by admin-unique | May 2, 2025 | Blog
Horton Plains is the highest national park in Sri Lanka & the only national park you can explore on foot. The vegetation is closer to Europe than Sri Lanka, with rhododendron, bracken, gorse, hypericum, gentian, and many more species familiar to you.
The setting: At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the park is a mix of cloud forest and open grassland, often blanketed in mist. The air is fresh, the trails are serene, and the biodiversity is incredible.
The Trail: The 9 km trail takes you to the Mini World’s End, World’s End, & Baker’s Waterfall. It would take three to four hours to complete the loop.
The trail is well designed, and walking is not that difficult, though there are a few steep steps and uphills.
Wildlife – . The wildlife is unique with the horned lizard, pygmy lizard, black-checked green lizard, and purple-faced monkey, which are only spotted around Horton Plains.
The sambar deer is very common here, and there are about 15 leopards at the Horton Plains National Park.
The streams running through the park are home to trout, frogs, otters, and many unique wildlife.
Horton Plains is well known for its birds, and there are some endemic birds such as the Sri Lankan Junglefowl & the Sri Lankan White-eye.
Start Early: To avoid crowds and get clear views at World’s End, start your hike before 8 am.
Bring this: good hiking shoes, warm clothes and a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water.
Horton Plains is more than a hike. It’s a quiet, otherworldly journey through one of the planet’s rarest ecosystems.
by admin-unique | May 2, 2025 | Blog
The only place you can do whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka is Kithulgala, which is a two-hour drive from Kandy. This can be easily fitted into your itinerary between Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya.
Where to Go: The Kelani River is the source of this adventurer’s activity that winds through lush rainforest. There are grade 1 to grade 3 rapids.
The Ride: A typical run lasts about 75 minutes, over three grade-three rapids. In between the action, enjoy the calm stretches and the smaller rapids.
Is It Safe? Yes. This is a well-tested activity. Life jackets, helmets, and experienced guides are on board.
What to Bring: A dry set of clothes, activity shoes, and waterproof sunscreen.
Other Activities Nearby: Explore caves, Canyoning, Abseiling, Nature walks
Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a curious newbie, whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka is a wild and unforgettable ride.
by admin-unique | May 2, 2025 | Blog
Ella isn’t just about hikes and scenery. For those chasing a thrill, zip-lining over the rolling hills will be a memorable experience.
The Experience: Flying Ravana Zipline stretches over 500 meters and takes you soaring at speeds of up to 80 km/h. With the Ella Gap in the distance and emerald tea fields below, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Location: The zipline is located right by the foot of Little Adam’s Peak, making it a perfect add-on after your hike.
Is It Safe? Absolutely. Flying Ravana follows ERCA (European Rope Course Association) standards. Staff are trained, and all the safety gear is provided.
Who Can Go: Open to anyone over 30kg, with the only obstacle is medical conditions.
Pro Tips: Book ahead during peak season and wear snug, comfortable clothes.
Zip lining in Ella isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s a way to see Sri Lanka’s hill country from a new perspective.
by admin-unique | May 2, 2025 | Blog
The Nine Arch Bridge, or the bridge in the sky in Ella, is one of the best examples of railway construction in the colonial era and is seen as a railway wonder that connects two mountains. The length of the bridge is 300 feet, which is on nine arches.
Best Time of Day: If you can make the effort to get there around 6:00 AM to see the first train going over the bridge, it will be an amazing sight. The light is ideal for photography, and most probably, you will be the only people there.
3.40 in the afternoon is a good time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, as you get to see the train going over the bridge. The drawback is that it can be crowded.
Best Season: January to April is the best time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, as there is very little rain around. The skies are clear, and the dry paths are a joy to walk along
Getting There: Reaching the bridge is a little adventure. From Ella town, it’s about a 30-minute walk through jungle trails and tea plantations. The path is easy to follow, but on a wet day it can be slippery, and there could be leeches.
The Nine Arch Bridge is an icon of the Sri Lanka railway and has become very popular among tourists over the past few years.
by admin-unique | May 2, 2025 | Blog
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is one of the most revered religious sites in Sri Lanka and across the Buddhist world. But beyond its spiritual significance, the temple has a fascinating backstory full of lesser-known facts:
-
It Symbolised Political Power: For centuries, whoever held the tooth relic held the political power to rule Sri Lanka. Kings housed it in their palaces to legitimise their reign.
-
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1988, UNESCO recognised the temple’s cultural and historical importance by naming it a World Heritage Site.
-
It Was Almost Destroyed: In 1998, a bomb attack severely damaged parts of the temple, but the relic itself was miraculously unharmed, reinforcing its sacred status.
-
Daily Rituals Continue Today: Rituals are performed three times a day by monks. These offerings of flowers, incense, and chanting have been ongoing for centuries.
-
It’s Part of a Larger Complex: The temple sits within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, making it not just a religious monument but also a historical and architectural site.
If you’re planning a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, consider going at 9 am or 6:30 pm to view the ceremonies.
Recent Comments