🌿⛰️ Dare to Conquer One of Sri Lanka’s Most Thrilling Hikes?
Hidden deep within Sri Lanka’s wilderness, Nuwaragala is an adventure like no other—steep climbs, wild encounters, and breathtaking scenery await those brave enough to take on the challenge!
Uncovering One of Sri Lanka’s Best-Kept Secrets
Nuwaragala is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, a majestic rock mountain in the Ampara District. This hike is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves challenging terrains and encounters with wild animals like elephants and bears. However, with careful planning and the guidance of local experts, this adventure becomes a thrilling and rewarding experience. Here’s everything you need to know to go on this unforgettable journey!
Travel Plan
🚌 Public Transport:
- Colombo to Ampara: Night bus departing at 10:45 PM on 13.03.2025 (Ticket: LKR 1,100 one way).
- Maha Oya to Colombo: Return journey at 3:45 PM on 15.03.2025 (Ticket: LKR 1,100 one way).
- Tip: Book tickets a day in advance for a hassle-free journey.
👨‍🏫 Guide Fees:
- Gunawardhana Aththo: LKR 1,000 per person – 076 3649442 (Gunawardhana Aththo, an indigenous leader with unparalleled jungle knowledge)
- Ayuwardana guide: LKR 1,000 per person – 076 9826267
- Piyal: LKR 1,000 per person
- Loku Aiya (Maha Oya): LKR 8,000 for the group
- Forest Entrance Ticket: LKR 250 per person (ask the guide to take the tickets before the hike day)
đźšś Transport Options (Maha Oya to the Starting Point):
- Tractor (Round Trip) – LKR 13,000
- Dimo Batta (Round Trip) – LKR 5,000
The Trail and Challenges
- Crossed a wide canal with moderate water levels.
- Cross the wild elephant areas.
- The 9 km trail takes about 5 hours to climb.
- Physically manageable hike but highly risky due to wild elephants and bears.
- The final stretch was steep, with elephants using the same path.
⚠️ Safety Tip: If an elephant approaches, run back and hide in the jungle (as advised by our guide).
Thanks to Gunawardhana Aththo, we avoided danger—he calmly spoke to the elephants, allowing us to proceed safely.
Camping at the Top
🏕 Campsite Details:
- A large cave at the summit provided natural shelter.
- We set up four tents, but there was space for two more.
đź’§ Water Availability:
- Post-rainy season: Several water sources available.
- Dry season: Carry enough water as natural sources may be unavailable.
