Devil's Staircase
A rough, zigzagging old estate road of about 14km between Ohiya and Kalupahana, loved by hikers, 4x4 drivers and riders for its hairpins and wide valley views.
The Devil's Staircase is an old estate road that zigzags down the mountainside between Ohiya, on the edge of the Horton Plains plateau, and Kalupahana, near the A4. It runs for about 14 km through tea, grassland and forest, with tight hairpin bends, loose stones and steep drops, and it earned its name from just how hard it is on vehicles and legs. Today it is one of the best known adventure routes in the hill country.
The road was built for the tea estates, and in places you can still see the old stone retaining walls. As you descend, the views open up over deep valleys and layers of hills, and on a clear day the whole south of the island seems to spread out below. Near the bottom, the route passes close to Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, which makes a perfect finish.
You can walk it, ride it on a motorbike, or take a 4x4 with a driver who knows the road. An ordinary car will not make it. Walking downhill from Ohiya to Kalupahana is the most popular option for hikers, and it takes most of a day. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and snacks, since there are very few shops along the way, and arrange transport at the bottom before you set off.
The road is at its best in the drier months, roughly January to March. After heavy rain, parts of it turn to mud and can be dangerous, so check conditions locally first.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free. Jeep hire or a guide is paid separately.
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: Half a day to a full day
- Best time: January to March, in dry weather
How to get there
Starts near Ohiya, on the Horton Plains side, and ends near Kalupahana on the A4. Hikers usually start at Ohiya, which has a railway station, and walk down. A 4x4 or motorbike is needed to drive it.