83. 𝐀 Hike in 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 & 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐠 (𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐤) 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐰

𝐀 Hike in 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 & 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐠 (𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐤) 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐰

Where Nature Still Breathes Pure

, – Sri Lanka.

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About the Hike

The to can begins from the (vehicle park) and covers an 8 km (5 miles) round trip, taking around 3 hours to complete.

This scenic trail winds through lush , cool misty forests, and mountain slopes — rewarding you with breathtaking views from Baker’s Bend, one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Distance: 8 km (round trip)

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Route: → → Baker’s Bend → Return

Activities: Waterfall views, forest walks, photography, tea estate trails

After the hike, you can refresh yourself with a cool dip at Hirikatu Oya and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the nearby restaurant — a perfect end to your mountain adventure!

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What’s Included (Optional Packages)

• English-speaking bike rider / local guide (on request, extra charge)

• 3 x 300 ml mineral water bottles per person

• One meal – breakfast or lunch

• Tea / Coffee from local tea shops along the trail

• Hotel pick-up and drop (can be arranged)

• Accommodation options: camping, guesthouses, or comfort stays

• Transport up to trailhead by jeep or van if required

• Cultural touch: Visit nearby tea estates or village communities

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Things to Consider

• Fitness level: Moderate (some steep uphill sections, rough estate roads)

• Start early: Treks begin around 9:00 AM and end by 3:00 PM to avoid mist and low visibility

• Weather: Cool, misty, and refreshing — best after light rains

• Responsible travel: Keep the area clean, avoid plastics, and respect locals

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Why Visit Nonpareil?

Nestled about 150 km from Colombo, Nonpareil is one of Sri Lanka’s last unspoiled mountain treasures.

Established in 1880, the is famed for its 33 sharp hairpin bends, panoramic valleys, and peaceful charm untouched by modern tourism.

From hidden waterfalls to the legendary Baker’s Bend viewpoint (5,000 ft elevation), this area blends natural beauty, colonial history, and local culture into one unforgettable experience. If its after a rain, you can enjoys dozens of waterfalls.

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Nearby Attractions

1. (via Nagrak Route) – &

2. Belihuloya – Riverside village, waterfalls, and

3. Hirikatu Oya – Refreshing natural bathing spot near the trailhead

4. – Tea estates & colonial bungalows

5. – Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall

6. – Serene hidden waterfall near Belihuloya

7. & – Visible from Baker’s Bend, great for mountain lovers

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Getting There

You can reach Nonpareil via:

Haputale → Pambahinna → Nonpareil Village (6 km)

Balangoda → Galagama → Nonpareil Road (20 km)

Catch the CTB bus from Pambahinna Junction (6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM) — one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling mountain routes!

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Hiking & Trekking Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket – weather changes fast

• Carry snacks and water

• Avoid hiking after 3:00 PM

• Don’t disturb wildlife or pick plants

• Stay with your group or guide for safety

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Protect the Mountain

Let’s preserve Nonpareil’s untouched charm:

Avoid littering

Use eco-friendly materials

Keep noise to a minimum

Leave only footprints, take only memories

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What to Bring for the Nonpareil – Baker’s Bend Hike

Rain Protection:

Bring a raincoat or umbrella, especially during misty or rainy weather. Some areas are open with no shelter or buildings, so you’ll be fully exposed to rain.

Food & Drinks:

Pack light snacks, sandwiches, and water bottles (at least 1 litre per person).

No shops are found along the upper trail, so carry your own refreshments.

Personal Essentials:

• Leech protection: Use leech repellent spray, balm, or salt.

(Leeches are rare on the wide road but may appear in grassy or forested areas.)

• Basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines

• Trekking shoes or strong walking shoes with good grip

• Cap or hat for sun protection

Optional but Great to Have:

• Telescope / binoculars – to enjoy panoramic mountain and valley views

• Camera or phone with good zoom – for capturing misty landscapes and tea estates

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Stay the Night at Baker’s (Nagrak) Bungalow – A Dream Above the Clouds

If you wish to spend a night on the mountain, the Baker’s (Nagrak) Bungalow is the perfect place to rest — quiet, misty, and surrounded by endless green.

Perched high in the Nonpareil hills, this once served the old British planters. Today, it welcomes travellers who seek peace away from the world — where only the sound of the wind, tea pickers’ voices, and the rustling forest keep you company.

Why It’s Special:

As evening falls, the mist curls around the old walls, and the valley below disappears into a silver sea of clouds. At dawn, you’ll wake to a sunrise so pure it feels sacred — golden light spreading across mountain ridges, touching the tips of tea bushes and the distant Horton Plains.

Inside, it’s simple but soulful — wooden floors, warm meals, and a fireplace that glows through the cold night. You can share stories with fellow hikers, sip a cup of hot , and feel the calm that only mountains can give.

The next morning, after breakfast, you can hike back down slowly, refreshed and renewed — carrying memories that will last forever.

Baker’s Bungalow (also called Nagrak Bungalow) – near the Baker’s Bend viewpoint, Nonpareil Estate.

Advance booking recommended (limited rooms available).