Knuckles is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Sri Lanka. The knuckles range is located in the central provinces. It’s located in the districts of Kandy and Matale. Sri Lankans call this fog-filled mountain range Dumbara Kanda(Dumbara Mountain) The surveyors of the British era called this ridge by the name of Knuckle. It’s also known as Dumbara Range because the high peaks are almost always covered in fog, and Batadandu Hill because it’s western slope is covered with batali(batali is a plant)
In the area around the knuckles forest you can find villages with people living a traditional village life. There are about 40 such villages. Among them, villages like Meemure and Kalupahana are famous. These villages have been built in a fertile area due to farming in an underprivileged area.
Some places in the knuckles reserve have a long history dating back to the Ravana era. Sita Caves and Gavaravila belonging to Knuckles are said to be the places where king Ravana hid goddess Sita. Places like Yahangala associated with the history of Ravana are also found here. Also, in the past, a cave was found here where natural potassium nitrate (KNO3) or gunpowder, which was needed to make gunpowder, was obtained. Lakegala (Ilakkagala/Target Rock) belonging to Knuckles reserve is a unique place. It’s said that in the past, sailing ships coming from the east of Sri Lanka. were shown the direction of the location of Sri Lanka.
In the Knuckles forest, which are of high biological value, there are fauna endemic to Sri Lanka. It’s a special fact some animal species are found only in this forest. Knuckles is made more spectacular by the forest’s natives flora, lush vegetation and varied topography. Knuckles receives rain from both the northeast and southwest Monsoons. the main Knuckles region receives an annual rainfall of about 5058mm, while it’s eastern lower slopes receive annual rainfall of about 2540-3810mm. The mean annual temperature is around 18.5 -26 degrees Celsius. Because of this rainfall variability, many different forest types are found in Knuckles forest. See this wonderful ecosystem with diversity of plants, animals, topography, rain etc. You will have a different experience. Don’t forget to be environmentally friendly.
