The ‘Knuckles mountain range is a treasure trove of biodiversity, situated in a sparsely populated region in central Sri Lanka in Kandy and Matale districts. It is home to a unique variety of flora, fauna, and culture.
The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resembles the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range.
Rising to heights of more than 1,800 meters, this conservation area’s spectacular scenery is wonderful for walking and hiking, with an extensive network of forest trails, rivers, and waterfalls.
The higher mountain area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island’s total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity. The isolated Knuckles range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests.
Whatever your itinerary, a visit to the Knuckles is an incredible experience for anyone on a quest for adventure.
