Hike Mahakudagala for panoramic views
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
UnderratedNuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
12°C – 21°C, cool and dry with occasional light showers, medium crowds, peak season
12°C – 21°C, cool and dry with occasional light showers, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
The hike involves stairs and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
The hike involves stairs and uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Guide cost unknown; views are free, but weather dependent.
Guide cost unknown; views are free, but weather dependent.
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Views
Couples found the panoramic vistas of tea estates incredibly romantic and rewarding.
Secluded Escape
Travelers raved about the peace and quiet of this off-the-beaten-path hike.
Romantic Hike
Couples loved the challenging, rewarding hike with stunning views; perfect for adventure.
Hard ToFind
Visitors warned that finding the trailhead without a guide could be tricky.
Weather Dependent
Couples noted that mist can ruin the views; clear weather is essential.
Challenging Climb
Travelers felt the hike's difficulty might be a concern for some couples.
Hours of operation
Monday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Tuesday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Wednesday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Thursday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Friday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sunday
07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
MEDIUM
12-22°C
Pleasantly cool with minimal rainfall.
Pleasantly cool with minimal rainfall.
Open
No significant restrictions.
No significant restrictions.
Recommended
February's favorable weather conditions are ideal for hiking. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain elevated due to peak season.
February's favorable weather conditions are ideal for hiking. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices remain elevated due to peak season.
March
MEDIUM
12-24°C
Mild temperatures with occasional showers.
Mild temperatures with occasional showers.
Open
No significant restrictions.
No significant restrictions.
Recommended
March provides mild weather suitable for hiking. Tourist activity is moderate, and prices are slightly elevated due to peak season.
March provides mild weather suitable for hiking. Tourist activity is moderate, and prices are slightly elevated due to peak season.
April
HIGH
13-23°C
Mild temperatures with increased rainfall.
Mild temperatures with increased rainfall.
Open
Limited availability due to high demand during festivals.
Limited availability due to high demand during festivals.
Recommended
April hosts the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year celebrations, leading to high tourist activity and elevated prices. While the weather is mild, increased rainfall and crowds may affect hiking conditions.
April hosts the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year celebrations, leading to high tourist activity and elevated prices. While the weather is mild, increased rainfall and crowds may affect hiking conditions.
May
MEDIUM
14-22°C
May in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall, with an average of 161 mm over 13 days.
May in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall, with an average of 161 mm over 13 days.
Open
No specific restrictions, but some outdoor activities may be affected by rain.
No specific restrictions, but some outdoor activities may be affected by rain.
Not recommended
May offers mild temperatures but comes with considerable rainfall, which can impact outdoor activities like hiking. It's advisable to check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
May offers mild temperatures but comes with considerable rainfall, which can impact outdoor activities like hiking. It's advisable to check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
How to get there
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available in Nuwara Eliya for direct transport to the trailhead near the Mahakudgala Tea Factory. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Walking
Recommended
The final part of the journey to the summit of Mahakudagala is a hike from the trailhead near the abandoned Mahakudgala Tea Factory in Halgran Oya.
Bus
Buses connect Colombo and Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Local buses from Nuwara Eliya bus station, such as route 743/1 to Uda Pussellawa and 746/1 to High Forest, get you closer to the trailhead. Inform the conductor to be dropped off at Halgran Oya.
Car
Travelers with their own or rental cars can drive to Mahakudagala via the Nuwara Eliya-Udapussellawa Road or the Nuwara Eliya-Kandapola-Highforest Road. Parking is available near the trailhead.
Train
Take a train to Nanu Oya station, the closest railway station to Nuwara Eliya. From Nanu Oya, take a taxi or bus to Nuwara Eliya.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 12-60
