Knuckles Mountain Range

Stretching over 155 square kilometres of striking landscape, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a conservation area right in the heart of Sri Lanka. Located just an hour south of Kandy, this UNESCO-protected area has a rich biodiversity and is formed of an impressive array of forests, extensive flora and fauna and majestic mountain scenery.

Knuckles Nature Reserve provides an ideal setting for nature lovers and those with an adventurous spirit. Its 5 main peaks, namely Kirigalpottha, Gombaniya, Knuckles, Koboneelagala and Dotulugala, are home to a myriad of hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as cascading waterfalls and remote local villages waiting to be explored. The most popular treks here wind their way through the atmospheric terrain and end at either Dothalugala mountain, the Nitro Caves, Duwili Ella or ‘Mini World’s End’.

Wildlife lovers will also appreciate the mountain range for its endemic species, from the marbled rock frog ‘nannophrys mamorata’, to the leaf-nosed lizard, ‘ceretphora tennenti’, which can only be spotted in this area. Birdlife is also exciting here, with a range of 128 species - 17 of which are endemic - flitting around high above here, including eagles, herons, kingfishers and wood peckers. A wide range of mammals roam amongst the forests and our favourites to be found here have to be elephants, giant squirrels and leopards. While these sightings do not compare to the safari hotspots of Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park, they are nonetheless exciting and worthwhile.

If you are after a rural escape in the depths of Sri Lanka’s wilderness and love to trek, then this is the place for you. We recommend eco-tourists to stay in Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, set within unspoiled surroundings, where one can embrace the tranquillity and look out onto breathtaking views of the rugged peaks enveloped by mesmerising cloud forests.

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We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
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I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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Knuckles Mountain Range

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