Joanna James
The Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka is a haven for anyone seeking adventure and beautiful places to explore. Known for its rich biodiversity, this destination has gained popularity among nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Here are some things to know before you take a trip to the ‘misty mountains’.
If you ever feel like taking a hike or going on a trekking venture during your holiday in Sri Lanka, look no further than the Knuckles Mountain Range. This celebrated tourist site, which is also called Knuckles Forest Reserve, is a gold mine when it comes to finding unique species of flora and fauna. Set up high in the central province of Sri Lanka, this green oasis is wedged between the Kandy and Matale districts.
Spanning across 81 square miles the Knuckles massif is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has five mountain peaks: Kirigalpoththa, Gombaniya, Knuckles, Koboneelagala and Dotulugala. The name of the destination was given by the British nationals who ruled the island many decades ago. The title derives from the mountain range’s strong likeness to a clenched fist.
Over 40 villages can be found in this location. It also houses about 31 mammal species, 128 bird species, 53 reptile species, 20 amphibian species and 15 freshwater species. Since it is a protected area, the Knuckles Forest Reserve is considered one of the island’s top ecotourism hotspots.
Though Sri Lanka offers a wide choice when it comes to nature-friendly destinations, nothing can beat the Knuckles Forest Reserve for its diversity and untouched natural beauty. It is an ideal hiking spot so if you wish to move out of the luxuries of your hotel and stretch your arms and legs, this is one of the best spots to go for.
The destination is not easy to access and this is why it has remained a hidden gem all these years. If you are someone who is fervently hunting to experience some unique places in Sri Lanka and aching to get away from the bustling life in the metropolis, then scaling the Knuckles Mountain Range will be the perfect antidote for you.
The Bambarella Trail and the Thangappuwa Trail are the two popular routes that are usually taken to access this forest reserve. The Thangappuwa Trail is supposed to be the most popular path since you get the opportunity to enjoy diversified vegetation like sub-montane rainforest, pygmy forest, open grassland, and cloud forest on your way there. Aside from these two, there are also a few other routes that travellers take like the Dothalugala nature trail from which you need to climb the Dothalugala Mountain to access the forest reserve. Take the Duwili Ella trail and you will pass a 40-meter waterfall with a cave behind it. You will even come across Mini World’s End, a 1,192-meter cliff that provides some breathtaking views, once you set out from the Knuckles Conservation Centre.
Since the site is located in remote territory, you need to find accommodations in cities close to the site so that you can embark on your adventure early to enjoy the best of what the Knuckles Forest Reserve has to offer. Stay at a property close by like Heritance Kandalama and you will even be able to spot this exceptional location from afar during clear and sunny days. For a truly memorable experience, consider spending a night outdoors under the stars at this destination.
Corbett's Gap, named after the Englishman Jim Corbett, offers one of the most striking vistas of the plains and mountains. Hikers enjoy taking this route because it is easy to trek. Another must-see sight is the cloud forest, a unique eco-region that is home to over 20 of the world's endangered plant and animal species.
Dunuwila, which is close to Laggala, is well-known for its serene surroundings and lake. Legend has it that Rama used the Brahmasthram weapon to kill King Ravana at this location.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
