{"id":1727,"date":"2015-11-06T17:22:27","date_gmt":"2015-11-06T09:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.srilanka-villa.com\/?p=1727"},"modified":"2025-08-18T22:16:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:16:06","slug":"travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Guide to Knuckles Mountain Range"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The <strong>Knuckles Mountain Range<\/strong> &#8211; so called because its rugged peaks resemble a set of knuckles on a clenched fist &#8211; sits in central Sri Lanka, within the district of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/en\/find\/kandy-hill-country\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kandy<\/a> and Matale. The entire mountain range spans over a whooping 155 square kilometres, and has a soaring summit set at 6,000 feet above sea level.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"http:\/\/blog.srilanka-villa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Sri-Lanka-Knuckle-Mountain-Range.jpg\" alt=\"Sri Lanka Knuckle Mountain Range\" class=\"wp-image-1773\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors to the Knuckles Mountain Range will find <strong>a plethora of rare and endemic flora and fauna<\/strong> here. Dense, emerald forestry, winding rivers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-for-nature-lovers-sri-lankas-best-waterfalls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cascading waterfalls<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0expansive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-top-5-tea-tours-in-sri-lanka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tea plantations<\/a> form part of the attraction&#8217;s stunning landscape. Trek up to one of the mountain peaks; it offers an excellent vantage point to enjoy sweeping vistas made up of rock formations, lush greenery, sparkling waters and unique rural village communities. Unlike other popular attractions in the country, such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/sri-lanka-travel-guide-yala-national-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yala<\/a><\/strong>, Kunckles Mountain Range does not draw large hordes of visitors, reducing the likelihood\u00a0that you&#8217;ll\u00a0encounter large crowds of tourists during your visit here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Flora_and_Fauna\" >Flora and Fauna<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Activities\" >Activities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Essential_Travel_Information\" >Essential Travel Information<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Best_times_to_visit\" >Best times to visit:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Costs\" >Costs:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Transportation_to_Knuckles_Mountain_Range\" >Transportation to Knuckles Mountain Range:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Solo_Travel\" >Solo Travel:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Leeches\" >Leeches:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/travel-guide-to-knuckles-mountain-range\/#Travel_providers_for_tours_and_overnight_camps\" >Travel providers for tours and overnight camps:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flora_and_Fauna\"><\/span>Flora and Fauna<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The grounds of Knuckles Mountain Range is home to about <strong>31 species of mammals, over 130 birdlife species and about 20 species of amphibians<\/strong>. Avid birdwatchers will enjoy a feast for the eyes, for they may catch sight of endemics such as the yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lankan whistling thrush and jungle fowl, as well as migrants like the Indian blue chat and Indian pitta during their vist. 12 of the amphibian species here are endemic and endangered, and certain species, like the&nbsp;Kirthisinghe\u2019s rock frog, can only be found at Knuckles within the country.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"http:\/\/blog.srilanka-villa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Kunckles-mountain-range-trekking.jpg\" alt=\"Kunckles mountain range trekking\" class=\"wp-image-1774\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Activities\"><\/span>Activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can participate in a wealth of activities at Knuckles Mountain Range. Travellers with a love for the outdoors and a great sense of adventure will enjoy <strong>rock climbing, moutain biking <\/strong>and<strong> caving<\/strong>. If the above activites sound a little too taxing, explore the grounds of Knuckles by joining&nbsp;in a <strong>nature trek <\/strong>or<strong> walking safar<\/strong>i. This is an acitivity that is not to be missed, as trekkers will be well rewarded with breathtaking views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a more immersive experience, stay in an <strong>overnight camp<\/strong> set up within the grounds. Overnight camps usually last a duration of between two to five days, and may be organised to cater to small groups (2 pax), as well as larger ones (20 pax).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Travel_Information\"><\/span>Essential Travel Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_times_to_visit\"><\/span>Best times to visit:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>March &#8211; April and June &#8211; August<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs\"><\/span>Costs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A one-day hike at Knuckles is likely to cost about <strong>5000 &#8211; 6000 rupees<\/strong> per person. This amount covers park permits, guide fees, jeep rental, food and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A two day camp may cost about <strong>USD 500<\/strong> per person; this amount may vary significantly, depending on the tour provider that you select.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"http:\/\/blog.srilanka-villa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Knuckles-mountain-range-1.jpg\" alt=\"Knuckles mountain range 1\" class=\"wp-image-1775\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Transportation_to_Knuckles_Mountain_Range\"><\/span>Transportation to Knuckles Mountain Range:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are eight different routes leading to Knuckles Mountain Range. Most travellers arrive at&nbsp;the site from Colombo or Kandy. The journey from Colombo will take about a <strong>five to six&nbsp;hours drive<\/strong>, depending on the route that you take, while a drive from Kandy lasts a duration of about&nbsp;<strong>three&nbsp;hours<\/strong>. &nbsp;Vistors may arrive by bus, train, taxi, mini-vans, inter-city buses and air taxis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solo_Travel\"><\/span>Solo Travel:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Females are not advised to head here as a solo traveller. The grounds of the Knuckles Mountain Range are rather isolated, so&nbsp;it will be safer&nbsp;to travel as part of&nbsp;a group.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"http:\/\/blog.srilanka-villa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Leech-protection-for-trekking.jpg\" alt=\"Leech protection for trekking\" class=\"wp-image-1776\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leeches\"><\/span>Leeches:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chances are that you&#8217;ll encounter numerous leeches, so arrive for your trek well-prepared to fend off these persistent amphibians. Don long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Be sure to wear a pair of leech socks over your normal ones, and to tuck your pants tightly into your socks. Leech socks are to be tied at the knee, and your shirts should be kept tucked in. Lastly, arm yourself with plenty of tiger balm and deet. Even with these precautionary measures, leeches will still jump up onto you, but&nbsp;you&#8217;ll&nbsp;be able to brush them off easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_providers_for_tours_and_overnight_camps\"><\/span>Travel providers for tours and overnight camps:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/bestoflanka.com\/itinerary-knuckles-explorer.php?lId=02\">Best of Lanka<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.srilankaecotrekking.com\/\">Sri Lanka Eco Trekking<\/a>, Sri Lanka Adventure Trekking, Sri Lanka Expeditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">See our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">villas in Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong>. Inspected and selected by Villa-Finder.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Knuckles Mountain Range &#8211; so called because its rugged peaks resemble a set of knuckles on a clenched fist &#8211; sits in central Sri &hellip; <\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_excerpt -->","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":1772,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89,176],"tags":[125,130,123,121,108],"class_list":["post-1727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-attractions","category-travel-guide","tag-family-friendly-travel","tag-nature","tag-outdoors","tag-tours-in-sri-lanka","tag-travel-tips","latest_post"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1727"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4827,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1727\/revisions\/4827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.srilanka-villa.com\/guide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}