Hiking & Trekking
Hiking is gaining its popularity
in Sri Lanka which is a perfect place and offering plenty scope
for great hiking. Hiking is like walking, at present, there is not
an organized hiking industry, and it is just a matter of striking
out on your own. Some hill country such as Kandy, Adam's
Peak, and World's End has popular trails
suitable for hiking and trekking.
Kandy is a second
largest city in the country, after Colombo, and is the capital of
the hill country in the center of the island. It is peaceful but
interesting place by which there are many scenic walks through
hills and forest dotted with small towns and lakes.
Adam's Peak
provides an opportunity for good stiff hiking as well as enjoying
the stunning panoramic views and environment of the sacred
mountain. Along the way, of 2,224 meters, to the top you will be
surrounded by tropical rain forest and hardly-seen wild birds.
Adam's Peak has been a holy place visited by Buddhist pilgrims for
over thousand years. At the peak of this sacred mountain, there is
a footprint where most Sri Lankans and foreigners come to pay
homage. In addition to that, sunrise in the early morning at the
peak is an unforgettable experience.
World's End and Horton
Plains are simply amazing. You walk across the open
grasslands and through the small forests of the Horton Plains to a
spectacular viewpoint known as the world's end. The 2,000 meter
high plateau ends suddenly and the lowland is visible from almost
1,000 meters below. While there is plenty of wildlife in the area,
monkeys and deer are often seen, leopards are a bit harder to spy.
Hiking is not difficult within
these areas however light-weight hiking boots or sturdy shoes are
always advised. A daypack for carrying water and personal items
will be very useful during a journey.
|
