Mentioned among the hills and valleys of Kandy, the name Pila is greeted with instant recognition and a smile. Senani Pilapitiya has joined hands with Randholee Luxury Resorts to offer you nature trails and trekking packages that vary in energy and skill requirement. Hiking is a fun individual or group activity that promotes fitness and allows you to explore areas that are not motorable. Climb high altitudes, explore unpolluted nature trails and identify unique butterflies, reptiles and animals during your journey. Exploring different surroundings, these trails go through Hantana Mountain Range, Knuckles Mountain Range, Uragala Mountains, Camble Park, Hunnasgiriya and Laggala. There are packages for every nature lover - and animal lover; these trails are great for viewing various species of birds as well as leopards, barking deer and other exciting jungle habitants.

Mr. Pilapitiya, with over 37 years of experience, began exploring these mountain ranges at the age of 13. Since then he has won many medals for hiking contests and has obtained his diploma in Wildlife Park Management in Ontario, Canada. With such an intense understanding of the mountains and forests, he has divided the tours into skill levels so you will be able to determine which one is appropriate for you.

Day programmes and safari's, based on the times scheduled, include meals during you hike. Amidst the thick jungle forests and breathtaking mountain views, take a break and enjoy meals filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. The delicious and energizing meals will be provided by Randholee Luxury Resort.

Come prepared – if going on a Level 3 or Level 4 hike it is best to bring the following items with you during your expedition.

• good walking shoes
• an extra t-shirt
• a hat or a cap
• insect repellent (citronella oil)
• backpack torch
• binoculars
• camera
• 1 litre of drinking water
• a pen knife
• a personal medical kit
• a raincoat or a jacket
• extra energy food (chocolate, glucose, biscuits, etc.)
• a walking stick if available

Many people have participated in Pila's fun adventures including ex-US Ambassador Robert Blake, South Western herpetologist, Mr. Javron Lukes and many more diplomats.

If you are going on a Level 3 or 4 hike you should be fit with endurance for at least six hours. Safety comes first so people with spine or knee problems will be disqualified to hike.

Programmes

Half Day Programmes -

• Enjoy nature trails and trekking through the virgin jungle, Dunumadalewa, above Kandy city. This trail is filled with lush green flora, intricate bird life, dense forests and scenic views. This is a Level 1 trail and will take approximately three hours.

Suppliment – US$ 20 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

Day Programmes -

• Explore a virgin jungle, Dunumadallewa, and have a picnic breakfast in the jungle. Afterwards, cut across to the Hantana Mountain Range which reaches an elevation of 3,800 feet and has amazing 360° views. Lunch will be served at a camp site. This is a Level 2 hike and will take approximately six hours.

Suppliment – US$ 20 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

• Enjoy a trek to Uragala Mountain Range and cross along the cliff of Hanthana through a virgin jungle. Take some beautiful pictures as you stand 4,100 ft above sea level and are surrounded by amazing 360° views. You can view over 40 species of birds during this trek. This trek includes a picnic breakfast at the camp site and a picnic lunch at Cloud Forest. This is a Level 3 trail and will take approximately seven hours.

Suppliment – US$ 25 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

• Seeing is believing during this amazing journey through Knuckles Mountain Range by 4x4 truck. This adventure takes you to Cloud Forest, the famous Corberts Gap, to Deenston Bird Park and an old village which overlooks a forgotten valley in Sri Lanka. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided in camping style.

Suppliment – US$ 45 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

Tea Trekking Safari

• This 4x4 vehicle journey takes you to the tea museum and through the rugged plantation roads to view the estate where the first tea plant was planted by James Taylor. This safari allows you to explore the log cabin in which James Taylor lived and to have lunch among the plantations in which he planted.

Suppliment – US$ 40 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

• There are seven different nature trails that take you through the Knuckles Mountain Range and Level 3 or 4 trails. These adventures are 8 to 12 hours long and include breakfast and lunch. The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most unique mountain ranges in Sri Lanka.

Suppliment – US$ 45 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

Camping

• Camp in style at Hanthana and Knuckles Mountain Ranges. Tents with bedding, linen and chemical toilets are available. The camp is on a full board basis and includes a BBQ dinner surrounding a bond fire. Campers will be taken on various trails but the adventure must last a minimum of two nights and have 6 people per group.

Suppliment – US$ 65 nett per person.
Max.pax – 10 min

Levels

• Level 1: Off road and semi-jungle terrain.
• Level 2: Footpaths, steps and crossing of small streams.
• Level 3: Footpaths and unclear nature trails, patna lands, steep climbs, down hills. Some areas will involve group aid.
• Level 4: Steep climbs, down hills, dense forests, rope climbing, crossing streams, rocky areas. People who want to go on Level 4 adventures should be physically fit.