How to Experience the Hanthana Mountain Range – A Comprehensive Guide for Hikers 

Generally, when it comes to exploring the Hanthana Mountain Range it would be recommendable to commence your trek before nine o’clock in the morning; additionally, you should strive to make your descent before three o’clock in the afternoon. This would be because nightfall would take place rather suddenly and you may lose your way without a guide after dusk. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to enjoy a rewarding hiking or backpacking experience at this remarkable mountain range. Hiking at the Hanthana Range would provide you with an experience quite unlike any other you might have in Sri Lanka. 

Since Hanthana happens to be situated in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, it would experience a climate that is relatively cool throughout the year. As the mountain range would be tall, it would be recommendable to select a suitable sunny day for your hiking excursion. You should also be aware that there could be monsoonal rain in these mountains in the period extending from April through September. However, you could expect lesser rainfall from December to March making this period an excellent time at which to go hiking here; coincidently, this is also the peak tourist season so ensure you book your accommodation ahead.

Hiking at the Hanthana Mountain Range would provide you with the opportunity to experience marvellous views over Kandy, the Dolosbage Range and the Knuckles Range. Interestingly, the hiking trail at Hanthana would not be exceedingly isolated as you would encounter a number of villages in the locality. As you make your way along, you would be able to smell the aroma of the sticks of incense lit by the local Hindus in honour of their gods. In fact, you would have the chance to experience many interesting sights on this hike amidst nature's pristine beauty and sublime serenity. When seeking the best hotels in Kandy from which you could easily reach the Hanthana Mountain Range, consider the appealingly located Cinnamon Citadel Kandy. 

There would be several ways in which you could approach the Hanthana Mountains. One way would be to access the range from the University of Peradeniya’s Upper Hanthana Lodge. Alternatively, you may also travel from the 4th Mile Post at Hanthana Road. You would find that the mountain range would feature seven peaks with an array of different hiking paths available to choose from. Hikers would find that it would be fairly straightforward to ascend the first two peaks of the Hanthana Mountains; however, you would be obliged to ascend the tall Uura Kanda to reach the mountains’ highest point. 

As you hike along the Hanthana Mountain Range, you would encounter many attractive sights including lofty pine trees, tea estates, different kinds of flowers, flowing streams, colourful butterflies and various other kinds of engrossing fauna and flora. Hanthana would be a delight for bird lovers as they would find a diverse selection of birds in this locality; you are likely to notice creatures like the yellow-fronted barbet and various kinds of raptors. Bring a pair of binoculars and your camera though remember to put them aside as well and just take time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the verdant mountain landscapes and captivating panoramas that surround you.