About the Single Tree Hill Hike
There are many villages that were built on rocky walls of mountains and mountains all over the world. Each one has a special charm, the surroundings, the views, the architecture, the history, land everything that surrounds them makes them unique.Nuwara Eliya Sitting in the laps of the mountains, located at a height of 6,128 ft. Known as the hill country, the city is popular for its Tea Industry and eco-tourism.
the British officer John davy. He found this place during an expedition in 1819 and it soon became a popular destination for the British colonists. In past times English colonists settled at the Nuwara Eliya mainly because the climate resembled the English climate better. Because of this hotels around the city often have colonial characteristics. They soon discovered the area was great for cultivating tea, which is why tea plantations dominate the scenery. The highlands are quite popular among tourists that want to see yet another side of Sri lanka,a side where you can walk for hours in the cool climate.
The region is characterized by extensive Hills. People mostly come to Nuwara eliya to escape the heat and to do some beautiful walks. There are numerous hiking trails that start from The city.
Some require a small walk from the town to the starting point of the trail. There are a few great lookout points with amazing scenic views over the area. The most popular lookout point by far is on top of Single tree hill which gives a panoramic view of the town, Gregory lake including northern part of the hortain plains and some other hills around the area. The hike is quite long, but also rewarding as it passes some beautiful scenery through the Pedro Tea Plantations. The trail is approximately 2 and hours return and that includes a twenty minute rest stop at the summit.
Wear solid hiking shoes and don't forget to bring enough water along. As it rains a lot in Hill country it would be wise to bring along a rain cape or umbrella. I got some rain on the trek, but only for short periods. As it can get quite chilly at some points, don’t forget to bring along a light sweater just in case. According my personal experience 5.00am to 7.00am would be perfect to start as it is quite chilly and for an experience of a splendid cloud formations over the area.
If you are in Nuwara Eliya city and on foot, you may need to either walk or take a taxi to get to the trail head. The trail head is located just south of the town, near the race course, and is visible from the highway next to the Imaduwa shop accessible by a dirt road begins behind residential area, and a private house.
The trail ascends almost all the way from start to the summit at a slight but steady incline which goes 2.7km in total. The majority of the track is in very good condition but there still some small muddy areas after extended periods of rain. The Buddhist temple is at half way up the mountain called Sir swarnagiri vihara.
This Buddhist temple is as peaceful as it can get your mind out of the trail for a while. Great place get a rest and walk around. To reach the main hall and other buildings, there were stone stairs from the trail up to the temple buildings. After visiting the temple, return to the main trek and continue walking. As you head this way, The summit with a radio tower is visible almost all the way. Once you reach to the summit you will find a concrete pathway which goes towards the radio towers and then turns to the left hand side. The trail continues through the short thick forest this forest type is restricted to the mountains and this forests consist of trees that aren't found in lower-lying areas. The trees have adapted to the cool climate, heavy downpours and intense sunshine. Going in the morning is perfect for bird watchers the endemic whistling thrush, yellow eared bulbul and many other species inhabit in this small forest patch. Mammals like sambur deer and barking deer also can be seen. Following this trail you'll end up in a tree plantation and can go through it to go down the hill
where you can get panoramic views of the town and lake. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous go bit more down for more angels. The single Tree Hill walk is well worth doing but if you plan on walking in the rainy part of the year check for the weather alerts in advance as it limits the view.