Highlights
- Fresh, cool air compared with the lowlands
- Open grassland with scattered shrubs and frequent mist
- An ecologically important grassland in the Knuckles World Heritage area
- A cliff edge viewpoint often compared to World's End
Overview
Pitawala Pathana is an area of grassland on a gently sloping slab of rock in the Knuckles range, on the road between Rattota and Illukkumbura near Riverston. It covers around 10 hectares and is important for biodiversity. At its edge, a cliff known as "Mini World's End" gives wide views down the valley.
What you see
The open rock has thin soil, grasses and scattered shrubs and small trees, with pools of water in wet weather. It is one of the few places where Kirtisinghe's rock frog lives. This semi-aquatic frog is found only in the Knuckles, usually near fast-flowing mountain streams. Lizards, butterflies and endemic plants can also be seen. Misty mornings give the plain a dreamlike feel.
The walk
A short trail leads from the road across the grassland to the viewpoint, taking about 20 to 30 minutes each way. A small entry fee is charged by the Forest Department.
How long it takes
About one hour.
When to go
January to April is usually driest. Early morning gives the clearest views before cloud rises.
Getting there
Pitawala Pathana is about 1.5 hours from Matale via Rattota. The road is narrow and winding. It combines well with Mini World's End.
Practical tips
- Stay on paths to protect rare plants and frogs.
- Take care at the cliff edge.
- Bring a jacket and leech socks.
See Meemure, things to do in the Knuckles and Knuckles hotels.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
Related posts
Colombo City Tour
See the best of Colombo in a day, from colonial Fort and the markets of Pettah to temples, parks, Galle Face Green and the new towers by the sea.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Kanneliya Rainforest
Kanneliya is a lowland rainforest about 35 km inland from Galle, part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Trails lead to streams and waterfalls with endemic birds and plants.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Kite surfing in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is Sri Lanka's leading spot for kitesurfing, with strong, steady winds from about May to October. The lagoon suits beginners, and schools offer courses and trips.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Visit Tea Plantations & Factories
Tea is the defining crop of the hill country. Visit an estate and factory around Nuwara Eliya to see how high-grown Ceylon tea is plucked, withered, rolled and dried, then taste the result.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Upper Diyaluma Trek
Trek to the top of Diyaluma Falls, near Koslanda, to swim in natural rock pools above a drop of about 220 metres. Go with a guide and avoid the pools after heavy rain.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
St. Mary´s Church
St Mary's Church on Grand Street is the best known church in Negombo, a town so Catholic it is called Little Rome. Its painted ceiling is the highlight.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Surfing in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's best known surf destination, with the season running from about April to October. The Main Point offers long right-hand waves, and other breaks nearby suit beginners.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa beach
Goyambokka and Pallikaduwa are two small bays just west of Tangalle. They are sheltered and among the best places in the area for swimming in season.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Nuwara Eliya City Tour
Explore Nuwara Eliya, the hill station often called Little England, on a guided day. The tour links colonial buildings, Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, a tea factory and Hakgala gardens.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Negombo "Lellama'' Fish Market
Lellama is Negombo's main fish market, near the lagoon mouth. Come early in the morning when the boats unload and the auctions are at their busiest.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls tumbles over several tiers of rock beside the road from Ella down to Wellawaya. It is one of the widest falls in the country and linked in legend to King Ravana.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Pottuvil Lagoon Safari
Paddle or boat through Pottuvil lagoon, just north of Arugam Bay, past mangroves full of birds. Monitor lizards and crocodiles are often seen along the banks.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Koneswaram Temple
Koneswaram is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, dedicated to Shiva and set on Swami Rock high above the sea. Visit during an evening puja for the views and atmosphere.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Golf at Shangri-La’s Hambantota
Play the 18-hole course at Shangri-La Hambantota on the south coast. Designed by Rodney Wright, it runs through coconut groves and scrub beside the Indian Ocean.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Kandy City Tour
See the last royal capital in a day, from the Temple of the Tooth and the lake to the Peradeniya gardens, the market and a Kandyan dance show.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Kandyan Dancing and Cultural Shows
Kandyan dance is the best known classical dance of Sri Lanka. Evening shows in Kandy present dance, drumming and fire walking in about an hour.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Diving and Snorkelling in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is one of the main dive bases on the south coast. Shallow reefs close to shore suit snorkellers, and boats run to wrecks and deeper reefs.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Udawattakele is a forest reserve on the ridge just behind the Temple of the Tooth, once the royal pleasure garden. Paths lead through tall trees with monkeys and birds, minutes from the town centre.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
Galle Fort Experience
Galle Fort is the best preserved colonial fortified town in South and South-East Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the ramparts and explore its churches, museums and streets of old houses.
Image Credit: ShutterStock
World's End
World's End is the cliff on the southern edge of Horton Plains where the land drops away by hundreds of metres. On a clear early morning the view stretches over tea country to the southern plains.
Image Credit: ShutterStock