Kandy: Knuckles Mountain Range Day Hike in Central Province: All You Need To Know Before You Go
Kandy, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a holiday hub for many people due to its accessible location and alluring attractions. Taking a day to explore some of the area’s natural beauty is one of the many options, and an excellent choice for trekkers who fancy testing their mettle against the challenging hikes that are to be found in beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range. To help you take full advantage of the experience, we’ve created this guide, including interesting facts and all the essential information you need to know before embarking upon the adventure.
Get a lay of the land
The Knuckles Mountain Range, located at the plateau formation in the hills of Matale and Kandy districts, is a wildlife sanctuary protected by law. The area is also part of the UNESCO Biological Conservation area. The geologically protected area spans over five districts and includes an array of lush rainforests, woodlands, gorges, and grasslands. There are many trails that are suitable for hikers of all abilities, from short walks to long treks of up to 11 hours. A common habitat for over 60 species of reptiles, 34 species of mammals, over 120 species of birds, and 25 species of amphibians – as well as seven species of dragonflies alone – it also includes many endangered animals like the Slender Loris that can only be spotted rarely.
Pick Your Trek
It’s easy to pick out a thrilling itinerary amongst the numerous trails dotted around the area – such as paths named the Passipola trek, the Clivery Plains trekking trail, the Pittawala trail, and the Kaltota Pathana trek. However, this article will focus on what is perhaps the most famed of these excursions: the Wasgamuwa–Narangala circuit.
The Wasgamuwa-Narangala Circuit
The Wasgamuwa–Narangala circuit covers a distance of around 33 kilometers and takes between eight to 11 hours to complete in its entirety. The significant climb is not for the faint-hearted but if you want to gain fantastic insight into this particular part of Sri Lanka, then this trail is a great choice for you.
The Highlighted Route
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Iswewa | The starting point from which the trek begins. This is one of the few access points through which tourists can reach Wasgamuwa National Park, so gets quite busy. |
| Lingasingaharama | After leaving Iswewa, this will be your first major stopover point. A small village on the banks of the Menik Ganga offers exceptional views. |
| Wiranapathana Hills | This is where you will find most of the area’s endemic and rare species including elephants. |
| Eknakkarama Mountains | These hilltops are a stunning gateway which will lead you towards Wariyapola village. |
| Wariyapola Village | The midpoint of your journey – a great place to take a break and enjoy local snacks prepared by the village folks during the hike. |
| Dumbanagala Mountains | Famous for their rare wildlife and various endangered mammals and reptiles. |
| Narangala Mountains | Known for its picturesque landscapes and amazing bird watching opportunities. |
Some trail paths are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point after reaching Narangala; other routes take you further before connecting you to lower routes, allowing you to enjoy different views from a different angle during descent. Whichever route you choose, you can be sure that you won’t need to worry about navigation as these paths are clearly mapped out and easy to access.
Things to Consider before You Go
Before setting off on your trek there are a few things to consider:
Pack Appropriately
It’s essential to equip yourself with appropriate clothing and supplies in order to make your trekking experience enjoyable. Clothing selection should depend both on expected weather conditions, as well as your expected exertion level – wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose can prove bothersome while navigating rocky terrain. Ruksans (open-top canvas crates), backpacks, binoculars and small plastic bottles are also essential pieces of kit. Additionally make sure to pack enough food, such as nuts, chocolates or small snacks like crackers and cakes.
Choose Your Time Wisely
Steer clear out of rainy seasons when possible; as Sri Lanka is tropical after all, heavy rains throughout much of October-November can make your journey unstable and uncomfortable. Springtime offers cool temperatures and clear skies with minimal rain making it an ideal option for most people. Better views can also be had during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are low, thus allowing you to take breaks more often.
Seek Assistance & Go Prepared
Working out how to reach any given spot might prove tricky so it’s advised to look for experienced local tour guides from local tourist boards or from trusted companies like GetYourGuide. Having professional guidance can also help with learning more about native flora, fauna, and culture. Finally: have fun! Trekking can be exhausting but the rewards make it worthwhile; magnificent scenery accompanied by superb wildlife watching experiences are sure to be had while on the hunt for adventure in Wasgamuwa–Narangala circuit in Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity! To book with GetYourGuide and secure your spot on this exhilarating walking holiday click here. END OF ARTICLE
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