ItinerantNotes

Knuckles Mountain Range

March 21, 2021, 9:24 pm
Blog, Mountains
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Knuckles mountain range lies in central Sri Lanka in the districts of Matale and Kandy. It is situated above 3000 ft/ 915 m from the sea level while land extent by 234 sq.km. It has featured 34 peaks ranging in height between 900m-1900m. Climatic conditions vary in a broad range from Low Country Wet Evergreen forest to Semi-evergreen forest to Dry Evergreen forest ecosystems. Weather in the Knuckles mountain range is unpredictable and could transform within a few minutes. A thick mist could shroud the mountain and in a matter of minutes, rain could breeze on any day.

Photo Credit: Thathsara Munasignha

Photo Credit: Wasara Thisal

The trekkers' favorite approach to Knuckles ranges begins on A26 main motorway running east of Kandy to Hunnsgiriya. Further, there are two other roads to reach knuckles: from Matale via Rattota and from Wattegama via Panwila. You can easily travel to your destination while experiencing scenic natural beauty.

Although roads are not well developed in this region, traveling with your own vehicle is not difficult. Public transport is not that much developed in this area. Roads are greenish and it is an ideal place for relaxing busy minds. Wedda pani Ella, Sera Ella, Duvili Ella, and Bambarakiri Ella are some of the mesmerizing waterfalls in Knuckles mountain range.

Photo Credit: Thathsara Munasignha

Trekking and Hiking in Knuckles

Trekking through Knuckles range villages, paddy fields, vegetable fields, and pygmy forests, plateaus swimming in waterfalls, trekking along streams, home spice gardens are some of the highlights that could be seen in the Knuckles mountain range. Trekkers could also have the opportunity of bird watching, watching the sunrise, meeting up and interacting with villagers, and also encounter species such as Deer, Barking deer, Deer, monkey, and various types of Lizards.

Photo Credit: Thathsara Munasignha

In addition to this paddy field camping also can be seen in villages near Knuckles. Villagers are promoting paddy field camping with BBQ options in a magnificent view which is a new experience to most of us. Home stay tourism is another concept that could be seen in villages in the Knuckles area. You can get the actual home stay experience in these villages.

Photo Credit: Thathsara Munasignha

Knuckles is a site where you could experience the natural air to its fullest. The air in the area is unpolluted from any means and the environment around here is good for meditation as well. Therefore it is our responsibility to conserve this world heritage (UNESCO has named Knuckles as one of the world heritage sites) and do our part to protect these natural resources. So when you visit Knuckles mountain range, join hands with us to protect our environment from zero pollution.