Inspiring Climate Conscious Walks of Sri Lanka Portfolio
Lodge-based Guided Walks in Sri Lanka- Exclusive Collection by Ayu in the Wild
Whether you’re an everyday ambler or an impressive hiker, these extraordinary lodge-based guided walking and trekking experiences in Sri Lanka were curated by the Founders of Ayu in the Wild and our lead Naturalist, to take guests to less-known spots on the island and minimise the travel footprint of an itinerary. Each curated walk, makes our Sri Lanka itineraries low impact, climate conscious and so much fun. Guests connect with unforgettable landscapes and people who open doors to unique insider experiences that respect the environment, pays homage to the island’s incredible history and local customs. Where possible, zero-emission cycling is included.
What you will experience on our 8 Low Impact Walks of Sri Lanka
The Classic Rain Forest Trail
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail
Villages, Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk
The Railway Mountain Ridge Trail
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles
The Landscape Artists’ Walk
Ayu in the Wild’s collection of 8 multi-day walks mostly on rarely trodden paths helps distribute the benefits of tourism and reduce the strain on the enviroment surrounding over visited tourist sites. By day, you explore across mountains or rice paddies, footpaths, dirt tracks and rarely, brief forays into main roads with engaging and intriguing guides. Along the way your walk’s hosts will engage you about everything – from food, to folklore, ecology of the wilderness, to art and craft. By night you will cozy up in beautiful lodges with hot showers, luxurious beds and freshly made food. Each night your expert guide will discuss the route for the next day and adjust how easy or challenging it will be, based on each group’s requirement as first timers or avid hikers. Read on for more details of each walk.
GUIDED WALKS OF SRI LANKA - OVERVIEW
“Our guided walks are not about climbing the highest peaks”.
-Scroll to the end for FAQs-
The Classic Rain Forest Trail
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: An exciting look into life bordering the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world of endemic fauna and flora deep inside it. Guided walks covering up to 20km of walking during the entire stay. A guided walk of approx. 2-3 km exploring village homes on Day 1; approx. 4-5 Km walk on Day 2 with a final ascent of about 2 km of continuous climbing with several boulders and tree roots blocking the trail through a secondary forest. On Day 3 you walk deeper into the rainforest, through a 6km logging trail with a strong forest cover, winding your way along a stream and covering around 13 Km as you venture from a secondary forest to a primary forest on a full day of trekking from around 6.30 am till about 5 pm. Options to omit the steep climbs at the end, depending on ability.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
The Stay: Here’s a lodge where you roll from your bed and into the rain-forest. A beautiful owner run stay where, each night, you plan and discuss your route for the next day.
The Walks: Mostly rain-forest enveloped flat paths, jeep tracks, narrow footpaths, but includes steep climbs towards the end on Day 2 and Day 3 - which can be omitted based on each group’s requirement. Walks start and end at the lodge.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, Udawalawe, Ella, Hatton.
Walk operates: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 8 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: From a sunrise tea tour (pre-breakfast start at 6.00 am) exploring the sights, aromas and sounds of a factory in the throes of manufacturing that perfect cup of Ceylon Tea to a traditional Hindu blessing within the rural tea-plucking community, these Ceylon tea treks take you through the Sri Lanka’s Golden Valley of Tea. Each day you will explore the footpaths, taking in a glimpse of stunning tea bungalows, forest patches and tiny streams. On some days you will walk about 2 1/2 hours and on others around 5 hours. Each day can be adjusted to suit the group. Along the way you will meet wonderful people and even take a cooking experience in a simple home. This walk is great to extend for the more difficult Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka excursion where you trek overnight to the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise.
Grade: Easy to Moderate.
The Stay: A luxurious boutique bungalow with spectacular panoramic views of the lake and the surrounds. If you are planning to add on an Adam’s Peak excursion at the end of our 4 day walk, this can be arranged as an extended stay with a transfer to your next destination.
The Walks: Mostly start from the lodge but you may be transferred to a scenic spot to start some walks. The walks will take you through acres of tea hills past historic village churches, dense forests, waterfalls and tiny village homes of the rural tea estate communities. The walks can be kept easy to experience only moderate elevation gains or more challenging routes can be included depending on the group.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Kandy, Ella, Colombo, Udawalawe
Walk operates: December, January, February, March - (April, July & August routes will vary and is weather dependent)
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 8 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: Anuradhapura is simply unique. A fabulously life enriching immersion of four days into life, history, heritage and traditions around the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura; the iconic Wilpattu National Park and some of the most beautiful walks off the beaten track in remote villages in between. On most walks you will be taken on a journey of rural life by engaging guides, walking through remote and rarely visited tracks, beautiful man-made lakes and meeting the most hard working rural folk who will welcome you with a smile, or even a cuppa! The wilderness walks are a fabulous insight into the life of Jungle Farmers and animal life where you might see anything from elephants to dragonflies.
Grade: Easy
The Stay: A charming hotel set within the sacred city, where daily briefings are held in the sprawling gardens against the backdrop of a historic stupa. At the end of each day’s walk, you are transported back to the hotel.
The Walks: All walks are on flat paths but can include a light climb over a small rocky outcrop to catch a sweeping view, and through wilderness areas with experienced Naturalists. You will be transported to rural locations to start your walks and transferred back to your accommodation at the end of the walk.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from:Sigiriya, Dambulla, Negombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Pasikuda
Walk operates: March, April, May, June, July, August
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 8 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
The Railway Mountain Ridge Trail
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: From spectacular escarpments to sweeping views of far flung southern lowlands, here is a fabulous 5 day immersion where your walks are as awe inspiring as the views you wake up to from the incredible heritage bungalow. Over 5 days you will explore tea-clad mountains watching the early morning buzz on the tea fields, past typical old fashioned tea factories, tea-plucking ladies lining the narrow roads to weigh their daily pickings, to the panoramic views of Liptons seat, the famed mountains of Ella and the little known mountain ridges near Haputale. Each day, we will discuss the plan for tomorrow and adjust how easy or challenging your walk will be - based on who is in the group. Walks start early, sometimes pre-breakfast. You will enjoy short train rides to get to some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train stations. Walks range from 5-20 Km with the most engaging insights into life in the highlands as you meander pass incredible views of the Beragala valley, hugging the contours of the mountain ridge and end on the borders of Horton Plains.
Grade: Easy - Moderate
The Stay: A beautiful heritage bungalow in one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque tea growing regions. You will be spoilt by the elegance, the service, incredible meals and epic views over the valley as far as the eye can see.
The Walks: From footpaths that hug the mountain ridge to pine and eucalyptus forests and rail tracks. Only a moderate elevation gain is experienced on most of your walks and if your group prefers a slightly more challenging walk, this can be discussed with your expert guides.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Galle, Tangalle, Kandy, Hatton, Nuwera Eliya, Ella
Walk operates: Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April. July/Aug routes will vary and is weather dependent
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 8 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: Far away from everything on an unknown mountain summit are a handful of mountain farmers, who, during certain times of the year grow vegetables on the incredibly fertile soil high above their rural farmlands. Follow the farmers up into their mountain hideaway and enjoy a wonderful meal in conversation with them. Trek through the rice paddies to understand the nuances of harvesting paddy and the different types of rice, see rural villages waking up, explore their lifestyles and learn the challenges of cultivating seasonal crops. Your walks range from 3-4 hours each day among the farming heartlands of Sri Lanka’s stunning Uva region, with a beautiful 2 and 1/2 hour guided trek to the summit of the stunning Uda Diyaluma Water fall on Day 3, where, on a clear day, you might enjoy spectacular views of the Ella Rock, Udawalawe and even as far as Yala.
Grade: Easy - Moderate
The Stay: Chalets of a beautiful eco-luxury resort
The Walks: Treks over flat land and rice paddies, mountain paths over loose rocks and boulders. The two mountainous terrains can be modified with easier alternate walks.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Galle, Tangalle, Kandy, Hatton, Nuwera Eliya, Ella, Yala
Walk operates: June, July, August, September
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 12 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: Walk through cloud forests and on rolling hills 1300m above sea level where footpaths across the mountains takes you past tea and spice fields for approx. 7 Km, ending by a working tea factory. Day 2 is a challenging hike where a beautiful trek across a stream takes you past a village up on a mountain where a small community of mountain farmers cling to traditional lifestyles. Learn about farming up in the mountains and endemism within the Knuckles World Heritage Site’s sub montane forests. As you reach the summit, the views of the blue-greens of far flung peaks and the terraced valleys below, will electrify you.
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
The Stay: A no frills colonial bungalow
The Walks: Rarely on flat terrain and mostly rough footpaths over hills. The challenging climb of Day 3 can be modified to avoid the summit.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can Connect From: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy,
Walk Operates: June, July, August, September
Group Size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 8 pax.
Rates: On Enquiry
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: Guided Walks through lush tea estates and simple forest cover to the delightful mini World's End and into the Knuckles forest reserve. On arrival you will be briefed about your walks while enjoying the stunning mountain-scapes overlooking the Knuckles range. On Day 2, you will walk through stunning scenery, cypress forests and along scenic footpaths which takes you on a learning walk of the traditions and lifestyles in a tiny rural, Hindu community where life revolves around the kovil, the tea estate and traditions of the mountainous village. Along the way you will glean insights into Ceylon Tea, and meet some inspiring locals engaged in their simple livelihood. Day 3 is your introduction to Sri Lanka’s most beautiful natural UNESCO World Heritage sites where you will be transferred early morning to the start of the walk with your backpacks, picnic breakfasts and lunch and water for your 6-7 hour walk. Enjoy magnificent scenery and guided insights into the beautiful animal and plant life inside Sri Lanka’s super biodiversity hotspot of the Knuckles forest reserve approx. 2000 metres above sea level. This longer trek can be modified to suit the pace and ability of the group.
Grade: Easy - Moderate, but with one difficult walk.
The Stay: A stunning Boutique Lodge with epic views of the Knuckles mountains range in the distance. The beautiful glamping tents makes this hideaway perfect despite the long journey to get there through narrow tea estate roads about 2 hours away from Kandy.
The Walks: Varies from footpaths through Ceylon tea mountains and cypress forests that are not too difficult when punctuated by plenty of stops, to a 12 Km walk where you will mainly trek up the mountains and into the World Heritage Site of the Knuckles forest reserve.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy
Walk operates: June, July, August, September
Group size: Minimum 4 pax. Maximum 12 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
The Landscape Artists’ Walk
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Inspiring Sri Lanka Excursions: A walk perfect for lovers of art and the outdoors. Spend your days on slow village walks with a local expert Naturalist and an artist. Learn about the endemic flora and fauna, life among the rubber trees and rice-paddies, try your hand at sketching what you see on your walks, learn the secrets of hoppers and tea at the local corner shop and meander through village markets. This is perfect for those who love slow travel and immersive experiences and not for avid hikers.
Grade: Easy
The Stay: Cozy chalets in a beautifully landscaped 5 and a half acre garden which has inspired writers and famed actors with its art, artifacts and creative landscapes.
The Walks: On rural village tracks - through paddy fields and rubber estates.
Includes: Accommodation, transfers, meals, walking guides
Can connect from: Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle
Walk operates: All year - May, June, October and November is weather dependent
Group size: Minimum 2 pax. Maximum 4 pax.
Detailed Itinerary and Rates: Enquire
Guided Walks of Sri Lanka Portfolio - 2020 Walking Seasons
JANUARY
The Classic Rain Forest Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
FEBRUARY
The Classic Rain Forest Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
MARCH
The Classic Rain Forest Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
APRIL
The Classic Rain Forest Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail 4 Days | 3 Nights (weather dependent)
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
MAY
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk - 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
JUNE
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk - 4 Days | 3 Nights
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister: 3 Days | 2 Nights
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles: 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
JULY
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights (Weather dependent)
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister: 3 Days | 2 Nights
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
AUGUST
Village Lakes and Stupas Experience Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights (Weather dependent)
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister: 3 Days | 2 Nights
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
SEPTEMBER
Farming Peaks and Waterfall Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Cloud Forest Trails of a Prime Minister: 3 Days | 2 Nights
Bambarella & the Other Side of Knuckles: 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
OCTOBER
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
NOVEMBER
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights (Weather dependent)
DECEMBER
The Classic Rain Forest Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Idalgashinna Mountain Ridge Trail: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Iconic Maskeliya Ceylon Tea Trail: 4 Days | 3 Nights
The Landscape Artists’ Walk: 4 Days | 3 Nights
GUIDED WALKS OF SRI LANKA FAQs
ACCOMMODATION
Each hand-picked lodge on our guided Sri Lanka excursions is simply beautiful. We love to pamper our guests on these Ayu in the Wild led guided walks of Sri Lanka. Each night, you will be spoilt with all the right creature comforts and many are incredibly luxurious stays.
LED BY EXPERTS
Our multi-day, lodge-based walks are guided by at least two knowledgeable guides who are experts in wildlife, environment and conservation issues. They are also great storytellers who pepper each walk with the island’s vibrant history, culture, folklore, myths and legend.
DIFFICULTY
All but two, are treks without intimidation. Each walk is designed as impressive guided day hikes with just your backpack, where you return to the loveliest creature comforts in a cosy lodge or boutique bungalow which is your base for the entire duration. Each walk is graded by difficulty but can be adjusted each night when your expert guides sit with you over dinner to discuss the plan for the next day. Many walks can be adjusted to suit first-timers on foot while some walks are challenging and great for avid hikers. Every walk is for those who love connecting with this tiny island’s stunning range of bio-diverse zones in a lovely low carbon footprint way.
WHERE ARE THE WALKS LOCATED
You will explore varied ecological zones across the island. A lovely low carbon footprint travel option is to select several walks to explore Sri Lanka’s highlights - culture, the mountains and the wilderness combined into a walking and touring learning holiday. The multi-day guided walks explore Sri Lanka’s Uva regions, the rainforests, Anuradhapura and North Central Villages, the Central Highland mountains, inland villages just half an hour from the southern coast and in the wilderness areas of the South.
GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITIES
Local community-based guides are used in the remotest locations and are part of Ayu in the Wild’s purpose-driven policies to sustain rural livelihoods.
SAFETY
Safety is of paramount concern in all our walks. All walking guides are conversant with First Aid and emergency rescues.
WHAT YOU CARRY ON THE WALKS
A trekking pole if required, and a light backpack with water, snacks and personal needs, a camera to record the spectacular views and an open mind to enjoy once in a lifetime adventures on a stunningly beautiful island with a small group of like-minded walkers. A good pair of hiking boots will be necessary but make sure you have broken them in before arriving in Sri Lanka. A detailed packing guide will be provided.
SMALL GROUPS
We like to keep our walks luxurious and intimate with impeccable service and attention to detail. None of our walks go beyond small groups of 8 or 10 pax. Some group sizes are even smaller.