Sri Lanka’s hill country is a beautiful land of stirring peaks, tea-clad slopes and gurgling waterfalls. But expecting young children to marvel at the sight of wisps of mists rising from the valley bottoms below is probably a bit ambitious. You might want to keep them active. Red Dot has a few ideas to help you do that so that by the time your evening meal comes everybody is pleasantly weary.
Walking trails are slowly developed across the hill country thanks to the far-sighted efforts of the Sri Lanka travel guru Miguel Cunat, so whatever part of the highlands you are in there will be an appealing walk within easy distance.
One of the most historic trails takes you to Lipton’s Seat where Sir Thomas Lipton, a forerunner in the tea trade that transformed the feel of the highlands, loved to sit and stare at the wondrous view beneath him. A sculpture still sits on the rock at the summit.
The greatest walk of all is the night-time climb up Adam’s Peak. This three-hour climb to the summit in the hope of seeing one of the world’s great sunrises can get a bit chilly so make sure that your family has warm clothing at hand – you can even buy some from one of the stalls at the foot of the mountain. It’s a long climb, up thousands of uneven steps, so if your child is under 12 years of age consider carefully whether this trek is for them.
Lipton's Seat
Haputale, Hill Country
The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.
Duration: 2 hours
Best time: Year-round
Adam's Peak
Hatton, Hill Country
Adam’s Peak is sacred to all four religious groups in Sri Lanka. Attempt the enthralling and challenging climb at night to reach the top in time to witness one of the most stunning sunrises in Asia.
Duration: 7 hours
Best time: December to April
Hike in the Knuckles
Knuckles, Kandy
The Knuckles Mountain Range is perfect for hiking – a land of mystical peaks, chattering waterfalls and hidden hillside villages, with breathtaking visas and a remoteness that will appeal to experienced and novice hikers alike.
Duration: 4 hours
Best time: February to August
Walking in Ella
Ella, Hill Country
Ella is one of the most beautiful spots in the hills for walking, offering trails of varying levels of difficulty – make the short climb up Little Adam’s Peak or hike to the summit of Ella Rock.
Duration: 5 hours
Best time: Year-round
