Home to an impressive array of flora and fauna that cannot not be found anywhere else on the planet, the biodiverse Knuckles Mountain Range is a conservation area in the heart of Sri Lanka, a mere one hour drive from Kandy.
The breath-taking scenery of misty mountain peaks, lush green forest and impressive animal and plant life make the Knuckles Mountain Range the perfect place to hike in central Sri Lanka.
While visiting the city be sure to take a day trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s largest garden at an expanse of 147 acres which is elegantly designed and renowned for its collection of orchids.
You will find some four thousand different species of plant at the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as around ten thousand mature, towering trees. A particular attraction of the garden is the collection of Burmese Giant Bamboo which can grow to a whopping one hundred and thirty feet tall and have stems that are close to a foot thick!
Another highlight is the enormous Javan fig tree which is a century old. The roots of the tree extend out to cover an area of nearly two thousand square meters and the branches of the tree previously protruded out from the gigantic trunk to form an expansive canopy. In 2015 the tree was cut back due to disease but it now nearly just as tall as it was previously (approx. 40ft high) but not currently quite as wide as it once was, but is getting there!
Notable people who have visited the gardens and planted trees to mark their visit include Queen Elizabeth II, Yuri Gugarin and Marshal Tito.
An area of outstanding natural beauty and of major conservation importance, Horton Plains in Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a superb place to explore on foot, including the famous Worlds End escarpment.
Comprising of grasslands, evergreen forests, marshes and water systems, Horton Plains was declared a World Heritage Site in 2010 in light of its precious ecosystem and large number of endemic flora and fauna species.
Horton Plains sits at an altitude of over two kilometres above sea level and stretches over three thousand hectares. The plains can be enjoyed by visitors who take the main nine kilometre trekking route that encircles the plains and typically takes three to four hours to complete.
The scenic train ride from Sri Lanka’s highest railway in Pattipola is the perfect way to spend an afternoon after visiting the beautiful Horton Plains.
Situated nearly two kilometres above sea level, Pattipola rail station is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka and is conveniently located close to Horton Plains and Worlds End.
Taking the train from Pattipola to Ella provides stunning scenery as the train meanders through the beautiful hill country and the picturesque Sri Lankan tea plantations. Sitting back and enjoying the fantastic views is the perfect way to recharge after trekking Horton Plains.
If you’re someone who likes a personal challenge and are looking to add some adventure to your next Sri Lanka tour then the Adams Peak Pilgrimage climb will likely fit the bill.
The climb up Adams Peak has great significance to Buddhists with most wanting to do the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. In recent years it has become a must-do for all adventurous travellers to the country!
While the sacred mountain is primarily a Buddhist pilgrimage site it does also have major significance for Christians, Muslims and Hindus who each have legends about the origin of the footprint depression at the top of the mountain.
