The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the most biodiverse locations found in Sri Lanka. Home to a stunning variety fi indigenous wildlife, a trip here can net you some amazing sights and memories that will stick with you for years to come.
Reaching the Knuckles
The Knuckles is found in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, a bit past the regional capital of Kandy. If you’re traveling from Colombo, you can take the bus, taxi or train to reach the location. In order to fully explore the mountain range, you’ll need to spend at least a couple of days hiking through it.
The Scenery
As you hike along the mountain path, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. This includes rolling hills and iconic sights like Adam’s Peak in the distance – be sure to bring a camera with you to capture everything.
The Wildlife
The local wildlife is what makes a hike through the Knuckles one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Keep your eyes peeled for rare primates like the purple-faced leaf monkey and slender loris. Rare predators like the Sri Lankan leopard and fishing cat also prowl these wilds, so stay sharp.
The Avifauna
Most travel websites covering Sri Lanka – like Truly Sri Lanka for example – will point out how the Knuckles is an amazing location for birdwatching. Over 128 unique species can be observed here including rare specimens like the Ceylon magpie.