The Knuckles Mountain Range is in Central Sri Lanka.

Understand

Knuckles mountain range and its forest trails are the most suitable for trekking in Sri Lanka. It has many nature trails cleared through the forest by the Forest Department with campsites. For example:

• Mini worlds end trails in the west and east
• Pitawala Pathena trail
• Ash cave trail
• Nitre cave trail
• Knuckles summit trail

Also there are interconnected footpaths of cardamom planters, toddy tappers, tea plantation workers, farmers and villages. Traditional villages of the Knuckles foothills with many treks and short walks such as:

• Last King of Kandy
• Sri Wikrama Rajasinhe's (1798-1815) hide-out
• Rathna waterfall trek
• Sitakotuwa limestone cave and waterfall trek

Fees and permits

A full day hike will generally cost Rs. 5000-6000 per person, including park permits, guide fees, Jeep hire, food and water. It may be required to have a minimum of two people to hire a Jeep. It is approximately 3-hour drive to the Knuckles from Kandy so make sure you have plenty of water and food with you if your guide does not provide it.

The guide will pick you up at your hotel at approximately 6AM and return you by 7PM.

Do

• Remember to take lots of Dettol disinfectant or leech repellent in a spray pack, especially if it's raining. You will get covered in leeches during a hike at the Knuckles. Don't let this discourage you from attempting a hike as the Dettol will make them drop straight off.

Some trails include:

• Mini world's end trails in the west and east
• Pitawala pathena trail
• Ash cave trail
• Nitre cave trail
• Knuckles summit trail

Sleep

Camping

Camping is possible.

Stay safe

There is very little mobile reception in the Knuckles, make sure you give your hotel the details of the guide that is taking you and let them know that you expect to be back at the hotel by a particular time.

Go next

• Kandy
• Matale
• Polonnaruwa