Sri Lanka

The Podi Menike train leaves daily from either Fort Train Station in Colombo or from Badulla, and takes approximately 10 hours to complete its journey. From Colombo and the coastal jungle, after the first couple of hours the train begins its slow climb into the mountains eventually reaching its highest point at Pattipola Station (6210').There are 1st (assigned seats, air conditioned), 2nd, and ...

At 2243m, Adam’s Peak is a unique mountain in that it is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus alike. The official pilgrimage season runs from approximately December to May and during this time the trail leading up Adam’s Peak is lit with sparkling lights. Begin your hike in Dalhousie (Delhouse), 33km South-West of Hatton. If you want to make the hike...

World's End in Horton Plains National Park is perhaps *the* tourist destination in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, featuring a 4,000' drop and breathtaking views of tea plantations and the Indian Ocean some 50 miles way.The park itself sits on the southern plateau of the central highlands with an average elevation of between 6,900' and 7,500', and features numerous plants and animals found ...

Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an ancient rock citadel located in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.  The enormous rock towers above the surrounding jungle, offering expansive views from the top and cutting an impressive figure into the countryside.  To get here, it's about a 3.5 hour drive from the airport in Colombo.  My suggestion would be to spend the night in the nearby town of Dambulla and start th...

The village of Ella is a perfect little backpackers stop on southwestern edge of the central Sri Lankan hill country on the main train line between Badulla and the capitol, Colombo. No trip to Ella is complete without a quick hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak, or "Little Sri Pada" to locals. It gives incredible views of Ella, the surrounding tea plantations, and southwest through the Ella G...

Backstory: I'm Sri-Lankan by ethnicity, but was born and raised stateside/Singapore. I've always wanted to do this hike, and finally got the chance to with my family this past December. Getting There: To get to Sri Pada, you need to get to Hatton then to Dalhousie. I'd recommend taking a train to Hatton (easily accessible from Colombo, Kandy, etc.). From there you can either take a bus or tuk t...