Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka is called as such because the recumbent folds as well as the mountain peaks have a resemblance to the knuckles when the fists are clenched.
Location
The Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka is situated within the northeastern section of the city; approximately 116 kilometers from Colombo, 138 kilometers from Anuradhapura, 77 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and 182 kilometers off Trincomalee.
Getting There
You can reach Kandy via intercity buses that have regular routes to the city. From the city centre, you can reach Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka via local tuk-tuks.
What to Do
Trekking and camping are two of the most popular activities that tourists look forward to when visiting the Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka. As a matter of fact, the trails along this specific mountain range are considered as the best trails for trekking.
As you go down the trails, you can see various bird species and various plants, a number of which are endemic to Sri Lanka, amidst cloud forests. Waterfalls, caves, streams with fresh water fishes and a few wildlife animals including the elusive leopard can all be seen within the mountain range.
Apart from trekking however, you can also ride your mountain bike down the trails.
Brief History
The name of Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka was actually given by British surveyors who visited the area but this mountain range has long been known as Dumbara Kanduvetiya by the locals.
Dumbara Kanduvetiya translates to “mist-laden mountain range.” The local name is perhaps due to the fact that the mountains are oftentimes covered in thick cloud mists.
Cost
The cost to trek and camp within the Knuckles Mountain Range in Kandy – Sri Lanka vary depending on the number of people in your group.
For trekking, fees are around $60 per person for a group of two; $50 per person for a group of four and $30 per person for a group of eight.
For camping, fees are $70 per person for a group of two; $60 for a group of four and $40 for a group of eight.
Fees include transportation to the base camp, camp site accommodation, picnic lunch, mineral water and guide fees. Fees however do not include the entry fee to the mountain range which is pegged at $7 per person.
Other Information
If you do not wish to camp, there are affordable hotels close to the mountain range. Rooms are between $10 and $22 per person, per night.