Top Knuckles Mountain Hikes: Duwili Ella, Kalupahana & More
- Kate Colliety
- May 14
- 8 min read
Updated: May 23
The Knuckles Mountain Range in central Sri Lanka is one of the best areas in the country for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Boasting 48 different trails through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes that include natural cloud forest, vibrant tea plantations and the most isolated town of Meemure, a unique backpackers destination. Not as regularly visited as other areas, Knuckles still holds its authentic charm, perfect for hikers looking to get off-the-beaten-track.
Knuckles Mountain Range hiking offers diverse trails, from short treks to challenging full-day hikes. Alongside our guide to everything you need to know about visiting the Knuckles Mountain Range we have created this dedicated blog that shares Knuckles trekking advice and Knuckles mountain hikes.
We share the top Knuckles Hikes including, Dothalugala, Kalupahana, Duwili Ella Water trial and our favourite Knuckles Hike, Five Peaks.
Contents
Essential Tips For Knuckles Mountain Range Hiking
Before we get started and share the best trails in Knuckles, there are a few tips that are must knows before you go hiking.
The leeches in Knuckles are abundant, bring leech oil as you’re going to need it, we also wore not-so-stylish leech socks!
The weather can change rapidly meaning a good waterproof jacket is a must. We also like to carry our water filter on hikes.
Sri Lanka Knuckles trekking is gaining popularity among nature lovers and adventure seekers but we still struggled to find information about how to plan, we have a full Knuckles Planning Guide here.
When following these hikes lots can be found on Alltrails and in some areas it’s a legal requirement to have a guide. Find out more about guides for Knuckles in our full guide to visiting.
Knuckles Mountain Hikes: The Top Treks Through The Mountain Range
Dothalugala Mountain Hike (Dothalugala Nature Trail)
This is the most popular Knuckles Mountain Hike. The 5km loop, often referred to as the Dothalugala Nature Trail, winds its way up the Dothalugala Mountain and offers a moderate challenge suitable for families or those looking for a shorter day hike. This is a great choice of day hike for families or people wanting an easier hike. You still get to experience the misty cloud forest, scenic lookout and diverse ecosystem of the Knuckles Mountain Range. This hike starts from the Deanston Conservation Centre. Location 📌
Duwili Ella Waterfall Trail
This is a popular multi-day Knuckles Mountain hike and is around 18km one-way! This is a hard trek starting from Kalupahana or Meemure and requires a guide. You will hike to the powerful Duwili Ella Waterfall which has a hidden cave behind. Sometimes guides will even camp inside this cave! Expect dense jungle, river crossings and of course our favourite friends, leeches. Location 📌
Kalupahana Trail
Perhaps the most scenic Knuckles Mountain Range Hike, the Kalupahana Trail is a 12km moderate hike to stunning 360 degree panoramic views. Of course though, as we found out the peaks are often shrouded by mist, so pick a dry day and head off early if you want to see the view.
Five Peaks Of Knuckles
A hard hike that summits all five peaks of the Knuckles dramatic ridgelines. A steep incline takes you through grasslands, forests and clouds before emerging at the summit.
We completed the Five Peaks Hike in around 8 hours from our homestay, Rohana Estate. Now we did, right or wrong, complete the Knuckles Five Peak hike without a guide… but here’s why you should not do that!
…. the weather changed! Clouds thickened. Rain hammered down.
Drenched through, leeches sucking at our boots we clambered down as fast as we could to be met by two ferocious river crossings that were in fact terrifying! I can hear you now, ‘you should have checked the weather!’ We did and it had predicted 0% chance of rain so it was unexpected.
We took the river crossing slowly but could feel the current pulling our boots and beckoning us downstream… What happened next? After this blog read our full guide to the Knuckles Mountain Range - before you find yourself in the same situation. Location 📌
Nitro Cave Trail (Corbett’s Gap To Nitro Caves)
The Nitro Cave trail starts at the popular and stunning viewpoint of Corbett’s Gap. This route is a 10km winding path through dense jungle that leads you to a large limestone cave called Nitro Cave hidden deep in the Knuckles Forest Reserve. Again this route requires a guide. Location 📌
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Mini World’s End
If you’re looking for an easy but rewarding Knuckles Hike, the Deanstone Mini World’s End Trail is perfect. A 3km walk from Deanston takes you to a dramatic drop-off viewpoint overlooking the valley and villages below. The name of the hike comes from it being a smaller version of Horton Plains’ World’s End. This hike is perfect for sunrise, if you’re an early bird!
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path viewpoint, the Hatale Mini World's version is quieter but trickier to reach. You can even stay overnight at the Hatale Mini World's End Bungalow for sunrise views. Location 📌
Lakegala Hike (Lakgala)
Perhaps the most technical Knuckles Mountain Range Hike is one steep in mystery. The Lakegala hike starts in Meemure and requires a local guide. You will trek to a sacred, pyramid-shaped peak which is tied to Sri Lankan Mythology and offers epic views. Location 📌
Manigala Hike
A long but moderate hike is the Manigala Trail 10km loop which is a popular day hike with mountain ridge, forest trails and views across the range. The Manigala hike starts at the Knuckles Conservation area near Illukkumbura. Location 📌
Rangala Natural Pools
Although this isn’t technically a hike it is still a beautiful area to visit in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The clear, natural swimming pool is perfect for cooling off after a hike. Location 📌
Tour Companies & Knuckles Hiking Guides
While some trails like Mini World’s End are manageable without a guide, many hikes in the Knuckles (like Five Peaks, Lakegala, and Duwili Ella) require local knowledge, navigation skills, and legally a guide.
You also need a permit to hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range, these can sometimes be bought at trail heads (such as 5-peaks), be included in your tour package or bought in Digna.
Sri Lanka Trekking
When planning our trip into the Knuckles Mountain Range we were in contact with Sri Lanka trekking who specialise in all things outdoors including hiking and camping. The cost of an overnight hike with Sri Lanka Trekking is $65 per person per day. We communicated via
WhatsApp: +94 77 327 7199
Knuckles Trekking
Other companies include Knuckles trekking which operate in the Meemure, Hunnasgiriya, and Corbett’s Gap regions.
Itineraries For Hiking In Knuckles
Depending on your hiking style and budget there are different itineraries you can choose from. The majority of people tend to do a day tour from Kandy, this one here seems to have the most reviews but if you're feeling more adventurous, longer treks are where the real magic happens.
1-Day Hike – Mini World’s End or Manigala
2–3 Day Trek – Duwili Ella or Five Peaks
3–5 Day Adventure – Combine Duwili Ella, Kalupahana, and Nitro Caves
If you're building a bigger itinerary around Sri Lanka, don’t miss the Adam’s Peak hike. This sacred pilgrimage trek offers a totally different experience. An overnight climb to watch the sunrise from one of the island’s most spiritual spots
Staying in the mountains gave us the experience we wanted, think misty mornings, close to trials and in the heart of the tiny, local villages. While you can do day trips from Kandy, we recommend staying inside Knuckles for the best adventure.
We’ve written a full breakdown of the best places to stay in the Knuckles Mountain Range, including eco-lodges, local homestays, and unique glamping spots.
FAQs About Hiking In Knuckles
When Is The Best Time To Go Hiking In The Knuckles Mountain Range?
The best time to go on a Knuckles Mountain hike is during the drier months from January to March.
How Much Is A Trekking Tour In The Knuckles Mountain Range?
Tours with Sri Lanka Trekking cost around $65 per person per day.
What Is The Highest Peak In The Knuckles Mountain Range?
The highest peak in the Knuckles Mountain Range is Gombaniya which is 1906 meters.
Do I Need A Guide For The Knuckles Mountain Range In Sri Lanka?
As of 2025, the official policy from the Forest Department of Sri Lanka requires both:
1. An entrance permit (1,000-2,500 LKR per person depending on the trail)
2. A registered guide for certain protected areas within the range
Are permits required to hike in Knuckles?
An entrance permit (1,000-2,500 LKR) is required depending on the trail. Sometimes there are offices at the trail heads or they can be bought in Digna. Lots of tours will include your entrance permit.
How difficult are the hikes in the Knuckles?
The Knuckles Mountain Hikes range in difficulty from the easy Mini World’s End Hike to the harder more technical hikes such as Lake Gala. More experienced trekkers might consider summiting the Knuckles Five Peaks, also known as the Five Peaks of Knuckles.
Are there leeches in the Knuckles Mountain Range?
Yes, and lots of them! We wore leech socks as well as buying leech oil from one of the small local shops although we heard hand sanitisers work just as well!
What should I pack for a Knuckles hike?
Leech Oil or Hand Sanitiser
Camera
Snacks & Lunch
Can you camp overnight in the Knuckles Mountain Range?
With a tour guide it is possible to camp in the Knuckles Mountain Range. There are a few designated camp spots on the multi-day trek tours. You can also check out the top Knuckles hotels here.
What other great hikes are there in Sri Lanka outside Knuckles?
Adam’s Peak is one of the most iconic hikes in Sri Lanka, known for its spiritual significance and incredible sunrise views. We wrote a full guide to hiking Adam’s Peak here.
Knuckles Mountain Range Travel Tips
Be prepared: Bring leech socks (they’re no joke), a raincoat and water filter if you plan to go hiking.
Visit during the dry season: We were caught in a torrential downpour that not only soaked us through but broke both our phones.
Support Local Villages and Homestays: They often offer the most authentic experiences
Hire a local guide: Many trails are unmarked or confusing. A local guide not only helps you navigate safely but can also point out wildlife and local plants.
Rent a Tuk Tuk as Transport - This made our trip! Not only did we have complete freedom and flexibility it allowed us to have authentic relationships with locals. Use our code "KandM" for 5% off Tuktuk Rental
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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