Background

The Knuckles Ranges attracted its name from the unique profile of the mountain which mirrors the image of a closed fist. This relatively untouched part of Sri Lanka, which is a recent addition to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, remains unknown to the majority of tourists and offers a way to get off the beaten track and experience some of the 'Hidden Trails' of Sri Lanka.

The first day of trekking is the most challenging as you will take on the increasingly steep climb to one of the highest peaks in Sri Lanka. Spoiled by constant 360-degree views of the mountains, tea plantations and forests and summiting above the clouds, photo opportunities are endless! Don't be surprised if you continue to catch yourself pausing to take a breathe and gaze at your surroundings! In addition to the views, our guides will point out to you the Sri Lankan wildlife of the mountains which includes many species of rare and endemic lizards! Meandering back down the mountains you will emerge back out into tea plantations and be able to spot your Wild Glamping accommodation across the valley, your final destination for the day. After a natural warm Sri Lankan welcome by the local staff employed from the nearby village, enjoy your choice from a selection of beverages and local snacks, go set yourself up in one of the luxury tents or stretch out the legs while enjoying the views of the mountains you've just conquered.

Day two of this Sri Lankan adventure is more forgiving than day one featuring a less challenging trek known as Heel Oya Village Trek. Following a gentle downhill trail which takes you to the village of Heel Oya at the foot of the Knuckles Ranges which is unscathed by mass tourism. Make your way through tea estates, pine forests, terraced paddy fields, waterways, misty fields and several viewpoints that will surely awaken the poet inside you.

Experience the authentic Sri Lanka lifestyles of the locals as you learn about traditional paddy cultivation and farming methods while observing how spices are homemade using methods passed down through the generations. Ensure that you stop for a dip in the natural water hole before continuing on into the local village of Heel Oya where you will observe your lunch being prepared in a warming cooking demonstration. Fuel up again on the freshly prepared and locally sourced food before being transferred back to the Wild Glamping for your final nights stay before being transferred onto your next adventure once your Knuckles Range experience is complete.

Nestled at the base of a mountain, our Wild Glamping campsite is perfectly situated to take advantage of the majestic views on offer.  Each of the "tents" is artfully protected from the elements and have attached a well-appointed bathroom with solar hot water and serviced by generator power periodically during the day.

Tents can be reconfigured to suit doubles, twins and triples and you can spend many hours sitting on your own private balcony watching eagles sore amongst an ever-changing landscape.

Dinner is served in a large common area which can be opened up so you can feel part of the environment or closed up to protect you from the elements.  The cuisine is typically Sri Lankan curries and guests can bring their own alcohol which can be purchased from a variety of stores on the way to the campsite.

Day 1 - Pick up from Kandy - Trek Knuckles Range - Swimming - Overnight in Glamping Tents

Day 2 - Hike local area - Swimming - Cooking Class - Overnight in Glamping Tents

Day 3 - Head off to next destination

- Fresh air, amazing views, peace and tranquillity and a chance to disconnect from a busy world.

- Transfers to and from Kandy

- Accommodation in a luxury tent with ensuite

- All meals prepared by our chef's utilising local produce

- A range of hiking tours guided by fully trained Sri Lankan guides who are experts in the flora and fauna of the area.

Due to the nature of your trek, we recommend lightweight, quick-dry clothing. The following is a packing guide:

- Travel insurance
- Personal toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant.
- Clothing for Temple visits (as per above information).
- Lightweight casual clothing for day wear, travel and sightseeing.. shorts, shirts etc
- Light hiking boots that are waterproof 
- pair of cotton/wool blend hiking socks  
- shirt to trek in 
- shorts/pants. (Zip off leg style ideal for the different hiking locations).  
- 1x trekking pole, (optional, but highly recommended especially for people with injuries which could resurface from walking uneven surfaces, e.g. ankle and knee injuries).  
- 1x small day bag/pack (approx. 20 - 30 L)  
- 1x water bottle
- Pair of thongs or sandals
- Hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your face
- Rain jacket/poncho (something lightweight)
- 1 x thermal top 
- Bathers- Regular swimwear is totally acceptable in resorts and hotels. For areas outside of these, it is recommended for ladies wearing bikinis to use a sarong to cover exposed thighs 
- Sarong for just about anything
- Sunscreen 
- Tropical strength insect repellent- Recommend Bushmans 
- 1x small hand sanitiser bottle
- Sunglasses
- Camera- spare batteries and spare memory card/s
- International charger adaptors for recharging phone, camera etc. 
- Copy of your insurance policy 
- Personal First Aid kit/medication. Your personal First Aid kit should contain band-aids, blister dressings, topical cream for bites and grazes, antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, anti-diarrhoea tablets, paracetamol, anti-chaff cream, Deep Heat or another muscle linament.
- Leech socks

*If you have something you are particularly prone to, e.g. asthma, allergies, ear infections, hay fever, or sinus problems etc, bring what you need with you.

Bespoke Tours of Sri Lanka

You can combine one or more of our Hidden Trails hiking adventures as part of your greater Sri Lanka trip OR we can customise your entire journey to Sri Lanka, from adventure to a seaside bungalow, from a trek across the roof of the island to a luxury jungle safari. Whatever your needs, we are able to tailor a trip for you!

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Interested?

Starting From $540 DO IT
Where:
Central Province
Activity:
Trekking, Swimming and Cooking
Duration:
3 days 2 nights
Season:
Dec-April
Pick Up/Drop Off:
Kandy-Kandy
 

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