The Knuckles Mountain Range was established as a climatic reserve in 1873 and with over 21,000 hectares, was more recently, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Property in 2010.
Named after its resemblance of a set of knuckles in a closed fist, the region is famed for its unique landscape, spectacular natural beauty and more critically for its “ outstanding value that reaches far beyond national significance.”(UNESCO)
Unique Features of the Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles forest covers an expansive area and falls within the Kandy and Matale districts. It is a standout scenic part of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands and possesses some of the island’s most rugged, spectacular and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
A unique aspect of the Knuckles Mountain Range is that it represents almost all major climatic zones in Sri Lanka and this is a geographical feature that astounds and captivates the curiosity of nature enthusiasts, botanists and researchers alike.
This wonderful Range also covers almost every forest type found in Sri Lanka, at elevations ranging between 250 and 4,000 feet:
From Illukkumbura, you’ll experience Dry Zone Forest and then traverse through Wet Zone Forest, Dry Pathana, Montane Forest and finally end up in the Pygmy Forest in Riverstone, where windblown trees mark the highest point of the trek.
A highlight of this bewildering trekking Knuckles Tour, is that all of these forest types can be encountered within a half hour’s drive; meaning that separate short hikes into each forest type are entirely possible for those short of time.
A walk through the Pitawala Pathana – the island’s largest dry pathana plains – will let you glimpse the 1,500ft sheer drop to the Puwakpitiya Valley below and is another stunning attraction of Knuckles’ beautiful wilderness.
