Situated in Nuwara-Eliya, Central Province of Sri Lanka, Great Western Mountain is the 7th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka with a height of 2,212 meters. The Great western mountain is a beautiful paradise located behind one of the most beautiful railway stations in the hill country.
How to reach the Destination:
From Nuwara-Eliya, when you pass through Peradeniya-Badulla highway, you must take the first exit onto Badulla Road. Then turn left at Pundalu Oya junction, and the mountain destination can be reached in another 2.4 km travel distance. However, the easiest way is to take a train and drop at the Great Western station, and the mountain hiking path is just 5 km from the station. The mountain spreads for about 1 km, and it can be climbed up from both ends.
Best time to visit and Weather conditions:
Hiking on Great Western Mountain is regarded as a very challenging task; therefore, you should be extra cautious in deciding when to climb up. Usually, the walking paths are slippery and muddy, which you have to climb with the support of branches or with the help of other persons, and on a rainy day, you might find it more challenging to walk, and on a foggy day, you would not see anything around.
Hike to Great Western Mountain:
The Great Western mountain has a steep slope and an unclear footpath. While climbing, you will see a 70 years old small Hindu Kovil which is assumed to be set up by a hiker who lost his way and for whom Paththini Amma Goddess helped to find the way out. The mountain is nature-friendly with its rich bio-diversity. Being prepared with the necessary essentials and fetching a guide is a must for hiking in Great Western Mountain.
