Hidden Paradise Of Sri Lanka-Knuckles & Riverston Mountain Range

Knuckles & Riverston Mountain Range

Riverstone is our favorite place and the best and most free place we find while traveling in Sri Lanka. It is located between Matale and Kandy districts in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and another peak in the Knuckles range. Riverstone is about 30 kilometers from Matale via Ilukkumbura on the Matale-Hettipola road. The nearest town is Ratthota. The climatic conditions here are very calm and it relaxes our mind and body. Imagine you find a resting place that is easily accessible. If so, this is it. Riverstone Peak has an elevation of 1,424 meters (4,671 ft). Riverston and the Knuckles is a popular hiking destination, but forgotten by many foreigners. The mountain has many beautiful views and bathing spots. It houses the popular Pitala Pathana and Mini Worlds End.

Knuckles’ hiking season runs from December to February. There is a moderate chance of rain. March to May is also an excellent time to go hiking in Knuckles because the risk of rain is low at this time of year. There is the slightest chance of rain during June through September, making this the ideal time to visit.

Riverstone tour can be enjoyed within a day, but if you can dedicate at least 2 or 3 days, you can visit all the destinations with proper planning. The road to the top of the mountain is narrow at some places. You can prepare any vehicle except large vehicles for this journey.

If you have a four wheel drive (4WD) your journey will be more comfortable. Don't forget that Rathota is the last city where you can get everything you need from that city. Riverstone has several famous tourist spots to add to your travel memories. We suggest top listed destinations, right route, best time and most suitable accommodation for your comfortable trip.

Telecommunication Tower and Wind Break

You will find the Telecommunication Tower as your 1st destination. It is 16 km away from raththota town. The tower trail is a short hike and is an enjoyable ride to enjoy with your family. Also, kids can have perfect fun in this hike. Along the way, you may encounter a windbreak that will be an unforgettable experience for you and your family

Pitawala Pathana

The next destination is Pitawala Phatana. A ticket must be obtained to enter this territory. A walk through the grassy grounds will bring you to a mini-end of the world. With clouds under your feet, it provides a beautiful perspective of the surrounding areas. This is a real place for nature photographers to take their nature photos. The clean cold breeze of this place will heal your lungs.

Sera Ella Waterfall

Sera Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Knuckles range. This is a few meters away from the road and one has to pass some steep steps to enter the waterfall. A small cave behind the waterfall provides access to the waterfall. Walking under the water barrier can be an incredible experience. Water splashed all over the cave, making it a bit cooler inside. Rivaston Hills will be an unforgettable experience for you. Absolutely

Vedda Pani ella waterFalls

Thelgamu Oya is a significant water source in the Knuckles region. It is a tributary of the Amban River and eventually enters the Mahaweli River. Vadda Pani Ella falls is located in a beautiful area bordering the Knuckles Reserve. It is fed by the waters of Thelgamuu Oya and is a biome rich in endemic aquatic species. The falls can be seen on Manigala trekking route, so it is a good place to relax and take a bath with your family. There is a bridge that crosses the waterfall from which you can see a wonderful view. Tourists visiting Vedda Pani Falls should be very careful as rains in higher areas can cause flash floods from time to time. Remember to choose a safe place for your fun.

Manigala is one of the best-hiking destinations in the Knuckle Mountain Range

Manigala is one of the best-hiking destinations in the Knuckle Mountain Range. Hiking can begin in Atanwala village, which is a beautiful village. You will see drooping terraced paddy fields, agricultural lands, and all the rural beauty that is intertwined with Atanwala’s authentic village life.

Manigala should start the walk early in the morning because the top can get rather hot by midday on some bright days.  If you don’t know the route, it’s best to go with a guide. Manigala’s plain area is like a natural platform made by nature itself to see the majestic landscape of the mountains; this location is home to a variety of butterflies. The two observation cliffs provided views of Riverston Tower and the entire Knuckles area. Duwili Ella can be seen from a long distance on a clear day. Don’t forget to prepare your backpack before you go hiking. Our guides will provide you with excellent support for that. Also, if you want to spend the night in the Rivaston environment, he will provide the most suitable solution for that. Your safety, the purpose of the trip, all these are carefully coordinated by us.

Dumbara Ella Waterfalls  - the best place for night camping in the Knuckles forest

This is another stream that originates in the Knuckles Mountains. Dumbara Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka that can be reached after a grueling 16 km trek from the village of Atonwala. This is 20 meters high. This fall is located in the Kalupahana area in the Matale District. When visiting Duwili Ella, you can see a few waterfalls and beautiful scenery. Dumbara Ella is the largest and most picturesque of the waterfalls. It has some distinct beauty that you won’t find anywhere else in Sri Lanka. I suppose one might stare at Dumbara Ella’s flowless curtain indefinitely. This is the most excellent place to spend the first night if you’re going on a two-night excursion. There are a couple of spots near the waterfall where you can tent. The ideal site is on the top of the flat granite surface, approximately 50 meters distant, just in front of the waterfall. It is safe and provides the best view of the waterfall directly from the tent. You may gather wood for a campfire and cook from the surrounding area. The water from the fall is entirely safe to drink.

Kaludiya Pokuna

Kaludiya Pokuna is the next attraction place during the Duwili Ella hike. This is not a famous place among the people, but this is a real nice place to visit. If you skip the first-night camping in Dumbara Ella, this is the place for it. After relaxing, you can find Infinity Pool as your next must-see place in the Duwili Ella hike.

The Infinity pool and sansun ella waterfalls

The Infinity pool is one of the best natural and clean pools in the Knuckles Mountain Range. As well as this is one of the dream places for Sri Lankan travel lovers. This is a gorgeous place for photographers and nature lovers. Sansun Ella is another waterfall in the Knuckles Mountain Range. After a short walk from Infinity pool, you can find these Calm waterfalls. “Sansun” is the Sinhala word that means “Calm.” Honestly, you can relax your mind by looking this fall.  After all these you can reach the duwilli ella waterfalls.

Duwilli Ella Waterfalls cave Camping tour

Duwilli Ella located in Knuckels mountain range, it’s a vast area that covers a significant number of mountains, waterfalls, flora, and fauna. From that, one of the most isolated, difficult to access and undoubtedly breathtaking waterfall is Duwili Ella.  It's situated in the middle of the knuckles range and to reach there using any path you have to walk in the thick jungle for at least 12-18Km along one way.Duwili Ella consists a set of waterfalls which has approximately 12 cascades. This waterfall water streams shape like dust (Duwili), therefore, these waterfalls called as Duwili Ella.  There is a small cave behind the highest water stream and can accommodate nearly 20-30 people (depending on the tents and other gears).

The trail requires the proper permission from the relevant authorities but there are many doing the hikes in the conserved area with their own risk, may cause big penalty from government authorities.  Trek path has marked by red color, but in some places, it’s a bit difficult to locate due to various reasons. It's advised to do your own research before the hike by referring previous articles, discussions or contacting previous hikers. And also experienced local guides can be found from Atanwala and take one of them if you have not sure on the landmarks. But if you plan your trip with our company, all these requirements will be well managed by us.

Things to consider before visiting the Knuckles Mountain range

• Start your hike early morning.
• If you can increase your fitness before the hike, that will benefit to you.
• Do not forget to get only a few water bottles to reduce backpack weight. You can drink some Knuckles water stream and waterfalls water.
• Prepare and get support from a hiking stick.
• Prepare Anti-leech socks, Dettol spray, Citronella spray( local peoples called  Pagiri), or Salt liquid for leech.
• Choose the best condition shoes for your safety.
• Get a ready extra waterproof bag for electronic devices protection.

no worry  we can arrnge all thiss .