Hike Mahakudagala for panoramic views
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
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.
C
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.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
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
December
MEDIUM
12-20°C
December in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall. Daytime temperatures average around 20.1°C, with nighttime lows of approximately 11.8°C. The month typically experiences about 211mm of rainfall over 15 days. Sunshine is limited, averaging 5.2 hours per day.
December in Nuwara Eliya is characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall. Daytime temperatures average around 20.1°C, with nighttime lows of approximately 11.8°C. The month typically experiences about 211mm of rainfall over 15 days. Sunshine is limited, averaging 5.2 hours per day.
Open
Increased tourist activity may lead to higher prices and limited availability in accommodations.
Increased tourist activity may lead to higher prices and limited availability in accommodations.
Not recommended
December's combination of holiday festivities and wet weather results in moderate crowd levels and higher prices. While the climate is not ideal for hiking, the festive atmosphere may appeal to some travelers.
December's combination of holiday festivities and wet weather results in moderate crowd levels and higher prices. While the climate is not ideal for hiking, the festive atmosphere may appeal to some travelers.
January
MEDIUM
12-21°C
Cool and dry with occasional light showers.
Cool and dry with occasional light showers.
Open
No significant restrictions.
No significant restrictions.
Recommended
January offers cool and dry weather, making it suitable for hiking Mahakudagala. Tourist activity is moderate, and prices are slightly elevated due to peak season.
January offers cool and dry weather, making it suitable for hiking Mahakudagala. Tourist activity is moderate, and prices are slightly elevated due to peak season.
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.
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