Travel destinations
Knuckles Mountain
Knuckles Mountain
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, straddling the districts of Matale and Kandy, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a stunning sight to behold. Covering an area of around 81 square miles, it’s a wild and untamed mountain range with 34 peaks ranging from 900m to 1900m. The five highest peaks resembling the knuckles of a clenched fist led to the British surveyors giving the mountain range its name. Locally, it is called the Dumbara Kanduvetiya, roughly translated as the mist-laden mountain range.
The Knuckles Mountain Range is more than just a stunning natural wonder. It’s a treasure trove – a living, breathing microcosm of Sri Lanka’s entire climate, packed into one compact area. It’s also home to a whole ecosystem and rich biodiversity, making the area a magnet for ecologists, environmentalists and nature lovers alike. In fact, more than 34% of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs and herbs are said to be found here, making it a protected scientific site.
It’s not just about the flora. This mountain range is teeming with wildlife – sambur, barking deer, giant squirrels, wild boars and the endemic toque monkey and purple-faced leaf monkey wandering through the forests. Let’s not forget about the birds – Knuckles is home to 17 out of 23 bird species in Sri Lanka.
The Knuckles Mountain Range is also home to 37 villages, including Meemure, Kaikawala and Galamuduna. These villages have preserved traditional ways of living, relying heavily on rice cultivation and Chena farming. Villages like Meemure are quite remote that there are a few places where you will be able to get mobile reception.
Looking for some peace, fresh air and a chance to reconnect with nature? The Knuckles Mountains are calling.
Things to Do in Kuckles
Hiking
If you’re craving a good stretch of your legs and an immersive experience, hiking is one of the best things you can do in the Knuckles Range. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll through villages and waterfalls or more intense hikes, the Knuckles Mountain Range has something for everyone.
Trekking
Picture rugged peaks, rolling grasslands, gushing steams and cascading waterfalls – it’s like nature’s ultimate playground and Knuckles offers all of this. If you are a serious adventurer, you can opt for a multi-day hike led by knowledgeable guides where you will traverse changing ecosystems and landscapes. Some popular trails include Mini World’s End, Pitawala Pathana and Nitro Caves trails.
Mini World’s End
Located at an elevation of 1,192 metres, the Mini World’s End is a deep escarpment on the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range. The trek to Mini World’s End can be done in about an hour, but the view at the end is worth so much more than the effort it takes to get there.
Duwili Ella Trail
Love waterfalls? Hidden deep within the Knuckles forest, this 40 metre waterfall allows you to walk behind it through a cave. How cool is that? Tick a wild experience off your bucket list with the Duwili Ella trail.
Corbett’s Gap
Head to Corbett’s Gap – a deep valley that sits in a rain shadow area with vegetation that ranges from wet to dry to montane – offers some of the most stunning views ever. We are not kidding, this breathtaking viewpoint in the mountain range will leave a lasting impression on you for years to come with its magnificence.
Weather
If you’re planning to visit the Knuckles Mountain Range, be ready for a rollercoaster of weather changes. The mountains are well-known for their unpredictable climate – one minute you could be basking in sunshine just for the thick mist to swallow the peaks entirely. Guess the weather keeps you on your toes here.
When it comes to the best times to visit, December to February is best for trekking with moderate chances of rain. March to May offers ideal conditions for hiking with dry weather and low chances of rain. June to September is also a good time as they have the lowest possibility of rain. However, there might be some strong winds experienced during June to September.
You can only expect rain, rain and more rain from September to November, making it the least popular time for trekking.
Geographic Overview
Spanning an area of approximately 81 square miles, the Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. With 34 peaks towering over 900m and 1900m, this mountain range is a truly breathtaking natural wonder. This marvellous creation of nature offers a blend of lush forests, towering peaks and rich biodiversity, making it one of the most significant attractions in Sri Lanka. And owing to its global ecological and environmental significance, the Knuckles Mountain Range was declared a Natural World Heritage Site in 2010.
The nearest major city is Kandy, located about 80 kilometres southwest of the range. Smaller towns surrounding this mountain range include the likes of Matale, Riverston, Hunnasgiriya and Rangala.
Hotels and Food Spots
Hotels
Wild Glamping Knuckles
If you’re looking for an off-the-grid escape, Wild Glamping Knuckles is a perfect choice. Tucked away in the wilderness, this glampsite offers 10 fixed safari tents opening up to stunning views. Wake up and fall asleep to fresh air and the sounds of nature.
Rangala House
A converted tea planter’s bungalow that offers a blend of history and comfort.
Santani Wellness Resort
This luxury escape, located about an hour away from the Knuckles Mountain Range, is the first and only purpose-built luxury wellness resort in Sri Lanka. It’s designed to let you unwind, detox, destress and reconnect while surrounded by nature.
Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge
Located on the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range, this hotel combines luxury and nature with 18 safari style lodges overlooking tea plantations and mountain views.
Restaurants
Since the Knuckles Mountain Range is a protected reserve, the construction of hotels and restaurants is prohibited here. So, you’ll only find the odd convenience store in the villages. If you are heading from nearby towns like Kandy or Matale, it’s always a good idea to fuel up for your adventure and stock up on essentials before heading out.