The Knuckles Mountain Range
| The Knuckles Mountain Range is a nature reserve that will enthrall nature lovers. It is home to many species of endemic plant and animal life, some of which are specific to this Region only and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Three distinct types of forests can be found here and some of the peaks reach over 900 m. The Knuckles Mountain Range is perfect for diverse and endemic wildlife, breathtaking scenery and salubrious mountain air. |
Dramatic scenic locations and endemic wildlife in the Knuckles Mountain Range |
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Amphibians, reptiles and mammals in the Knuckles Mountain Range |
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Thirty one species of mammals have been recorded in the Knuckles Mountain Range, four of which are endemic. Commonly seen are the Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Black-naped Hare, Jackal, the endemic Toque Macaque and the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. Fishing cats and mouse deer have also been seen along with Sri Lankan Leopards and Sri Lankan Elephants, although sightings of the latter two are rare. |
Birdlife in the Knuckles Mountain Range |
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Flora in the Knuckles Mountain Range |
| The vegetation within the Knuckles wilderness ranges from lowland semi-evergreen forests to montane forests and sub montane forests. |
The Knuckles Mountain Range - History and Geography |
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Getting the most out of your Knuckles Mountain Range Wildlife safari and nature trek |
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Identifying animal life is not easy for a layperson, and plant life is even more complicated. But in order to get the most out of your wildlife and nature trek, knowing exactly what you’re looking at is important. And that’s when an expert naturalist guide comes in handy, one who will be with you every step of the way. |
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Finding the right kind of accommodation for your Knuckles Mountain range wildlife and nature trek |
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How to get to the Knuckles Mountain Range |
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The mountain range can be accessed by road from Matale via Rattota and Riversten. From Kandy, travel on the A26 road to reach Hunnasgiriya and from there take the B grade road reaching Corbette’s Gap. This opens up the views of Knuckles Range. Alternatively, travel from Wattegama via the Panwila road. By air: take an air taxi from Colombo (Peliyagoda) and land in Kandy either at Victoria or Polgolla. From Kandy reach Knuckles by road. For more information on air travel please visit www.flysrilanka.com |
The best times to visit the Knuckles Mountain Range |
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Knucklescan be visited all year round but it is better to avoid the period from September to November as this is when the rains prevail. |
The Knuckles Mountain Range is rated as one of Sri Lanka’s true natural wonders. A total of 160 endemic flowering plants can be found on the Knuckles Mountain Range, some of which are only found in this location making it a botanist’s dream come true. Unfortunately, due to the threat of further deforestation, 32 percent of these are listed as endangered. Though the majority of Sri Lanka's mammals are to be found on this vast range, including Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards and several types of deer, these sightings are rare. However Knuckles remains the favoured destination for those wishing to go on walking safaris and nature treks. The climate is cool in Knuckles and the mountains are picturesque. From the most casual nature lover, to the most ardent wildlife enthusiast, the Knuckles Mountain Range provides ample opportunities for anyone to get up close and personal with the smaller marvels of nature while on a walking safari.
Sri Lankais largely regarded as a herpetological paradise and Knuckles will not disappoint visitors. Twenty species of amphibians have been recorded in the Knuckles wilderness of which 12 are both endemic and endangered. A highlight is Kirthisinghe’s Rock Frog which is found nowhere else in the world. The Small-eared Tree Frog and the Corrugated Water Frog can also be seen here. Fifty Three species of reptiles have been indentified here of which 23 are endemic. Small Geckos, Pythons and Monitor Lizards are most common. Among the endemic lizard species found in Knuckles are the Crestless Lizard (Calotes liocephalus), Pigmy Lizard (Cophotis ceylanica) and Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni) while the Leaf Nosed Lizard (Ceratophora tennenti) is only found in this forest. There are 25 species of freshwater fish here as well.
Over 130 species of birds inhabit the Knuckles Mountain Range and 20 of these are threatened. The endemics are represented by the Sri Lanka White Eye, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeet, Sri Lanka Spur Fowl, Sri Lanka Spot Wing Thrush, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon and the rare Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. Migrants include the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Kashmir Flycatcher (which is endangered), Indian Pitta, Common Sandpiper, Gray and Forest Wagtails, Greenish Warbler and the Indian Blue Chat.
This mountain range covers parts of the Kandy and Matale districts in Sri Lanka and is separated from the Central Hills by the Mahaweli Valley to the South and East and the Matale Valley to the West. Viewed from certain locations, it resembles a clenched fist, and hence was so named by early British surveyors. Sinhalese people have always called it Dumbara Kanduvetiya, which means mist-laden mountain range. One reason which makes the Knuckles Forest Mountain Range unique is the fact that it is its own climatic microcosm. Although the Range makes up only 0.3 percent of Sri Lanka's landmass, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country's biodiversity. It hosts five different vegetation types - semi evergreen, sub montane, montane and riverine forests and the patana and savanna grasslands.
In a unique location such as this, you are definitely going to want an accommodation option that allows you to really drink in the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors. You are also going to want to choose one that is close enough so that you can cut down on unwanted travel time. With Mahoora tented safari camps you can have all that and more, as the camps are set up on the borders of the mountain range itself, making it an experience that you will remember forever. For more information regarding Mahoora tented safari camps, please visit our accommodation page. However if you would feel more comfortable in a nearby hotel just let us know and we can arrange that for you.
