Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the great advice on beaches and south coast accomodation. I am in the process of reserving accomadation near Tangalle.
I was thinking that after a week of relaxing at the beach, going north to Horton Plains, Adams Peak and Kandy.
Just from looking at the Lonely Plant I was thinking spending a day in Polhena and taking an earlt morning express bus from Matara to Nuwara Eliya. If it leaves early enough and its not too late when I arrive in Nuwara Eliya then I would like to go straight to from Nuwara to Ohiya near Horton Plains and spend the night at the Hills Safari Eco=Lodge. We would get to bed early and then make an early start for the walk to the Worlds End. we would be done by 10:30 AND go back to the EcoLodge for lunch and to pick up our stuff; Then we could head to Dalhousie via Nuwara Eliya. We would spend the night in Dailhousie, maybe at the White House or Green House? From there we would do the pilgrimage to Adams Peak in the wee hours in the morning. Come back and eat lunch and head to Kandy.
We may or may not go rafting for a day in Kitugala depending on the budget. it seems like a nice way to break up the two small hikes. I know these few days will be stressful but I dont want to spend too much time just hanging out in the area because it will be cold; I live near hillstations in Islamabad which has a cold winter and I am partly coming to Sri Lanka for the warm climate. I would appreciate comments about this draft itinerary and answers to the questions below based on personal experience.
Questions about Buses
When does the express bus between Matara and Nuwara Eliya depart?
Does anyone have information about transport between Ohiya and Nuwara Eliya (both ways)?
Does anyone know how long the bus from Nuwara Eliya to Dalhoise takes and when it generally departs?
How often do express buses between Adams Peak and Kandy depart?
Questions about Accomadation
Where is best place to stay before Horton Plains Worlds End walk?
What is best place to stay before Adams Peak?
What is best budget place to stay in Kandy 5less than 20 USD per night)?
Questions about Activities
How did people find the Worlds End walk, the pilgrimage to Adams Peak, white water rafting in Kitulgala and snorkeling in Polhena etc?
What is the general climate in this area in mid January? What type of clothes should I pack?
Is Adams Peak very difficult. I am 25 but not very athletic, could I do it? I hear about the local grannies in flip flops and I want it to give me hope but in Pakistan local women in high heels sometimes outpace me in the mountains. I know how tough south asian women can be :)
THANKS SO MUCH for sharing any info to help me plan the trip. I am sure I will be back on soon asking more questions about the next stage
I will try and help you with as much as possible .
When does the express bus between Matara and Nuwara Eliya depart?
Go to the bus station , twice before I have taken a bus to Nuwara Eliya from Matara . As you go into the bus station it is on your left near the back of th station . You need to get there EARLY as it is full when it leaves.
Does anyone know how long the bus from Nuwara Eliya to Dalhoise takes and when it generally departs?
If you are going to Adams Peak then you should get to Hatton first , Its hard to find direct buses to Dalhousie. From hatton you will need to go or go thru maskalia , its on the way.
From Matara its a long trip to Adams Peak you will spend a good part of the day going there . I have done the trip the other way as well . I have gone from Matara to Colombo and then got the Hatton bus from there . Road is better and faster .
How often do express buses between Adams Peak and Kandy depart?
Again you have to go to Hatton , the buses start early. You can also get the train to Hatton from kandy and then walk for 5 minutes for the bus . Dont listen to the minibus drivers there , always buses to Dalhousie but most go thru Maskalia as I previously said.
What is best place to stay before Adams Peak?
Personal favourite has always been the Green House . Its right at the beginning of the walk, just cross the bridge , look up and its on the hill . Reservations recommended as it is popular.
Many touts in Dalhousie now many guesthouses .
Look out for Brenda on your travels , she is the oldest tout in Sri Lanka . She is over 80 and has been up and down Adams Peak 70 times . She is white haired and a real sweet lady.
Hopefully this will help a little , pm me if you want more info .
OOps , mis read again .
There are many local buses from Dalhousie to Hatton in the morning . Trip is about 1.5 hours.
From hatton there are many buses to Kandy , dont worry.
I have never seen a bus go to Kandy from Dalhousie .
After the hike , depending on how your legs feel , you should consider spending an extra day close to AP while trying to recover.
thanks alot. I am just sorting through all the info. The LP said there were direct buses to Adams Peak in the pilgrimage season but maybe thats not so. I am not looking forward to changing all the buses. What time of year were you traveling there? I am still holding out hope. Its amazing that it could be faster to go frpm AP to Kandy via Colombo....
Also, thanks for the tip on hanging around Adams Peak to recover... I know my legs will be hurting. What would you suggest?
LP has always said that there are direct buses to Adams Peak . I have been 6 times and never once seen one of these buses . Perhaps the bus goes on Poya days ( full moon ) . Avoid Adams Peak at that time as there will be thousands of pilgrims climbing at that time.
I am usually in the Dalhousie area around Christmas / New year time , it is considered part of the climbing season so there are lots of local people going up and naturally down.
Changing buses is as part of life in Sri Lanka as is standing up for 5 hours on them once you get them.
I didnt say that its faster to go from Adams Peak to Kandy via Colombo .
You mentioned Matara and it is faster to go to Hatton via Colombo if you leave Matara at 4 am . The bus station is across the road from the Pettah bus station.
Regarding recovery period . I have seen old ladies climb , I have seen people run up and down , I have climbed down with two blind people and I have seen 400 pound guys climb . Its not a fitness issue that determines if you suffer Adams Peak leg or not . You have got to resist the urge to run down to catch the first bus , this is where you do the damage . The last 1 KM is a killer .
When I get to the top , I usually get out of my wet sox , I drink some electrolite solution and add salt to avoid cramping and I take parasetomol to knumb the pain of the decent . Thats me and as i said , everyone is different.
The worse cramp I have ever experienced in my life was at the top and I will do or take anything to never go thru that experience again.
Enjoy the climb and bring a packet or two of busicits for the Monks on top , it gives you a good opportunity to chat with them .
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