The Knuckles Mountain Range

Located in the districts of Kandy and Matale, is bounded by the Mahaweli River to the east, Hasalaka, Hettipola, Wasgamuwa route, and to the north, Wasgamuwa, Riverston, Matale. And the towns of Matale, Bambarella, Gomaraya, Tangappuwa to the west. To the south, the boundaries extend through regions such as Attala Mettuwa, Dumbara Gama, Kalugala, and Hasalaka. It is a mountainous area that stands out with an area of 21,000 hectares in the central hill country.
The mountain range received the name “Knuckles” due to a distinctive mountain peak called “Five Peaks” located in the western part of the range. The second highest peak in the range is shaped like a fist, which led British nationals to call it “Knuckles.” This remarkable shape led to the entire mountain range being named after this peak.
This environmental zone is one of the most ecologically sensitive in the world, rich in unique flora and fauna species. The area, which covers about 28,000 hectares, is largely covered by tropical rainforests. The environmental significance of the Knuckles Mountain Range has led to its designation as a strict reserve. The range is important not only because of its ecological system but also due to various unique and distinctive features.
Historically, this region dates back to ancient pre-historic times. It was referred to as “Giri Deepa” (Mountain Island) and “Malaya Rata” (Malaya Country) in ancient times. Many folk legends about King Ravana are also associated with this mountain range. For instance, it is said that the Lakegala near Meemure was used to hide Ravana’s helicopter (Dandumonaraya) and the Vedilunu Cave in the Na Ella area was where Ravana’s army got explosives for the battle with Rama. Also, the legend suggests that after the battle, Ravana’s body was deposited on the summit of the Yahangala peak.
Within the Knuckles range, there are numerous notable peaks, including the Knuckles Five Peaks, Gombaniya, Thunhisgala, Alugal Kanda, Spinx 1, Spinx 2, Dumbanagala, Gerandigala Falls, Kehelpathdoruwa, Yahangala, Wamarapugala, Lakegala, Naranagama, Kalupahana, Dothalugala, Telambugala, Manigala, and others. These peaks are spread over altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters to 2,100 meters.
Another significant feature of the Knuckles Mountain Range is the extensive and scenic network of waterfalls that flow through the rainforests. There are more than fifty waterfalls here, including Dumbara Ella Falls, Duwili Ella Falls, Sunsun Ella Falls, Sera Ella Falls, Alokola Ella Falls, Huluganga Ella Falls, Sari Ella Falls, Jodu Ella Falls, Knuckles Falls, Gerandi Ella Falls, Diyakara Ella, Na Ella, and Kotanganga Ella Falls. These waterfalls are considered some of the most beautiful in the world.
The Knuckles Rainforest also houses several distinctive ecosystems, including the well-known Planes Vellangolla Pathana, Rahenaketu Pathana, and Pitawala Pathana, Mathalagala Pathana among others.
There are several villages surrounding and inside the Knuckles Conservation Area. These include Meemure, Ranamure, Kaikavala, Attanwala, Udagal Debokka, and Kalupahana. Many of the residents live in traditional mud-walled houses and engage in farming practices such as rice cultivation, cultivation of spices like cinnamon, and the production of kithul syrup. These areas are challenging to access and have limited road facilities.
The area is home to 1,033 plant species belonging to 141 different genera. Among these, 160 species are endemic to Sri Lanka, accounting for 17.3% of the total species. In addition, among the 285 species of native vertebrates, 13 species are only found in the Dumbara range. Among the endemic species, 88 are from the Dumbara Mountain Range, which accounts for 30.9%. Species such as the Dumbara Junglefowl, Hornman’s Junglefowl, Large-footed Junglefowl, Moorish Junglefowl, Stainer’s Junglefowl, Stewart’s Junglefowl, and Dumbara rock pigeons, along with freshwater species like the Dumbara golden-ringed fish and Dumbara water snakes, are among the unique species found only in the Dumbara Mountains.