Kikiliyamana: A High Walk Above Nuwara Eliya
Easy · Nuwara Eliya District · Central Province
Kikiliyamana is the sixth-highest mountain in Sri Lanka at 2,240 m, and one of the easiest to walk up: a wide track climbs to transmission masts on the summit. The walk starts from Shanthipura, often called the highest village in the country.
What you’ll walk through
Shanthipura is about 6 km from the Nuwara Eliya bus stand. From the village a broad track, driveable by 4×4, climbs through the Kikiliyamana forest reserve to the summit, where TV, radio and telecom masts stand. It is a straightforward walk rather than a trail hike.
Vehicles use the same track. Step aside for them.
Access & permits
We could not confirm the rules for the mast compound on the summit, or whether any permit applies. Respect any fences or guards at the installations.
On the map
Pin 1 is Kikiliyamana. The others are the nearest places in our trail directory.
- Kikiliyamana: Summit, 2,240 m, above Nuwara Eliya.
- Pidurutalagala: Military zone: not open to hikers. About 4 km away.
- Lover's Leap Falls: Through Pedro Estate, Nuwara Eliya. About 4 km away.
- Great Western Mountain: Summit, 2,216 m, above Great Western station. About 6 km away.
Key landmarks & features
- Shanthipura - The village trailhead above Nuwara Eliya.
- Kikiliyamana forest reserve - Montane forest around the peak.
- Transmission masts - TV, radio and telecom installations on the summit.
- Nuwara Eliya - About 6 km away.
When to go
Early morning, before the mist. It is cold at this height all year.
Walk it with Hike Lanka
You can take this as a guided day trip, link it with nearby destinations into a multi-day trek, or build it into a custom Sri Lanka hiking itinerary. We handle transport, permits and the logistics; you walk.
Nearby in the directory
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