View from Hanthana Mountain Range overlooking Kandy
Hiking

Hanthana Mountain Range Trail

A scenic moderate hike near Kandy offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Moderate119 km from Colombo

Distance

119 km from Colombo

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time to Visit

December - March

Entrance Fee

Entrance fee may be charged depending on entry point.

Overview

The Hanthana Mountain Range Trail is a moderate hike located just outside Kandy along Hanthana Hiking Road. The trail offers panoramic views over Kandy city and the surrounding countryside.

There are two main route options.

The longer route (7 km) begins in the Sarasavigama area and passes through tea plantations, forest sections, streams, and dense vegetation before reaching the viewpoint. This route gains approximately 450 metres in elevation and reaches a peak height of around 1,100 metres. A guide is recommended as sections of the trail are not clearly marked.

The shorter route (~4 km round trip) starts near the Ceylon Tea Museum and follows Hanthana Hiking Road. This route is more direct and can be completed without a guide, though the final section to the viewpoint requires attention as the trail is not always obvious.

The hike typically takes 2 hours via the shorter route or around 3.5 hours for the longer trail.

The best time to hike is during the dry season from December to March. Early morning starts are recommended to avoid heat and humidity.

Gallery

View from Hanthana Mountain Range overlooking Kandy
Trail through tea plantations on Hanthana Mountain
View over Kandy valley from Hanthana Mountain
Forest section on Hanthana Mountain Range trail
Stream crossing on Hanthana trail
Hanthana Mountain ridge viewpoint near Kandy

🧭 How to Get There

📍 Location

Hanthana, Kandy District, Central Province

🚗 How to Reach

  • From Colombo (~119 km • ~4 h)

🧭 Select your starting point

Click markers to open locations in Google Maps

Travel Guide

Travel Tips

  • Start early morning to avoid heat.
  • Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes.
  • Leech protection is recommended during wet months.
  • Carry sufficient drinking water.

Safety Notes

Please read before visiting

  • Some sections of the long route are not clearly marked.
  • Trail can be slippery during rainy periods.
  • Watch footing near steep ridge sections.
  • Avoid hiking alone on the long route without guidance.

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