Joanna James
Kandy—Sri Lanka’s sacred hill capital and esteemed centre of highland heritage—is more than a showcase of cultural tradition and historic significance. Nestled within the island’s verdant heartland, this scenic city is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, offering hiking trails that meander through tea-clad hills, ancient woodlands, and mist-laced peaks.
If nature were to present a portfolio, the Knuckles Mountain Range would occupy the cover. Named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, this UNESCO-designated landscape provides a diverse range of trails, from moderately demanding routes to those that challenge even seasoned trekkers. Those with a passion for trekking will find immersive routes through dense jungle paths, cascading waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and cloud forests of remarkable beauty. The biodiversity here includes endemic birds, unique reptilian species, and an array of flora notable for ecological richness. Accommodations such as Kandy Myst by Cinnamon offer curated hiking excursions.
Located just minutes from the city, Hanthana provides an ideal retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature. This picturesque range offers trails that are more restorative than extreme, ideal for mindful exploration and open-air reflection. The routes accommodate varying fitness levels, offering gentle challenges and rewarding vistas. Pine groves, tea plantations, and open meadows reveal sweeping views of Kandy Lake and surrounding ridgelines, lending the landscape a serene, cinematic quality.
A short distance above Kandy lies Udawatta Kele, an ancient forest reserve of ecological and historical significance. Once a retreat for Kandyan royalty, this green enclave provides a unique balance of urban proximity and wilderness seclusion. Visible from many Kandy hotel rooms, it remains an enduring part of the city’s natural skyline. No advanced gear is required—just an appreciation for biodiversity and quiet exploration. The sanctuary’s gentle pathways lead through rich undergrowth alive with native bird species, thick canopies, and vine-covered paths reminiscent of a bygone era.
For those who prefer scenic rewards without extended treks, Arthur’s Seat offers an accessible alternative. Located along Rajapihilla Mawatha, this well-known viewpoint delivers one of the city’s most impressive panoramic perspectives with minimal exertion. Ideal for early morning or late evening visits, the viewpoint captures the essence of Kandy—its lake, temples, and distant hills—framed by shifting light and tranquil atmosphere.
Mini World’s End, located within the Riverston region of the Knuckles Range, is a dramatic observation point perched above sweeping valleys. Adjacent to the Pitawala Pathana grasslands, it exemplifies the raw grandeur of Sri Lanka’s highland terrain. The approach hike is manageable, making the destination widely accessible. At the summit, visitors are greeted with expansive views, sheer escarpments, and shifting mists that lend a theatrical quality to the natural surroundings.
For those who favour immersive travel and introspective journeys, the Pekoe Trail offers an extended walking experience. Spanning 300 kilometres through Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, the trail crosses through Kandy as part of its larger route. Fortunately, completing the full trail is not essential to enjoy its beauty. Select stages may be experienced as individual day hikes, each offering views of terraced tea estates, rolling hills, and traditional villages steeped in quiet charm.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
