Some journeys don’t simply take you somewhere—they return you to something lost. Silence. Wonder. The reminder that nature still works to its own ancient rhythm. This journey gave us all of that briefly caught in bloom. There were eight of us, bundled in layered jackets and sleepy smiles as we stepped out of Clouds 1939 by…
Tag: Hiking
Rails, Tea, and Hidden Hills. Beragala Sri Lanka
There’s a quiet kind of magic in leaving the familiar behind. For six friends seeking to shed city rhythms on another Mihipedia Getaway, Beragala offered exactly that – rolling mists, emerald tea slopes, and the comforting feeling of being slightly lost in time. Our home for two nights was a beautiful hillside house belonging to…
Ancient Monasteries at Rajagala. Ampara Sri Lanka
We left Colombo at the crack of dawn, ten of us spanning generations from 19 to 85. The city was still half asleep as we drove out. Ampara was nearly 450 kilometers away – a long drive that carried us through ever-shifting landscapes: sleepy towns, sun-baked paddy fields, and stretches of road that felt endless until the…
Riverston Revisited. Illukkumbura Sri Lanka
Third time’s the charm. That’s what I kept reminding myself as we wound our way up to Riverston in Illukkumbura, the road curling through valleys that, for once, seemed in no rush to slip behind clouds. Two nights and three days here lay ahead, and I had unfinished business — to climb Manigala at last…
Govinda Hela: The Forgotten Fortress. Siyambalanduwa Sri Lanka
Hidden in the far reaches of Siyambalanduwa, where the land grows wild and time feels suspended, stands a sleeping giant — Govinda Hela. A monolithic rock scarred by centuries of history, crowned by drifting clouds, and whispered about in legend. During the colonial era, the British called it “Westminster Abbey”, not for any religious connection, but because its…
Scenic Views and Surroundings. Pekoe Trail 17. Hali Ela Sri Lanka
We kicked off Stage 17 of the Pekoe Trail just after 6:20 a.m., fueled by excitement, good company, and the cool, sweet air of Demodara. But before taking even one step, we paused for a bit of Sri Lankan magic: the moment the iconic blue train snaked its way (sharp on time at 6:24 a.m.),…
The Soul of Sembuwatta. Elkaduwa Sri Lanka
After a couple of hours of twisting uphill from Kandy, we finally arrived at what felt like the edge of a storybook, Sembuwatta Lake. Tucked away in Elkaduwa, Matale, and perched at a breezy 1,084 meters above sea level, Sembuwatta is one of those places that makes you pause, and remember how beautiful Sri Lanka…
Hiking Against the Forecast. Pekoe Trail 21 Kandapola Sri Lanka
Stage 21 of the 300km Pekoe Trail is typically hiked from Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola, but for our adventure, we decided to do it in reverse—to avoid much of the climb. Covering a total distance of 19 kilometers over seven hours, this hike turned out to be a journey of changing landscapes, local hospitality, and…
Mountain Diaries
Exploring the Majestic Mountains of Sri LankaMountain climbing is more than a hobby for me—it’s a journey of endurance, connection, and discovery. Each ascent presents challenges of steep trails and rocky terrain, accompanied by the reward of fresh air and breathtaking views. Reaching the summit offers a sense of triumph, as each peak carries its…
Ropes and Rocks: The Ultimate Mountain Experience. Arangala Sri Lanka
The journey begins early on this Sunday morning and the air crisp and refreshing as we set out from the Arangala Forest Lodge. I’m filled with excitement, unsure of exactly what awaits on the climb ahead to the top of the Arangala Mountain, but certain it’s going to be a challenge. We, my brother Arittha, Avi…
