Railroad Hike to Horton Plains Borders

Show all photos
9 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

A visit to the third longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka. A challenging hike through the forest. Photography sessions of the best views. Qualified hiking guide. One of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

What's Included

Back up vehicle for emergency transport.
Support staff fee for guide, helper(s), driver and qualified first aid.
Refreshments with energy slabs.
Lunch.
First aid with qualified first aid officer.
Hotel pick up and drop off.
Any transportation up to the trail head at Pattipola.
Any additional beverages or food.
Gratuities for staff (optional).

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Pattipola Railway Station

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    You will be starting your Railroad Hike at 7:30am from the Pattipola Railway Station. The station itself is special in that it is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, lying 1891m above sea level. Your hiking guide will be giving you a brief description of the hike and route. He will explain the safety procedures as well. You will be leaving for your hike at 7:45am. The entire hike will be 14km long. You will be stopping for breaks every 1.5km to refresh yourselves with energy bars and water. You will have a qualified hiking guide and first aid professional in your team. There will also be an emergency transport vehicle following you. After hiking 3km along the railroads, you will be coming upon the ‘tunnel of importance’, Tunnel 18. Tunnel 18 is the third-longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka at 321.95 m. It is also highest from sea level, and the darkest as one end is quite narrow.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ohiya

    However, the special feature about the tunnel and its secret lies in its location. Tunnel 18 is perfectly placed to bridge the border between the wet zone and dry zone of Sri Lanka. This means that you enter the tunnel during comparatively dry and clear weather and exit the tunnel into mist and rain. In Sri Lanka, the only place this magical experience occurs is at Tunnel 18. The views from the tunnel mouths are also spectacular. After passing through Tunnel 18 you will be walking a few kilometers further along the railroad before reaching the Ohiya Railway Station. You will be getting there by approximately 1:00pm and will be having a picnic lunch at the station. Lunch will consist of spaghetti or macaroni, a boiled egg, fried sausages and tropical fruits.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Horton Plains National Park

    After lunch, you will start your trek to Horton Plains National Park. You will be first climbing through the jungle for the first 2km. This part of the hike will be somewhat strenuous. After exiting the jungle you will be hiking through Ohiya area which lies next to Horton Plains National Park. The area sports some of the best scenic views in Sri Lanka. You will be stopping along the way for some evening refreshments, such as chocolate slabs, dates and etc. After the break and possibly a few photographs, you will be continuing on to Horton Plains National Park borders. You will reach your final destination at 5:00 pm, completing your hike.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Travceylon Leisure

Tags

Day Trips
Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Adventure Tours
Zombie
Zombie Slice
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Book Now