The Knuckles Forest Range covers over 155 square kilometres of rugged highlands, recognized by UNESCO for its unique biodiversity. Rising to over 1,800 meters, the peaks resemble a clenched fist, earning the name “Knuckles.” Its ecosystems span cloud forests, montane grasslands, rivers and dry lowlands, making it a microcosm of Sri Lanka’s landscapes. 

Trekkers marvel at cascading waterfalls, rushing streams and forests filled with endemic flora like rhododendrons and orchids. Wildlife includes purple faced langurs, barking deer and over 130 bird species, many endemic to Sri Lanka. The range is also home to amphibians and reptiles found nowhere else, underlining its ecological importance. 

Equally captivating are its human stories. Remote villages within the Knuckles preserve traditions largely unchanged for centuries, chena farming, folk rituals and unique dialects. Encounters with villagers provide cultural depth to journeys through its wilderness. 

Trekking trails range from day hikes to multi day expeditions, revealing misty ridges and sweeping views across central Sri Lanka. At sunrise, peaks emerge from clouds like islands in a sea of mist. For explorers, the Knuckles Range is not just a trek, but a journey into the island’s wild heart, where nature and culture coexist in harmony.