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Walking, Hiking, Trekking

The perfect base for exploring the Hanthana range and local villages

Walking tracks around Jungle Tide

The Hanthana Mountain Range, tea plantations, local villages and breathtaking views are all within walking distance from Jungle Tide. Whether it’s just a stroll around the village or a day-long trek into the mountains. 

Hanthana is the first stage of a planned 300km hiking route through the whole of Sri Lanka’s tea country. We are delighted to be closely associated with this important venture.
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Experienced guide available

We can arrange guided treks with a trekking and bird expert if booked in advance.

Just ask us when you make your booking!

Hanthana mountain range

The Hanthana Mountain Range was declared as an environmental protection area in February 2010 under the National Environment Act. 

The mountain range consists of seven peaks, the fourth being the highest, Uura Kanda at 1150m. The last and most challenging peaks along the range are known as Katusukonda, as they resemble a lizard’s back.

There are many different trails with varying levels of difficulty from easy walks, to moderate and even extreme hikes.

Accessing and hiking the Hanthana Mountains

The closest starting point to Jungle Tide, and the main hike is from the 4th mile post Kandy bus stop, which is right in the middle of the tea plantations.

It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach this starting point from Jungle Tide walking along the beautiful country road back towards Kandy.

From there the path is well marked and a little steep and it takes around an hour to reach the first peak and another 20-30 minutes for the 2nd peak depending on your level of fitness! The 4th mile point is 860m high, so the climb takes you up 290m to the highest point.

Hanthana can be hiked from various routes;

  1. 4th Mile Post at Kandy-Uduwela (Hanthana road). Walk or take the local bus from Jungle Tide.
  2. Heerassagala – Amaya Hills. Bus then walk from Jungle Tide
  3. Peradeniya University – Upper Hanthana Lodge. Bus, tuk-tuk or van from Jungle Tide
  4. Via the new waymarked Tea Country Trail which starts at the Ceylon Tea Museum and goes via Galaha to Loolecondera. You can get to the Tea Museum by bus or tuk-tuk.

To hike from the Peradeniya area is approximately a 6 hour round trip.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across Kandy City, the Knuckles range, the Dolosbage range of Aranayake, and the hills of the Sabaragamuwa region.

Note: It is recommended to start before 9am and descend before 3pm 

Mapped walking routes from Jungle Tide

We have several self-guided walks mapped out for guests or you can just head off and explore the surrounding villages and trails in your own way.

Just click the arrow below to filter through what we have mapped.

Things to consider on all treks and walks

  • Take water and snacks – though there are a few stalls along the Kandy-Galaha road through the mountains. We can make you a picnic if you want. 
  • Be aware of leeches. Take salt or a lighter to remove them. They live on any wet vegetation; harmless but unpleasant.
  • Weather – when misty the trails can be hard to follow, and better to avoid on rainy days.
  • During the day wildlife will not be a problem, but exercise caution and don’t leave cut trails. If you are in grassland swish your stick or walking cane ahead of you. Anything there will disappear before you even know it’s around! 
  • Don’t walk it alone, we highly recommend hiring a guide if you are unsure. Take your phone, of course, and make sure you have our number in it.
  • No flip flops. Wear closed foot shoes, and walking shoes if you have them. We have walking poles you can borrow.
  • Don’t forget your camera! And binoculars (borrow ours if you want).

Routes from Jungle Tide