Stratification: A combination of Montane, Sub-Montane & Semi-evergreen Forest

Size: 30,000ha

Status: National Man and Biosphere Reserve (Forest Dept)

Altitude: 100 -1800m

Temperature: Varies based on location and altitude

Annual Rainfall: Being in the intermediate climatic zone of the island this results in a wide range of rainfall. The highland areas have an annual rainfall of about 5000mm while the lower slops are much drier with less than 2500mm.

Best time of year to visit: March –April & June – August are the best months

Optimum duration of stay: 2-4 nights depending on your interest

Accommodation Options: Corbet’s View, Rangala House

Highlights: At least 35 peaks rising over 900m 26% of endemic vertebrate animals Many species of plants and animals found no where else in the world

The general landscape of the Knuckles Wilderness is extremely rugged with at least 35 peaks rising over 900m. The group of five main peaks that resemble the Knuckles of a clenched fist extends from the West to the South-East. The five peaks are named Kirigalpottha (1642m), Gombaniya (1900m), Knuckles (1852m), Koboneelagala (1544m) and Dotulugala (1564m). Located in the Intermediate Zone, the rainfall and temperatures within this wilderness varies giving rise to a range of climatic and landscape features.

The vegetation within the Knuckles wilderness ranges from lowland semi-evergreen forests to montane forests. These vegetation types harbour a rich composition of animals and plants, some of which are unique to Sri Lanka.

Though it is not a big National Park like Yala and Udawalawe, there are 31 species of mammals recorded in the Knuckles wilderness. Four of them are endemic and nine are nationally endangered. Some of the common species include Wild Buffalo, Wildboar, Black-naped Hare, Jackal, Toque Macaque & Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (both these primates are endemic to Sri Lanka). Other mammals recorded include Leopard, Fishing cat, Sambar, Mouse Deer & Elephants.

The Knuckles forest region has a rich composition of birdlife and has recorded over 130 species of birds. Over 10 migrant species are also found here. Of the total recorded species 20 are nationally endangered. Some of the endemics seen here include the Yellow-eared Bulbul, the elusive Sri Lankan Whistling Thrush, Sri Lankan Spot-wing Thrush, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Jungle fowl, Sri Lankan Super fowl, Sri Lankan Wood Pigeon, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeets, Brown-capped Babbler, Crimson-backed Woodpecker, Sri Lankan Woodshrike, Sri Lankan Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lankan Myna, Bush Warbler and the Sri Lankan White-eye. Some of the migrants include Indian Pitta, Common Sandpiper, Gray & Forest Wagtails, Brown Shrike, Indian Blue Chat, Greenish Warbler, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Asian Paradise Flycatchers and the endangered Kashmir Flycatcher.

Out of the 20 species of Amphibians that have been recorded in the Knuckles wilderness, 12 are endemic and are considered nationally endangered. Among them, the Kirthisinghe’s Rock Frog is found only in the Knuckles Forest Range; inhabiting streamlets that drip along rocky surfaces. Several amphibian species inhabiting the Knuckles region are yet to be discovered and scientifically described. The Small-eared Tree Frog could be commonly heard in the lower and upper montane forests, while the Corrugated Water Frog can be near the steams flowing through the above forest. The reptiles in Knuckles forest region range from small geckos and skinks to large monitor lizards and pythons. Of the 53 species recorded from the area, 23 species are endemic, while 24 species are nationally threatened. Interestingly half of the Agamid lizard species in Sri Lanka are found in the Knuckles. Among them, the endemic Leaf-nosed Lizard is found only in the Knuckles region. A combination of both venomous and non-venomous snakes can be found in the forest, but their scarcity means that an encounter will only occur with a deal of luck involved! The network of streams in Knuckles harbours at least 25 species of freshwater fish with 8 endemics and 7 nationally threatened fish species recorded.

Rangala House:  Rangala House is a converted tea estate bungalow in the Knuckles mountain range.  The house overlooks the majestic Knuckles Range at the back and in front gazes over the luminous, tea-covered hills of the Dukwari Estate. Watch the sunrise over the mountains peaks, relax by the swimming pool amidst abundant tropical foliage and birdsong, or go on walks through the wilderness, the tea estate and the villages.  The drive to the Knuckles Range forest conservation area takes 45 minutes. (More)

Corbet’s View:  Corbet’s view is located between Dotulugala-Kobanilagala range and Dumbanagala – Kehelpathdoruwa range on the eastern slopes from Corbet’s gap at an elevation of 3250ft (985 m).  Corbet's view is situated amidst 150 acres of Tea plantation and forest, and it’s with sound eco credentials, the guesthouse draws water from a natural spring and relys upon solar power, it blends seamlessly with the environment.  This three-bedroom house accommodates a total of eight persons and has breathtaking views of the Knuckles mountain range.  (More)

The Forest Department permits entry through Illukumbura & Deenstone, where tickets are issued at conservation centres located at the above sites. There are at least 8 routes to reach the Knuckles Wilderness.

To Illukkumbura which is the Northern area from Kandy to Matale – Rattota and Illukkumura which takes about 5 hours from Colombo.

South West to Bambarella area, Kandy – Wattegama _ Madulkelle and reach Bambaraella and will take over 6 hours from Colombo. You can also go from Kandy to Teldeniya to Rangala and Bamarella which will take the same travel time.

To the South–East up to Corbet’s Gap and Loolwatte, Kandy – Teldeniya- Rangala – Thangappuwa – Corbet’s Gap – Loolwatte – Deenston Hunnasgiriya.

There are a few other routes that go up to the famous village of Meemure as well.

Socio-Environment Foundation – Sri Lanka: Click Here

Useful information on fauna, flora and village communities within the Knuckles Range.  SEF is a voluntary non-governmental and non-profitable organization, manned by professionals and other citizens qualified in various environment-related disciplines.

'Journey to Middle – a journey of discovery into the Knuckles Conservation Range'
By Harin Fernando and Varuna Liyanage, Explore Sri Lanka, January 2007

'Journey to Middle Earth – charting a journey of discovery into the Knuckles Conservation Range' (continuation from article in January 2007 issue)
By Harin Fernando and Varuna Liyanage, Explore Sri Lanka, February 2007