Cloud forests
Rich wildlife.
Isuru flicker — CC BY-SA 4.0 · KingAlawaka — CC BY-SA 4.0 · KingAlawaka — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nethupa Lekamge — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kasun Chanaka Gunawardana — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Knuckles Mountain Range, known locally as Dumbara, lies in central Sri Lanka across the Matale and Kandy Districts, about 23 km northeast of Kandy in a straight line. Locals call it the Mist-laden Mountain Range; early British surveyors named it the Knuckles because its peaks resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist when seen from parts of Kandy District. Thick cloud often wraps the higher slopes, and the range is a climatic miniature of all of Sri Lanka, showing conditions from every climate zone in the country. Isolated cloud forests in the heights shelter rich plant and animal life, and more than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs and herbs grow only here. The Knuckles Conservation Forest joined UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2010 as part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The range has nine peaks over 1,200 metres, sharp crests cloaked in grass and forest above deep green valleys. Clear streams run between rocks into natural pools, and waterfalls drop from red cliffs into tree-filled gorges. Visitors hike mountain trails between the peaks and forests, some camping overnight, and a local guide is a good idea. The weather changes quickly and mist is common, so bring rain gear and good walking shoes.
Rich wildlife.
Like knuckles.
Red cliffs.
Matale and Kandy Districts, central Sri Lanka
A local guide is a good idea.
Rain gear and good shoes.