Set out on a remarkable 5-day trekking adventure through Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country. This itinerary takes you from the vibrant city of Colombo to the charming town of Ella, covering 75 km of lush tea plantations, rural villages, and breathtaking viewpoints. Explore the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya, traverse the Horton Plains, and discover the scenic delights of Ella. With meals and accommodations included, this is an unforgettable journey for nature and culture enthusiasts. Discover why this trek is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes.
Key Points
- 5-day trekking itinerary from Colombo to Ella in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, covering a distance of 75 km with an altitude range of 500-2,300m.
- Best trekking season is from December to April, with the package including accommodation, meals, ground transportation, and guided exploration.
- Highlights include trekking through tea plantations, visiting Horton Plains’ World’s End viewpoint, and exploring colonial architecture and tea factories in Bandarawela.
- The itinerary involves daily treks ranging from 16 to 23 km, with overnight stays in towns like Nuwara Eliya, Uduweliya, and Ella.
- The trek offers a mix of natural wonders, such as Bakers Falls, and culture, including witnessing tea pluckers and the tea-making process.
Overview and Pricing
This 5-day trekking itinerary takes adventurers from Colombo to the picturesque Hill Country, culminating in the town of Ella.
Priced at Kč 13,596 per person, the trek offers flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 75km route covers an altitude range of 500-2,300m, with the best season being December to April.
Hikers will traverse tea plantations, rural villages, and forest trails, taking in stunning viewpoints and colonial architecture along the way.
This trekking package includes accommodation, meals, ground transportation, and guided exploration of the region’s highlights.
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Itinerary Details
The 5-day trekking adventure covers approximately 75 km, taking hikers through an altitude range of 500m to 2,300m.
A 5-day trekking adventure through an altitude range of 500m to 2,300m, covering approximately 75 km.
On the first day, trekkers travel from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya and then hike 23 km to Horton Plains.
The second day involves a 17 km trek from Horton Plains to Uduweliya.
On the third day, hikers cover 19 km from Haputale to Bandarawela.
The fourth day’s 16 km trek leads from Bandarawela to Ella.
The final day involves the return journey from Ella to Colombo via Nuwara Eliya.
The best trekking season is from December to April.
Day 1: Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, Trek to Horton Plains
The trekking adventure begins with a journey from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, the picturesque hill town renowned for its colonial architecture and verdant tea plantations.
Upon arrival, the group will embark on a trek to Horton Plains, a UNESCO-protected national park. Trekkers will be treated to stunning vistas of grasslands, forests, and the famous World’s End viewpoint.
The day’s hike covers approximately 23 km, with an altitude range of 500m to 2,300m. After a full day of exploration, the group will retire for the night in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 2: Horton Plains to Uduweliya
After exploring the stunning landscapes of Horton Plains, the group embarks on a 17-kilometer trek to the tranquil town of Uduweliya. The trek takes them through lush tea plantations, where they can pause to observe the tea pluckers at work. As they ascend, the views of the surrounding hills become more breathtaking. Upon reaching Uduweliya, the group has the opportunity to visit a local tea factory and learn about the tea-making process. In the evening, they can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the town before retiring for the night.
| Trekking Distance | 17 km |
| — | — |
| Altitude Range | 500m – 1,500m |
| Highlights | Tea Plantations, Tea Factory Visit |
| Accommodation | Standard Hotel |
More Great Tours NearbyDay 3: Haputale to Bandarawela
Departing from the tranquil town of Uduweliya, the group embarks on a 19-kilometer trek to the charming town of Bandarawela.
The path winds through rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and quaint villages. Along the way, they’ll explore the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory, learning about the region’s rich tea heritage.
The trek winds through rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and quaint villages, exploring the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory.
The trek then ascends to the Lipton’s Seat, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After soaking in the scenery, the group descends to Bandarawela, a colonial-era town known for its colonial architecture and lively markets.
Here, they’ll have time to rest and explore before the next day’s adventure.
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Day 4: Bandarawela to Ella
Leaving Bandarawela behind, the group embarks on a 16-kilometer trek to the picturesque town of Ella. The path winds through lush tea plantations and small villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Along the way, they’ll visit a tea factory and learn about the process of tea production.
Reaching Ella, the group will be captivated by the town’s charm, with its colonial-era buildings and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
They’ll also have the opportunity to hike to Mini Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, two of the area’s most popular viewpoints.
The day ends with a well-deserved rest in Ella.
Highlights and Activities
The trekking itinerary offers a variety of highlights and activities for adventurous travelers.
Trek through lush tea plantations, charming rural villages, and scenic forest trails. Witness the breathtaking World’s End viewpoint and cascading Bakers Falls in Horton Plains.
Explore the colonial architecture and tea factories in Bandarawela. Discover Ella’s highlights, including the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the challenging hike to Mini Adams Peak, and the stunning Ella Rock.
With a mix of natural wonders and culture, this trekking adventure promises an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka’s stunning Hill Country.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The trekking itinerary includes a comprehensive package of amenities and services.
It covers 4 nights’ accommodation in standard hotels, all meals (3 per day), ground transportation, and bottled water. Guided trekking and visits to key attractions are also provided.
However, personal expenses, tips, and gratuities are excluded. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, heart problems, or a fear of heights.
Participants should bring a camera and rain gear, and note that smoking isn’t allowed. Early starts are recommended for the best experience.
Common Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trekking Itinerary?
The trekking itinerary doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, heart problems, or a fear of heights. The tour provider recommends this trek for physically fit individuals.
Can I Bring My Pets on the Trek?
No, pets are not allowed on this trekking itinerary. The tour operator doesn’t permit bringing pets due to the nature of the trek and for the safety and comfort of all participants.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to modify the route, duration, and activities to suit your needs. Simply discuss your requirements with them to create a personalized trekking experience.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The average group size for this trekking tour is typically between 8-12 participants. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience and easier navigation through the scenic hill country trails.
Can I Book This Trek for a Private Group?
Yes, you can book this trek as a private group. The tour operator offers flexible booking options, allowing you to reserve the trek for your own private group at your preferred dates.
The Sum Up
This 5-day trekking adventure through Sri Lanka’s stunning Hill Country offers an unforgettable journey for nature and culture enthusiasts. Covering 75 km, the itinerary showcases lush tea plantations, rural villages, and breathtaking viewpoints like the World’s End, culminating in the scenic town of Ella. With accommodation and meals included, it’s a well-rounded experience to take in the region’s natural beauty and local traditions.
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