KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE

Knuckles mountain range, situated in the north-east of central hills in Sri Lanka, is one of the most important natural sites in the country. The vast mountain range consists of 34 peaks in total, with five peaks resembling the shape of a knuckle. The unique location of this mountain range places it in the path of both monsoons. Coupled with the presence of a large number of mountain peaks and valleys, the entire region is unbelievably diverse in terms of climate, terrain, vegetation and obviously, animal life.

One of the access routes available to explore this unique site is to enter the southern region of Knuckles from Hunassgiriya, the highest point of the Kandy – Mahiyanganaya road [A26]

The KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE (so-called because its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist) is a major eco tourism venue of Sri Lanka and has been declared a conservation area, now known as the KNUCKLES NATIONAL HERITAGE AND WILDERNESS AREA. The region stretches an impressive 155 sq km that contains five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery of Sri Lanka . It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or mountain bike, offering numerous mountainous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens.

The chance to visit traditional small mountain villages in the area gives an interesting insight into the close-knit atmosphere that such a local community fosters and provides a welcome departure from fast-paced modern day life.