Complete Guide to Knuckles Mountain Range Sri Lanka: Trekking & DIY Trails (2025)
- Kate Colliety
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka offers a breath-taking adventure through cloud-covered peaks, stunning tea plantations, and the anticipation of trekking in an environment the leopard calls home.
Unlike the tourist-packed trails of Adam's Peak, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella's Rock, the Knuckles Mountain Range is rarely visited by tourists. The range includes the Knuckles Forest Reserve which is an UNESCO World Heritage site that delivers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in central Sri Lanka.
We quickly found it may not be as easy as we thought with many sites stating you ‘legally’ need a guide for Knuckles Mountain Range Trekking and prices being out of our low (save as much as we can) budget.
After extensive research, conversations with local guides, and consulting our homestay host, we attempted a self-guided Knuckles Mountain Range trek - an experience that we can’t fully recommend.
Is a guide legally required for Knuckles Mountain Range trekking? Is it possible to explore these majestic trails independently? What's the best way to experience isolated villages like Meemure?
This complete trekking guide answers these questions and more, based on our first hand experience navigating Sri Lanka's Knuckles Mountain Range.
Contents
Where Is The Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka?
The Knuckles Mountain Range (aka Dumbara Mountains) spans over the districts of Matale and Kandy in central Sri Lanka.
The range gets its distinctive name from its five peaks that resemble a clenched fist when viewed from certain angles in Kandy. While many tours offer Kandy pick-up for treks, you can also approach from the eastern Matale side, with the main A26 road running just south of the protected area.
Best Time To Visit The Knuckles Mountain Range For Hiking
The ideal time to visit the Knuckles Mountain Range for trekking is during the drier months, January to March. During this period, trails are less muddy, streams are easier to cross, and viewpoints are clear.
The monsoon seasons (April-June and October-December) bring heavy rainfall to the range, making trails slippery and dangerous.
How To Get To The Knuckles Mountain Range?
As mentioned above lots of trekking tours offer Kandy pick-up like this one here or you can make your own way.
From Kandy To Knuckles By Bus
From Kandy Central Bus Station, take a bus to Matale (approximately 1 hour, 60-80 LKR)
From Matale, catch a bus to either:
llukkumbura (for eastern access points, 2-3 hours)
Riverston (for western access and viewpoints, 1.5-2 hours)
Hunnasgiriya (for southern trails, 1.5 hours)
Buses run relatively frequently between Kandy and Matale (every 30 minutes), but services to villages near the range are limited to 2-3 times daily.
From Kandy By Private Taxi
For more flexibility and comfort, hiring a private car allows you the best access to Knuckles. A Taxi may cost around 7000LKR one way.
By Tuktuk
The final option, and the one we favour is to rent your own Tuktuk from tuktukrental.com! The best way to travel Sri Lanka is like a local and it also gave us the freedom to drive into Knuckles and right to our homestay’s door. The roads here are steep and you may need to use the choke in the morning but it’s definitely doable! Use our code "KandM" for 5% off tuktukrental.com.
Do You Need A Guide For The Knuckles Mountain Range Trekking?
Here’s the big question! The question of guide requirements for the Knuckles Mountain Range creates significant confusion among trekkers. During our research, most online sources claimed guides were legally mandatory, while our homestay host contradicted this, stating only permits were required.
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 including the Knuckles Forest Reserve.
The permits to hike in Knuckles are sold from a small office on the route to the 5 peaks trek or as we researched after in Digna. When we arrived the office was closed, we were advised by our homestay host to carry on if no one was present. Right or wrong, we went ahead with the hike.
DIY Knuckles Mountain Range Trekking Experience
Now, this is where we perhaps became those ‘silly tourists’ with no clue about hiking. Although we are pretty experienced. Our hike started off well, leech socks firmly round our ankles!
We hiked the whole 5-peaks trail following an AllTrails Route up to the peak. This was pretty smooth and easy (although the paths were unkept).
But then the weather changed!
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 was unexpected.
We took the river crossing slowly but could feel the current pulling our boots and beckoning us downstream. The sound of rushing white water masked the LifeStraw ‘plop’ as it fell out of my bag never to be seen again. This was gutting as it’s one of our favourite travel items!
We made it back safely but thoroughly humbled. The moral of the story was maybe guides are there for a reason and if your budget doesn't stretch to it, there are some routes that are guide optional including: the initial section of the Riverston circular trail, village walking paths around Meemure and accessible viewpoint platforms at designated lookouts.
If you choose to trek independently
Always attempt to obtain proper permits.
Inform someone of your route and expected return.
Carry detailed maps and emergency supplies.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Consider shorter, better-marked trails for DIY hikes.
Explore the best Knuckles Mountain Range Hikes here!
How To Get A Knuckles Hiking Guide?
When planning our trip we were in contact with Sri Lanka Trekking who offer different outdoor activities including camping and hiking in the mountain range. They offer 1-5 day trekking routes which start at $65 per person per day.
Or you can book with Get Your Guide or Viator although these seem to have limited reviews. The best one we found was this Viator tour with 28 reviews!
There are plenty of hikes in the range, around 34 different trails for different abilities. Your homestay or guide should be able to suggest some of the best ones for you.
Dothalugala Nature Trail
One of the most popular trails is a 6km round-trip to the southern peak of Dothalugala Mountain. This hike takes around 3-4 hours and starts at the Deanston Knuckles Conservation Centre.
Nitro Caves
A 5-hour hike along a 11km trail. You get to visit and start at the popular Corbett’s gap for stunning views and the Nitro cave which is inhabited by thousands of bats.
Mini World’s End
A short hike (1.5km) to a 1198m cliff with stunning panoramic views. The hike starts at the Knuckles Conservation Centre and is shorter than others in the range.
Knuckles Mountain Hike: 5 Peaks
A steep climb up to the iconic 5-peaks that look like a clenched fist. This 12km hike takes around 8 hours and is good for experienced hikers.
These treks are often day tours but come companies also offer the opportunity to camp and do a multi-tour trek like this one here. To learn more about the individual hikes in the Knuckles Mountain Range, check out our detailed blog post.
Other Top Things To Do In The Knuckles Mountain Range
Rangala Natural Pool
Near Gomara, the local village Rangala is home to a serene spot and one of Knuckles hidden gems, Rangala Natural Pools. A cascading waterfall tucked away in the Knuckles Mountain Range. To the left side of the bridge you can find the pools perfect for swimming and cooling off! We drove over this picturesque location and were struck by its peaceful, quaint atmosphere. Our only regret was not taking time for a refreshing dip in these natural pools, something we highly recommend you don't miss!
The nearby village of Gomara is a gateway into Knuckles with routes to the Five Knuckles Peaks and Gombaniya Mountain (the highest peak in the range at 1,906 meters).
There are also plenty of waterfalls to explore including Jodu Ella (25 meter cascade), Saree Ella & Dumbara Ella, one of the largest waterfalls in the area near Corbett’s Gap.
Meemure Village
Shrouded in clouds and cloaked in mystery lies Sri Lanka’s most isolated village, Meemure. Far away from the world’s of ‘Little England’ (Nuwyra Eliya) or ‘Backpacker Town’ (Ella), Meemure offers something different. With a population of 400 surrounded by the towering mountains of the Knuckles Range, visiting Meemure will give you an insight into the Sri Lankan way of life, isolated, basic and beautiful.
Getting here is half the adventure. Meemure is only accessible by one road that qualifies as a Tuk-tuk off-roading course or you can hire a van from Kandy. With a few basic homestays and campsites, Meemure is also a local getaway destination for Sri Lankans looking to hike. This is a true adventure, the kind you’ll one day recount to your grandkids from a rocking chair, about the time you journeyed to Sri Lanka’s most isolated village.
What To Pack For Trekking In Knuckles, Sri Lanka
Leech Oil or Hand Sanitiser
Camera
Snacks & Lunch
As mentioned above some tour companies offer camping during multi-day treks, however there is another option if you want to experience the area for yourself and hire a local guide… homestays & Knuckles Mountain Range Hotels!
We stayed at Rohana Estate Lodging and Camping and loved the hospitality plus the accessibility to the Knuckles 5 peaks hike. You have the choice to bring your own food and use the kitchen or you can opt for catering but this needs to be arranged in advance. We loved our stay here, the views were amazing and you really feel immersed in the mountains. Also, our host was super helpful when both our phones broke (due to being caught in the rainstorm).
There are also more luxury hotels and resorts dotted around the UNESCO world-heritage site such as Celestial Hills by The Clarks. For more Knuckles Mountain Range Hotels head off to our specific Knuckles Hotels blog which focuses on the different types of accommodation in the area from budget homestays, to camping, glamping and luxury resorts.
Knuckles Mountain Range Trekking Common Questions
How Much Is A Trekking Tour In The Knuckles Mountain Range?
Tours with Sri Lanka Trekking cost around $65 per person per day.
Best time to visit Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka?
The best time for Knuckles Mountain Range hiking is during the drier months from January to March. The monsoon seasons (April-June and October-December) bring heavy rainfall to the range, making trails slippery and dangerous.
What Is The Highest Peak In The Knuckles Mountain Range?
The highest peak in the Knuckles Mountain Range is Gombaniya. (1906 meters.)
Is Knuckles A World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where Is The Knuckles Mountain Range In Sri Lanka?
The Knuckles Mountain Range (aka Dumbara Mountains) spans over the districts of Matale and Kandy in central Sri Lanka.
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
What Is The Distance From Colombo To Knuckles Mountains?
From Colombo the Knuckles Mountain Range is 177km around 5 hours of driving.
What’s The Difference Between The Knuckles Mountain Range And The Knuckles Forest Reserve?
The Knuckles Mountain Range is the entire mountainous section in central Sri Lanka however the Knuckles Forest Reserve is a protected area within the mountain range that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 In Knuckles: 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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