It’s Easter Sunday, and a beautiful day here in Ohiya. We awake to the promise of another challenge and adventure. Today, we’re taking on the Devil’s Staircase, a spur-of-the-moment plan! Needless to say, we are excited to descend this legendary trail, starting from the top and winding our way down to Kalupahana.

After a hearty breakfast at the Acacia Inn, we lace up and get ready to take on this 13+ km formidable trek. But first, Laxman (the caretaker at Acacia Inn) has to navigate us along a tough and tenacious road to the top of the Staircase.

Again, we pack tight into his trusty Bolero! Some of us sitting (pretty) on mattresses at the back.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s central highlands lies this hidden gem known as the Devil’s Staircase. Tucked away in the remote village of Ohiya, this elusive trail drops down 1,100 m in less than 12 km, offering adventurers a glimpse into the untamed beauty and rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

Unlike the Pekoe Trail 11 that we did yesterday, this trail is more rugged, unforgiving, and challenges both body and spirit.

And the views are stunning. The cool and misty morning soon turns hot, yet offering us varying views of this amazing land.

After walking for about 8kms, we come to a narrow bridge and Anna spots a tranquil bathing spot created by a stream that will eventually flow down to the Bambarakanda Falls.

Despite the water being bitingly cold, we jump in, in various stages of undress, to sink in and splash around.

As we reluctantly get out of the refreshing water, we encounter a kindly elderly woman, the sole entrepreneur along this trail. With her makeshift tea stand, she graciously serves us a delightful brew imbued with a smoky flavor.

Back on track, we come across the Bambarakanda Falls. At 790 meters, the Bambarakanda waterfall is the highest in Sri Lanka and is the 299th tallest waterfall in the world. The waterfall is not impressive today, due to the lack of rain perhaps.

Much of the road from this point is under repair and we have to balance along the very edges to get past freshly tarred road, and uneven surfaces. The heat and dust from the fresh tar is overbearing, but we trudge on.

The Devil’s Staircase may be a formidable foe, but it is also a gateway to a world of beauty and adventure, waiting to be explored by those brave enough to tread its path. And on this Easter Sunday, we count ourselves among the fortunate who have experienced its wonders firsthand.

We reach the bottom of the Kalupahana Road and take a moment to rest our weary feet while waiting for our ride. The drive back home is unusually quiet as everyone of us tries to get some rest! But no doubt, there is always a next time for us.

Good to know:

Wear good hiking shoes, carry lots of water, sunblock and sunhat.

Do NOT litter along the way.

Help the local community by engaging with them.