Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka

Knuckles averages 3000-5000ml of rainfall, while the temperature is between 5.5 and 35 degrees Celsius. The Southwest Monsoon is a monsoon that brings rain to a gap between the mountains. The range has a humidity of 57% to 90% and an average wind speed of 7.2 km/hour.

Knuckles Range has nine peaks that exceed 1200m (4000 ft). Gombaniya, at 1906m (6248 ft), is the highest peak. Highest of knuckle shaped five peaks is at 1864m while Knuckles-Kirigalpotta 1647m (not to be confused with Horton Plains Kirigalpotta, 2nd highest peak of Sri Lanka), Aliyawetunaela 1647m, Dumbanagala 1644m, Yakungegala 1586m, Dothalugala 1575m, Wamarapugala 1559m, Koboneelagala 1555m, Kalupahana (Thunthisgala) 1628m, Rilagala 1605m, Telambugala 1331m, Nawanagala (1488m), Lakegala 1310m, Maratuwegala 1190m, Balagiriya 1148m, Velangala 1180m, Lahumanagala 1114m, Kinihirigala 1068m, and Lunumadalla 1060m are among the other peaks.

Knuckles is home to many mammals, including wild boars, giant squirrels, barking deer and purple faced leaf monkeys, as well as the porcupine, spotted deer and giant squirrels.

Knuckles forest is home to a few endemic lizard species, including the Crestless Lizard (CalotesLeocephalus), Pigmy Lizards (CophotisCeylonica), and Kangaroo Lizards (OtocryptusWiegmanni). The only exception to this forest's leaf nose lizard (CeretophoraTennennti). There are more than 200 bird species in Knuckles. 15 of these species are endemic in Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan spot wing thrush, Sri Lankan Blue Magpie Jungle fowls, Yellow-fronted Barbet and small barbet.

Knuckles has a wide range of forest cover, including dry evergreen forests and montane forests as well as sub-montane forests and dry and wet pathsana. It was found that 20 percent of plants in this area are endemic to Sri Lanka. Here you will find a wide variety of hardwood and herbal plants.

The weather in the Knuckles mountains range can change rapidly and is often unpredictable. In a matter of minutes, thick mist could cover the mountains. Any day could bring rain.

December to February is a great time to go trekking with Knuckles. There is moderate chance of rain. March to April is also a good time to trek in Knuckles, with low chances of rain. June to September is the best period for trekking in Knuckles, with the lowest chance of rain. September to November is the time that trekkers don't like due to high risk of rain.

Knuckles Mountain Range is a difficult hiking trail and should only be attempted by people who have previous experience with hiking. It doesn't matter how much experience you have, a guide is essential. Hikers are not allowed to enter the protected reserve without a guide because of its vastness and potential for getting lost. You could be in serious trouble with the authorities if you fail to comply.

Although there are 34 trails in this hiking paradise, it can be hard to find information about them all. Ask your guide or hotel for recommendations. You should let your guide or hotel know what you are looking for. Some trails wind through villages, while others pass waterfalls and lush vegetation.

The Dothalugala nature trail is a popular hike that winds its way up Dothalugala Mountain. It offers breathtaking views from the south. To complete the full circle of the mountain, you should climb down from the opposite side when you descend. The trail's entire length is 5.8 km and begins at the Knuckles Conservation Centre, Deanston. You will need a permit to enter the area.

The nature trail to Nitro Caves is another popular option for hikers. This cave is home to hundreds of bats. It takes approximately five hours to complete the 11-kilometre route that starts at Corbett's Gap. Although the caves are beautiful, they can be quite unnerving. Corbett's Gap itself is a notable attraction. It is situated at 1,216m elevation and offers stunning views of the mountain range. This makes it a great spot for Instagram photos.

Mini World's End is a dramatic, 1,192-metre high cliff located towards the southern end of the mountains. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Mini World's End Trail is one of two in the mountain range. It is 1.5 km long and begins at Knuckles Conservation Centre (KCC). A permit is required. You can see several villages and settlements below the valleys on a clear day. Mini World's End doesn't have any barriers, so be careful of your feet.

All the trails are beautiful, but the Duwili Ella Trail is the best. It's a 40-metre waterfall that can be found deep in the forest. Duwili Ella is unique because hikers can access the cave within the waterfall. This allows them to see the waterfall from a distance similar to the Bat Cave entrance.

While most people opt to go on a one-day hike in the woods, it is highly recommended that you spend the night. It is a wonderful experience to spend a night in the woods with your closest friends, while you are free from all digital distractions.

Although streams are plentiful, there is always the possibility that some might have dried up during dry seasons. Make sure you have enough water bottles to refill at each stream. You can drink the water here.To avoid unpleasant surprises, bring anti-leech spray, antileech socks, and other protection.

While hiking is the main attraction in Knuckles there are many other attractions.

Meemure is a rural village hidden deep in the forest. It is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and streams, and offers stunning views and photo-worthy vistas. Even though it is well-known, the attraction is not very popular among the local population. This makes it easy to enjoy the experience without having to worry about tourists and selfie sticks. You will be able to mingle with the locals and experience Sri Lanka's famed hospitality.

Knuckles is only an hour from Kandy, which is the capital city of the small nation's cultural life. This is the ideal place to explore Sri Lanka's vibrant culture. You can visit the Temple of The Tooth, or enjoy the best tea at the many luxury hotels that are perched on the hills.

Take a visit to the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple, Matale, and you will get a firsthand view of Sri Lanka's famous rock temples. The temple was built in the third century and consists of several caves that have religious frescoes. The site is home to many statues of Lord Buddha, including one large, reclining statue. It makes an impressive sight.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is protected and therefore it is prohibited to build hotels or restaurants. There are very few options for food in the area, other than the occasional convenience shop in the villages. Before you go on the hike, stock up on essentials and food in nearby towns like Kandy or Matale.

Knuckles can be accessed largely depending on the location of your lodging. Matale is the most popular way to enter the reserve. From this point, there is no public transport to Knuckles.

Another entrance is via Hunnasgiriya which is closer than Kandy. There are many buses that travel to Hunnasgiriya, but private transport is necessary from there.

Roads are well-paved and suitable for both cars and private vehicles. The roads are narrow and can have steep drops at times, so be cautious while driving.

You can reach the Knuckles Range from Kandy, Matale or Colombo in approximately 4 hours. If you're planning to visit the Knuckles Mountain Range there are many options. Here are some suggestions.

Madulkelle is located on the border with Knuckles, offering a panoramic view over the "closed fist". It has 18 safari-like lodges that each have their own balcony overlooking the tea plants below. There is also an infinity pool, a spa on-site and an incredible restaurant. Click here to view Madulkelle Tea & eco Lodge's rates and availability.

Rukgala Retreat, located outside Kandy city, is a true sanctuary. Here you can relax, take in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the sun. Rukgala Retreat's star attraction is its beautiful open-air shala. Yoga classes are offered twice daily at 8AM and 5:30PM. They are open to all levels of Yoga practitioners, regardless of whether they are new or experienced. Guided day trips to Knuckles can be arranged by the team. They also know all of the best trails. Click here to view the current rates and availability at Rukgala Resort in central Sri Lanka.

Staying overnight in Matale is a great option for easy access to Knuckles. The Grand Mountain Hotel offers clean and spacious rooms as well as friendly staff. Click here to see the current rates and availability at The Grand Mountain Hotel, or click here to explore other options in Kandy.