Hiking And Trekking | The Adventure Travel Site

Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

Known for its stunning natural beauty, the Knuckles Mountain Range is amongst the key places for trekking in Sri Lanka and here’s a guide on this scenic attraction.

Where is It?

Named for its resemblance to knuckles, this mountain range can be found in the Matale and Kandy districts; Kandy is a great place to stay and is around a 90-minute drive from this site; properties like Mountbatten Bungalow make an ideal base for your excursions and you can easily enjoy a day trip and back.

What to Expect

The Knuckles Mountain Range features thriving flora and fauna and amongst the best things to do in Kandy is to plan a trekking adventure here; you will come across enchanting cloud forests sometimes shrouded in mist, idyllic waterfalls, crystal clear streams, traditional villages and various wildlife and birdlife too.

Diverse Trails

There are over 30 trails for trekking in Knuckles Mountain Range, best explored with a guide. These include the Dothalugala nature trail to the summit of a mountain and the Mini World’s End trail, both offering spectacular views. There’s also the Duwili Ella trail to a waterfall in the forest and Nitro Caves trail to an intriguing cave.

Keep in Mind

Have a guide who can also help to get any needed permits. Wear light clothing and hiking boots; have a raincoat and bring swimwear if you plan to have a dip at a waterfall. Take enough water and remember you can fill bottles at streams. Also, have anti-leech socks and spray to deal with these pesky creatures!

Breath-taking Hikes in Ella

The Hill Country of Sri Lanka is known for its wide range of mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. This very fact makes it a great hiking destination.

Image credit- Unsplash,Kirsty barnby,CC0

Little Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the mountain range that’s called ‘Sri Pada’. This is not about it. Little Adam’s Peak is in Ella, and of course, is much smaller than Sri Pada. For the entire hike, you’ll only need around one hour. The hike is easy but rewards you with some of the best views.

Ella Rock

Ella hiking adventures will be incomplete if you miss out on this one. Unlike the Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock is considered a difficult hike. On websites such as Travel to Ella, this hiking trail has been recognized as one of the most wonderful, thanks to the flora and fauna around.

Dambatenne to Lipton’s Seat

Dambatenne is a popular tea factory in Sri Lanka. From here, take the hiking trail to the Lipton’s Seat which is located 6,463 ft above sea level.

Idalgashinna to Haputale

The best way to do this hike is to take the train from Ella to Idalgashinna and then, taking the hiking trail back to Haputale. The views across will be memorable, for sure!

How to Spend a Wonderful Weekend in Port Stephens – Explorations to remember

If you have already made plans to spend your weekend in Port Stephens, Congratulations as you’ve made a wise choice. It’s going to be a scenic weekend.

Swim with the Dolphins

Who won’t fall in love with dolphins? So, why not take the chance and start your fun-filled weekend with a good swimming session with the dolphins. You’ll have to wake up a little early, but the experience is worth it.

Stockton Sand Dunes

These amazing landscapes are located with the Worimi National Park, and you can’t simply miss out on those! Hire 4WD for a greater experience.

Tomaree National Park

This is an epic experience. Take the 45-min walk to the summit and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the harbour. Do not forget, you’ll find many koalas waiting to say hi to you on your way.

Enjoy seafood

Port Stephens is a heaven for those who love seafood. Try out the local oysters when you are here as they are at their freshest forms.

Do not worry about accommodation

Did you know that there are many great accommodation options here such as Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort? Check out the Port Stephens hotel deals online before you make your reservations.

Adventure Sports in Sri Lanka

With its sun-kissed beaches, tropical lagoons and pristine hill country, Sri Lanka is a bubbling pot of exhilarating activities. Discover some of the adventure sports offered by this tropical paradise.

Water skiing

Whether it be jet or water skiing, riding a banana boat or even windsurfing, Sri Lanka’s water activities are endless. Make the most out of your adventure by visiting travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka for information on the best destinations for water sports.

Ziplining

Ella is the epitome of adventure in Sri Lanka. Seek a different kind of sailing by heading to the Flying Ravana adventure park featuring activities such as quad biking, abseiling, and the ultimate highlight, ziplining. Sail through the air between two mountains, and amid the adrenaline rush, gaze at your picturesque surroundings.

Lagoon canoeing

A lesser-known water sport in Sri Lanka is lagoon canoeing. Paddle your troubles away at lagoons in Tangalle or Unawatuna and discover an array of fauna and flora.

Hiking

Experience first-hand the cool climes of Sri Lanka’s hillside by hiking through Horton Plains, Moon Plains or Knuckles Mountain range. As you do, be sure to take in the sights and spot a plethora of exotic flora and wildlife such as sambar deer, and if you are lucky, the stealthy leopard.

Surfing

With its challenging swells, the beaches in Sri Lanka are any surfer’s paradise. Arugam Bay features daring surfing feats, while Hiriketiya Beach and Hikkaduwa offer manageable waves ideal for beginners.

Travel Adventures in Sri Lanka

For many, Sri Lanka will always be a nation with stunning beaches, ancient kingdoms and lust wildlife. The memories made within this island are made for a lifetime of reminiscence.

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Farhath Firows,CC0

The outdoor adventures

As a nation with diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka offers visitors a taste of adventure to match their penchant. From hot air balloon rides to rock climbing, there is something for everyone.

Beauteous beaches

The sandy shores of Sri Lanka are truly irresistible. All you need is a few beers and a good book, and you are set for an evening and sunset for the ages. Many hotels near Colombo, such as the Pegasus Reef, are great places for this.

Rich cultural heritage

From the ancient kings to the majestic ruins, they left behind, Sri Lanka is steeped in a thousand years of history. With various UNESCO World heritage sites such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, you can spend a month looking through Sri Lanka’s ruins.

Cuisines to delight

When visiting this island nation, the elegantly spiced and decadently prepared dishes that grace the lunch tables are a major highlight. Whether you are dining at a humble home or a fancy restaurant, you are in for a treat.

Best Mountains to Explore near Sydney – Get rewarded with peace of mind

Appreciate the great outdoors while you are in Sydney. You get the perfect chance to get closer to nature through this activity, and you can gain some self-satisfaction too!

Blue Mountains National Park (Mount Banks)

Mount Banks is surely for those who are interested in the beautiful views. Enjoy heavenly views of the Grose Valley while you are at the top.

Barrington Tops National Park (Careys Peak)

This is a World Heritage Site and known for the best that the Barrington Tops National Park has. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the Australian wilderness.

Linda Muldoon, Barrington Tops National Park, Honeysuckle Walk, CC BY-SA 4.0

Wolgan Valley (Donkey Mountain)

Reaching this summit will surely delight the adventurers out there! Expect to meet pagodas, canyons, caves, and rock orchids while you take your journey.

Burning Mountain

This is also known as Mount Wingen. 30 m beneath the mountain, there has been a fire for over 5500 years, and yes… now you see why it’s given the title ‘Burning Mountain’

Holidaying in Sydney

While you are enjoying all the beautiful harbour views from any Sydney Darling Harbour hotel the likes of Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, just decide to enjoy a hike or a stroll over these beautiful places.

Pidurangala rock hike in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Pidurangala Rock is one of the best-hiking destinations that Sri Lanka has to offer. The trek up is full of amazing sights to see and you get treated to an amazing view of the surrounding landscape once you reach the top – here’s a closer look at what this hike is like.

Image credit- Unsplash, Damien Cornu,CC0

The History

Pidurangala was first established by King Kashyapa – the same king who commissioned the famous Sigiriya Fortress found close by – and was to serve as a Buddhist monastery and holy site. Pilgrims from all across the kingdoms would make the trek up the mountains to offer tribute and receive blessings.

The Way Up

There are plenty of Sigiriya hotels in the vicinity – for example, the Aliya Resort Resort and Spa – that will include a hike up Pidurangala in their itinerary. Do keep in mind that the hike can be a bit challenging – granted the reward is well worth it.

The Pidurangala Temple

Before you reach the top of the rock, you’ll first come across the Pidurangala Temple. While most of the temple has now unfortunately fallen into ruin, the massive Reclining Buddha Statue still remains and makes for an impressive sight.

The View

The view from the top of Pidurangala is simply amazing – from up here, you’ll get a great look at the nearby Sigiriya Fortress and well the endless expanse of forests and distant mountains that spread around in all directions.

Unusual Things to Do in Kandy

Kandy is one of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka and is known as the cultural capital of the country. Here are a few things you can try out to experience the city better.

Visit the Temple of The Tooth Relic

Yes, this is the most iconic attraction here and it doesn’t really seem like an unusual thing to do. But ever thought of visiting in the evening? There are special rituals being carried out on some days after dusk, so you can inquire with your hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka before your visit.

Visit a spice garden

Ask around and you’ll find your way easily to the spice garden. It is usually one of the free things to do here in Kandy. You will come across plants like vanilla, cocoa, citronella, turmeric and much more.

Take the train to Ella

So, one of the most scenic train rides in the world would be the ride from Kandy to Ella. Try your best to hitch a ride and check out Ella as well.

Visit a gushing waterfall

If you stay at a hotel like Hunas Falls Hotel Kandy, the sound of the water will reach your ears no sooner you step out. Go on a tour and explore this wonder of nature, Hunas Falls.

Exploring Jebel Samhan in Oman – Discovering A Breathtaking Viewpoint

Towering above the landscape, Jabal Samhan is the tallest mountain in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and offers stunning vistas from its viewpoint that’s well worth visiting.

A Protected Sanctuary

Apart from being one of the key Oman attractions, this mountain that reaches a height of 2,100 metres, is also home to a wildlife reserve where the critically endangered Arabian leopard resides; other wildlife can be found here too including the Arabian gazelle. Keep in mind, to visit this sanctuary, special permission is needed.

Planning an Excursion

Jabal Samhan is about an hour’s drive from Salalah and the Kharif or monsoon season (end of July to early September) is an ideal time to visit since the landscapes are more verdant. Properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara organise excursions here which also include visits to other local attractions such as the Tawi Atayr sinkhole.

StellarD, Tawi Atayr Dhofar Oman, CC BY-SA 4.0

Making the Ascent

Depending on the tour, you can drive to the plateau viewpoint or undertake a six-hour trek. Set amidst deep mountain passes and limestone caves, Jabal Samhan also features fascinating flora. On your journey, you may come across spiky dragon trees that are centuries old, beautiful desert roses and frankincense trees.

The Famed Viewpoint

Near the summit, you will find the viewpoint with some truly spectacular coastal panoramas over 1,000 metres above the ground. Depending on when you visit, you will also see thick clouds below which add to the area’s charm. Be mindful that the wind can be quite strong and don’t forget your camera to capture this spellbinding sight!

Pigeon Island: Dive into the Marine World of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two main marine national parks, and one of them is the Pigeon Island National Park in Trincomalee. Exploring coral reefs and diving as you wish are all possible here!

It’s a Marine National Park

This important marine national park has two islands (the Small Pigeon Island and the Large one). The large one is considered the most important because it’s fringed by the coral reef.

Explore the beaches

The best thing about the beaches here is that they are very shallow. It’s safe to explore the beaches, and if you want, there are shops from which you can get safety jackets for rent.

Diving experiences

The best way to explore the waters is by snorkelling or diving. Don’t worry about the equipment as there are many diving schools to offer you their services.

Getting to Pigeon Island

If you have made plans to stay at one of the Trincomalee hotels the likes of Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, getting to Pigeon Island is not at all a difficulty. It’s located just 1km away from Nilaweli Beach.