Hanthana Mountain Range

Located close to Sacred world heritage city Kandy, Hanthana mountain range is made up of a number of mountain tops merged to each other in an exclusive manner and style, out of which the tallest is Uuragala Kanda (3800’) and the unique shaped Katusu Konda (chameleon dorsum) situated right behind it. Katusu Konda mountain is a somewhat challenging and dangerous climb, highly popular among the mountaineers.

There is many a folklore wound around Uuragala mountain; the most interesting one being it the meeting place of the King of Malaya Rata and Rahu ,who had taken up the task of performing a dance ritual to appease Kuwani’s curse laid on the king, in his disguise as a pig. The king later on identifying it was Rahu in disguise, stabs him with his sward at this place as per the legend.

Katusu Konda received it’s moniker as it ideally represents the back of a chameleon.

There are a number of entry points to Hanthana range. Out of which, setting off at the 4th milepost and proceeding along the transmission posts, the route that runs across Wejiraraama temple, the course that lies across Amaya hills hotel and one more passage through Sarsavigama are the most frequently used entrance points. The most recommended route is the 4th milepost. When you proceed along the Hanthana road (above the Kandy General Hospital) you can easily reach the 4th milepost. From there on, there is a clear way leading up to the transmission posts. These transmission posts are positioned close to the first out of the mountain range. As you pass the first mountain peak you will be able to enjoy an enchanting view of the Victoria Dam.

From the first mountain peak up to the 3rd there are clear cut tracks and sign posts lodged. However from so forth the tracks aren’t that clear, so finding your way from Uuragala to Katusu Konda can be a somewhat tedious task.

Hanthana range can be considered one of the stretces that has the least possibility for the tenderfoot climber to get lost. However, during the rainy season due to the heavy blowing and thick fog in this quarter, there can be a risk of the same. Ironically, during the dry season too, there is the prospect of forest fires. Hence it would be appropriate to consider all these factors before you set off on this excursion. The dangers posed by wild animals in this sector is minimal besides leach attacks in their hordes during rainy season. Other than that, wild buffaloes, and black panther have been spotted in this neighborhood. So it would be advisable to be well informed and prepared for these likely hazards while hiking in this territory.