Sri Lanka: Discovering Hidden Trails 2027

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a majestic ancient rock fortress in central Sri Lanka. Rising 200 metres above the jungle, it features the ruins of a 5th-century royal palace built by King Kashyapa. The site is famed for its impressive frescoes, vast symmetrical gardens, and the giant lion paws that once guarded the entrance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya blends natural beauty with engineering brilliance. Visitors climb a series of steep staircases for panoramic views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history. Sigiriya remains one of the country’s most iconic and awe-inspiring cultural landmarks.

Kandy, set in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Once the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, it played a vital role in preserving the island’s traditions during colonial times. At its heart is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a sacred Buddhist site believed to house a relic of the Buddha, drawing pilgrims and visitors year-round.

Surrounded by hills and centred around a peaceful lake built in 1807, Kandy offers a tranquil atmosphere alongside its cultural richness. The nearby Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya feature a vast collection of flora, including rare orchids and towering palms.

Kandy’s architecture reflects a blend of colonial and traditional Kandyan styles, while its vibrant arts scene is celebrated annually during the Esala Perahera, a grand procession of dance, music, and ceremony. Kandy remains the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Knuckles Mountain Range, named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic and biodiverse regions. Located in the central highlands, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features dramatic peaks, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages.

Home to a wide range of endemic flora and fauna, it’s a haven for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts alike. Trails wind through cloud forests, tea plantations, and terraced rice fields, offering spectacular views and cultural encounters along the way.

The Knuckles Range is a true hidden gem, revealing a wild and untouched side of Sri Lanka.

This trip is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness, in good health, and with a positive, determined mindset.

Proper preparation and training are key, as the fitter you are, the more enjoyable and rewarding the experience will be. Ideal participants include regular hill walkers, those with a sense of adventure, and open-minded individuals seeking a meaningful challenge in a stunning natural setting. Whether you’re looking to push your limits or embrace a life-changing journey, this trek offers the chance to explore Sri Lanka’s incredible landscapes while achieving something truly memorable.

You must be at least 18 years old to participate on this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old, but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.

You will be accompanied by first aid trained English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking, culture and nature in the region. You will also be accompanied by a team of local support staff and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

You must arrive in Sri Lanka well-prepared for this challenge, both mentally and physically.

Training should begin as soon as you sign up to give yourself the best chance of success and to ensure you enjoy the experience to the fullest. The most effective preparation involves hill walking through woodland while carrying a weighted backpack, as this closely mirrors the conditions of the trek.

This type of training will help your body adapt to the demands of repeated ascents and descents, and ensure you’re ready for the varied terrain and physical effort involved.

The climate in Sri Lanka is hot, humid and wet all year round. It cannot be stressed enough that the distinction between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons is not marked, and while weather patterns and rainfall is unpredictable it will generally be hot and wet for most of the trip. Temperatures historically reach up to 30°C during the day and drop to around 23°C at night although it may feel cooler at higher altitudes. The humidity is high, usually at least 78% every day.

The terrain varies greatly on this trek, from overgrown jungle paths to good open tracks and smaller paths. You can expect uneven and often slippery ground underfoot. There will be a number of steep ascents and long descents so you must arrive in Sri Lanka fit and prepared. The paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.

You will be staying in hotels throughout this trip. Rooms are allocated on a twin-share basis with en-suite facilities.

The hotels are en-suite with flushing western-style toilets.
If you need to use the toilet during the trek day you must inform the guides you are stopping and find a private area off the trail. You must never leave used toilet paper on the ground; this must be packed up into a nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag and carried to your overnight accommodation to be disposed of properly.

Sri Lankan food is traditionally spicy with lots of chilli, ginger and coconut. Meals are cooked by your trek team and will comprise of various simple local dishes, usually served with rice. Plates, mugs, cutlery and other equipment are provided for you and dietary requirements can be catered for if we are notified in advance.

During the trek, you will only need to carry a small daypack containing essential items for that day, such as water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, sun protection, and any personal items you may need. All other luggage will be transported for you to the next accommodation, so you can enjoy the trek without the burden of carrying a heavy pack.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.