The Knuckles Range, north-east of Kandy, is a mountain area named for peaks that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. Part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has cloud forest, grassland, waterfalls and remote villages, and is one of the best areas in Sri Lanka for hiking.
Top things to do in Knuckles Range
Hiking and trekking
Trails range from short walks to multi-day treks through forest, tea and villages. Permits are usually bought near the trailheads, and a local guide is recommended.
Meemure
A remote village in a valley surrounded by mountains, with paddy fields, streams and traditional homes, reached by a winding road.
Corbet's Gap
A pass with views over the valleys, a starting point for many walks.
Mini World's End
A cliff-edge viewpoint over the lowlands.
Pitawala Pathana
A grassland plateau with rare plants and a cliff-top view.
Waterfalls
Streams in the range form many waterfalls, good for swimming in dry months.
Ramayana sites
Laggala, Dunuwila and Yahangala, on the northern side, are linked to the Ramayana legend.
Best time to go
The drier months, roughly January to April, are best for treks. Rain and mist are common from about October to December.
Getting there
The range is about one and a half to two hours from Kandy by road, via Rangala to Corbet's Gap or via Matale on the western side. Roads are narrow and winding, and weather can change quickly.
Plan your visit
Wear good shoes and carry rain gear. For history, background and how to get there, see the Knuckles Range travel guide, and for accommodation see hotels in Knuckles Range.
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Hiking and Trekking in Knuckles Range
The Knuckles range, north-east of Kandy, is one of the best areas in Sri Lanka for hiking, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trails run from short walks to multi-day treks through cloud forest and villages.
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Pitawala Pathana
Pitawala Pathana is a grassland on a gently sloping slab of rock in the Knuckles range, near Riverstone. A short walk leads to a cliff edge known as Mini World's End, with views over the lowlands.
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Mini World’s End
Mini World's End is a viewpoint at the edge of an escarpment in the Knuckles range, reached on foot from Deanston. On a clear day it looks far over the lowlands.
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Meemure
Meemure is a remote village in a valley of the Knuckles range, surrounded by mountains, forest and streams. A winding road leads there, and homestays offer a taste of traditional village life.
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Corbet's Gap
Corbet's Gap, locally Attala Wettuwa, is a pass high in the Knuckles range on the road down to Meemure. It is a starting point for walks and one of the best viewpoints in the range.
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Waterfall Hopping
The eastern side of the Knuckles range, around Huluganga and Bambarella, has many waterfalls close together. Spend a day walking between them with a guide and swim in the pools in the dry months.
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Laggala
Laggala, also called Lakegala, is a sharp rock peak at the northern end of the Knuckles range near Dunuwila. It rises steeply above farmland and is linked in local tradition to the Ramayana.
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Dunuwila
Dunuwila is a quiet farming area with a lake below the northern slopes of the Knuckles range, close to Laggala rock. Paddy fields, water and mountain views make it a peaceful stop.
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Yahangala
Yahangala is a rock in the northern Knuckles area where, in local Ramayana tradition, King Ravana's body was laid after his death. It can be seen from around Laggala and Dunuwila.
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