A selection of five itineraries to admire the natural beauty of the island. Between rice fields, tea plantations and breathtaking panoramic views, Sri Lanka reveals the beauty of its diversity to those who dare to set off on the dirt roads. 

On the trail of the Ella Rock

Ella Rock is the name given to the peak overlooking the town of the same name. Reaching its peak is a prize worth working for. But the effort is well rewarded by the landscapes encountered along the way, as well as the stunning view which awaits at the end of the trail. For more than 5km you have to walk along a stony path that sometimes leads to the train tracks. And with a slice of luck you may even stumble across the tortillard slowly making its way up the track. Leaning out of the windows, the passengers greet the hikers and give them some courage for the next stage. Further on, the rice fields can be seen from a pretty bridge. Then it is the turn of the tea plantations and their bright green. The climb is steep, as steep as the view from the top is breathtaking. The city of Ella looks very small from this height. In the distance, Little Adam's Peak rises up, like an invitation to a next hike.

A family trek along the World's End Trail

This trail through Horton Plains National Park is best tackled in the early morning. Any later, and you run the risk of having to navigate through the mist. Of course, the clouds give the place a very special atmosphere. However, it would be a pity not to see anything of this famous panorama at world’s end. When the horizon is clear, facing the precipice, you feel as if you are standing at the end of the Earth. Some even make the claim that it is the best view in all of Sri Lanka. But this exceptional viewpoint is not the only point of interest along the trail. In this protected environment, each and every turn serves up a whole new landscape. Plains, forests and mountains alternate along the 8 km loop. Hidden in the vegetation, the sambar deer and the giant Ceylon squirrel observe the walkers. Will they be able to see them in turn? 

Climb Adam's Peak like a pilgrim

More than a mountain, Adam's Peak is one of the country's sacred peaks. Every day, dozens of Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims of all ages climb the 2200 metres to the top. At the top, a shrine houses the footprints of a deity. Some see it as a trace of Adam's passage. For others it is Buddha, or Shiva. Here, it is not really the route or the view that counts. To walk the 15,000 steps of Adam's Peak is to experience the pilgrim's path. In the night, lit only by the garlands that line the stairs, they climb towards the sacred mark. Songs are sung to give courage. Then finally comes the end of the event, the last step. At the summit, the sunrise rewards believers and hikers alike. 

Lipton's Seat, or the empire of tea

Tea was first born in Sri Lanka in 1867. Imported from China, the first shrubs were planted in the Kandy region. Nowadays, the country has become the third largest global producer of these much-loved fragrant leaves. From the Lipton Lookout, known as the favourite spot of the creator of the famous brand, the view of the plantations is simply awe inspiring. The green of the trees stretches as far as the eye can see, only disturbed by the touches of colour that are the outfits of the women working between the aisles. A 7km descent allows you to meet them. On the way through the plantation, it is not unusual to be stopped by the smiling pickers. For a moment, you can take in the the dexterity with which they select and collect the leaves. At the bottom of the descent, the factory in the town of Dambatenne allows you to learn more about this industry. Simply not to miss for anyone who loves this precious beverage. 

Balcony with view from Pidurangala Rock

Who said you had to suffer to get to the most beautiful views? The climb to Pidurangala Rock is of moderate difficulty and is relatively quick. However, at the end of the short road, the landscape is breathtaking. Straight ahead, the Sigiriya Rock stands in the middle of the horizon. A huge rock, on top of which the ancient inhabitants of the place had established their capital. A technical feat, a clever defensive location, an extraordinary testimony to the past Sinhalese kingdom... When one faces the fortress, there is no shortage of terms to describe this stunning site listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.