The Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range, just 35km northeast of Kandy is so-called as its folds and peaks supposedly resemble those of clenched fist - judge for yourself when you arrive. In Sinhalese the mountains are known as Dumbara Kanduvetiya, roughly translated as misty mountains as in the early morning they are often cloaked in cloud. Usually this burns off fairly quickly and trekkers are then spoilt with some of the most dramatic views on offer anywhere in Sri Lanka.  This 234 square-kilometre range is home to dramatic cascading waterfalls, quaint mountain villages, picturesque rice paddies and a surprisingly diverse selection of wildlife, including rare lizards and a fine collection of endemic bird species and compared to other nature areas in Sri Lanka, it receives far fewer visitors. Find out how to go trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range.