Home to seven states, the region of South Asia boasts of a number of iconic mountain ranges with the most important one being the Himalayans. This mountain range along with the Karakorum and Hindu Kush range separate the subcontinent from the rest of Asia. The Himalayan mountain range, whilst being the highest in the world, is also home to the tallest mountain in the world: the Everest, while Hindu Kush mountain range enjoys the distinction of being the second highest. For those visiting the South Asian state of Sri Lanka, the highest mountain range is the Knuckles and can be visited from Kandy. While varying accommodation options are available in the hill country, for those seeking luxury in the Central Highlands, Earls Regent Kandy certainly delivers.
While the mountain range covers a couple of districts, it derives its name from the manner in which the peaks and valleys appear to resemble a closed fist. As the Knuckles range forms part of the Kandy district, it can be easily access by staying at a hotel Kandy. It is a location that is immensely rich in bio diversity in Sri Lanka and, in recent times, has become well known for eco tourism. As a result, many tourists and locals seek to trek across the range and camp in the valleys.
Also known as the ‘Dumbara Kanduwetiya’ meaning the Misty Hills, the mountain range has featured in Sri Lankan history from prehistoric times. Certain archaeologists claim the existence of remains of a Yaksha settlement, and the area was also called the ‘Gini Divaina’ during such a time.
At present, a number of hiking trails have been cleared by officials and tourists can visit Mini World’s End which provides an excellent and panoramic view of the misty mountains and plummeting valleys surrounding Knuckles, while other trails such as Pitawala Pathena Trail, the Nitre Cave and Ash Cave Trails and many others traverse through tea plantations, farms, villages and even rubber estates.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+