Knuckles Mountain Range

The most favourable point to start the knuckles range is A26 main motor way running east of Kandy to Hunnasgiriya. At Hunnasgiriya, B grade road leads to the Corbett’s Gap which the stunning view unfolds in front of your eyes. The trekkers also take two more entry roads such as from Matale via Rattota and Riversten and from Wattegama via Panwila

It is the sixth highest in Sri Lanka and consist of 34 mountain peaks and the highest peak ‘Gombaniya’ is 1906 meters (6248 Ft).  The shape of a clenched fist has formed by five high mountain peaks of the range. the British in Ceylon named the mountain range Knuckles.

This marvellous location attracts the trekkers with its greenery grasslands, rugged mountain peaks, streams of water and cascading waterfalls and it encompasses the area of 18512 hectares. It’s an ideal place for those who love hiking and trekking. Usually, the trekkers take up a three day journey of 40 plus km trek with a guide.

Popular hiking trails are Mini world’s end from Deanston; Trail to Dothalugala from Deanston; Trail to Nitro Caves from Corbtt’s Gap; Trail to Augallena cave via Thangappuwa from Corbett’s Gap; Trail to Kalupahana from “Meemure” village.

Weather of knuckles

The knuckles mountain range has an unpredictable weather, and it could change with in few minutes. Possibility of rain is moderate from December to February and it is an adequate period to experience trekking at Knuckles. March to May is also a good period to enjoy trekking which the possibility of rain is low. June to September provides you the best opportunity for trek lovers with the lowest possibility of rain. September to November is best to avoid.

The temperature ranges between 5.5 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius ad the temperature ranges between 5.5 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius.

There are indigenous people coming from 37 ancient villages and their living income is based on rice cultivation, Chena cultivation and Cardamom cultivation. The products are transported by means of Pack Ox called Thawalama.

Knuckles range is a habitat to mammals such as wild boar, spotted deer, giant squirrel, barking deer, purple faced leaf monkey, mongoose and porcupine. Knuckles range is home to endemic lizard species, more than 200 bird species. Spot Wing thrush, Sri Lankan blue magpie Jungle fowl, Yellow-fronted barbet, small barbet are some of endemic birds in Sri Lanka. 

This is located at the southern end of the Knuckles range, where scenic view of the villages situated in the foot hills of knuckles can be observed. The 1.1 km trek which begins at Knuckles Conservation Centre (KCC) – Deanston, can be completed with in one hour.

Knuckles features a great diversity in its forest cover: dry evergreen forests, montane forests, sub-montane forests, dry and wet pathana, savana etc. It has been found 20 percent of the plants herein are endemic to Sri Lanka. A wide range of hardwood as well as herbal plants are found herein. This location is known as the KNUCKLES NATIONAL HERITAGE AND WILDERNESS AREA .