand )stretch 1,863m above the Dumbara Valley. It offers the rarest and most beatiful sights and the option of camping, it also has the option of visiting the Wasgamuwa National Park and the Veddah ( Sri Lanka's native folk) territory known as Dambana in Mahiyangana. The Knuckles range consists of a few allocated trails such as the Alugallena Montane Forest Nature Trail ( a 5-6 hour trail which covers a distance of 8km starting at Thangappuwa and ending at the Alugallena cave), Dekinda stream nature trail ( approximately 2km of walk through the hill slope of Naela ending at Dekinda stream) are some. Since the Knuckles range is a protected area you must obtain prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest.
An exhilarating trek which takes approximately 6 hrs is highly recommended starting from Belihul-Oya with its magnificient environs leading to the Horton Plains which is also a nature reserve dotted with unique fona and flaura,wildlife and waterfalls. It is situted 2,134m above sea level climaxing in the Worlds End an amazing encarpment which drops 328m vertically and falls away a further 1.312m. On a clear day one can view the Balangoda Town ( in 'Lilliputian' form) which s directly below.
The many paths within the cultural triangle such the old path from Minneriya to Sigiriya ( 27km probability 9 hrs) give a glimpse of the irrigation system and the uninhabited jungle life of the dry zone. Trekking in the Peak Wildreness Sanctuary in close proximity to Adam's Peak offers a diversified experience as it is home to a plethora of rare birds, leapord, deer and jackal.
The possibilities of hiking and trekking cannot be summed up in one page as Sri Lanka presents bountiful oppurtunities for the adventurous persona.
There are a fw words of advise which is to ascertain the ideal time for hiking or trekking in the varied location; it is wise to avoid the monsoon rains due to muddy terrain and leeches. |