Located in central Sri Lanka, Knuckles Mountain Range is known for its fist-like shape. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for every tourist visiting Sri Lanka. With hiking trails, forests, and waterfalls, the mountain range is rich in biodiversity. The region is also home to a number of wild animals, including monkeys and leopards. If you are a hiker who loves nature, you’ll find yourself in paradise here.

Image via Wikimedia Commons (Ruwangiudawattage, View of Knuckles Mountain range, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The region is one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. This means that you are going to have so many accommodation options. If you are visiting Knuckles, Sri Lanka hotels of all kinds will be at your disposal. Budget hotels are an option and so are mid-range and high-end hotels. Wild Glamping Knuckles is a great example of the kind of accommodation you find here.

The dry season is the best time to visit Knuckles. The location here is found in central Sri Lanka, which means that the climate is cooler, and it gets foggy during the rainy season. Also, visiting during the rainy season can be dangerous as the slopes tend to be slippery. So, visit from November to April.

Accommodation rates can be a little too high during this time, but it’s something you’ll have to bear if you want to have a good time here.

The most travelled and the most popular route cuts through Matale. From Matale, however, you won’t find any public transport. There’s an alternative route via Hunnasgiriya; this is closer to Kandy.

You can take the bus to Hunnasgiriya or Matale, but from there onwards, you need to find private transport.

Your trip to Knuckles is a great opportunity for you to enjoy some authentic Sri Lankan food. Make a stop at one of the roadside stalls and have some delicious food. Locals are friendly, and you might even get meal suggestions.

If you are here during breakfast time, make sure you sample Sri Lankan hoppers; hoppers are served with a chilli paste – this Sri Lankan-style chilli paste is runny and different from the supermarket chilli paste you find. You can also order some pol roti, the Sri Lankan version of flatbread.

Getting to the Mini World’s End is a 20-minute hike, and it’s relatively easy – you need to watch where you are going as there will be cow dung lying around. The best thing about this hike is the chance to revel in the beautiful views.

Don’t forget to spend some time at viewpoints to enjoy the gorgeous scenery – make sure you have your camera with you.

Visit Sera Ella Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the base pool. This is one of the most gorgeous spots you can see in the area. The place gets extremely crowded during school holidays and on weekends. This leaves out the period from November to March as the best time to visit.

The weather in Knuckles is not predictable, but it’s usually cool, so bring a scarf and a light sweater; bring an umbrella as well. The hiking trails here aren’t strenuous, but you need good hiking shoes. The trails are infested with leeches and mosquitoes, so pack a few long pants.

Even though the climate here is much cooler, you still need your sun lotion and don’t forget to bring your hat. Swimsuits are essential if you are planning to visit the waterfalls. Also, invest in a reusable water bottle, and bring an extra bag for trash – don’t leave your trash out here; collect your trash in a bag and take it with you.