The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, and it spreads through the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif. Because of which resembles  the knuckles of  clenched  fist  when  viewed  from  certain  locations  in  the Kandy District. Early British surveyors assigned the name Knuckles. However, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range.

Knuckles Mountain Forest Range covering an area of approximately 21,000 hectares. Also a part of the Central Highlands World Heritage site, declared in 2010. Further, it bears the superiority of 35 peaks over 1000 m above sea level. And also 20 peaks over 1500m above sea level. Though it is a part of Central Highlands it is well separated by Mahaweli river valley from South and east. Similarly, by Matale valley from the west.

Knuckles Forest consists of a range of vegetation types that have resulted from diverse climatic and topographic conditions. Among these are the humid tropical lowland semi evergreen forest, tropical sub-montane humid evergreen forest, montane grassland (patana) and pygmy forest. The complexity brought to the area with vegetation types is further increased by range of landscape modifications by people. Specially, since the British colonization.

Knuckles Mountain Forest Range supports a rich biological diversity. Along with 128 species of birds and 31 mammal species. As well as 20 species of amphibians, 53 species of reptiles, 15 fresh water species. All species are not equally distributed throughout the range. Their distribution depends on multiple factors. Such as food availability, availability of nesting sites etc. that vary with climate, elevation and land cover.

Tour Itinerary

• Arrival time will be 6.30 A.M at the Knuckles Peak trail head at Thangappuwa village.
• Brief description of the route and the hike. Knuckles peak hike will be 17 K. M’s both ways.
• Starting the hike at 6.45 A.M.
• Rest stops within every 1.5 K.M.
• Refreshments
• Estimated time to reach the top by 12.15 P.M.
• Lunch.
• Photography session
• Climbing down by 1.15 P.M
• Refreshments
• Reaching the trail head by 3.30 P.M

Our Rates

IMPORTANT FACTORS

• Personal effects for warm/windy/rainy conditions should be carried by clients
• The experienced and well-trained guide would take every precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests on tour as your safety is our prime concern. However, Chariot Tours & travels or its employees do not accept any liability for death, injury or illness of guest while on tour caused by any animal, reptile, insect, and events of nature or any type of accident.
• Chariot Tours & Travels does not accept any liability for the loss or damage of any personal belongings while on tour.

Note – Transfers from different cities can be arranged for additional fee.