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Hikes

Sri Lanka’s best hikes are in the hill country and the cultural triangle: Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains to World’s End, the Knuckles range, Pidurangala and the overnight climb up Adam’s Peak. Start early, before the heat and the mist.

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The short answer

Little Adam's Peak is the short ridge walk many visitors do first in Ella: a path through a tea estate and up steps to a grassy summit with views across the Ella Gap to Ella Rock. Go at sunrise, when the light is soft and the path is quiet. It is free and worth it.

Hikes: questions people ask

When can I climb Adam's Peak?

The pilgrimage season runs from December to May, when the path is lit and tea stalls are open. Most people climb through the night to reach the top for dawn.

Do I need a guide for hiking in Sri Lanka?

Not for popular, well-marked walks such as Little Adam's Peak or Horton Plains. Hire a local guide for the Knuckles range and other remote trails, where paths are unclear.

Are there leeches on hikes in Sri Lanka?

Yes, in wet forest and grass, especially after rain. Leech socks help, and the bites are a nuisance rather than a danger.