The
Knuckles Mountain Range situated in the central province of Sri Lanka to north
east of the city of Kandy. Which is also above 915m from sea level and covers
an area of about 234 Sq.Km of land
extent. The range takes its name because; there is a mountain with five peaks
in itself that looks like the knuckles. Sinhalese residents have traditionally
referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya. The whole territory is described
by its striking scenes frequently robed in thick layers of cloud. The Knuckles
Mountain Range can be accessed from several routes.
Route
1 : Kandy via Wattegama, through Panwila to Madulkele.
Starting
from Kandy Town to Katugastota then to Madawala. In the wake of passing
Madawala, and around 1.5 km before Wattegama, comes the V intersection where
the street diverts towards Wattegama and Bambarella. Continuing along
Bambarella Road will take the explorer towards the well known 'Knuckles Peaks'.
Route
2 : Kandy via Teldeniya, Hunnasgiriya ,Deanston and Corbets Gap
Starting
from Kandy Town, travelling along A26 Main Road to Padiyatalawa, one has to
pass Teldeniya, Medamahanuwara and at Hunnasgiriya town, turning to left and
proceeding along the road running through Deanston to Meemure and Deanston
Conservation Centre of the Forest Department, where the trail to Mini World's
End starts.
Route
3: Kandy,Raththota towards Ilukkumbura
Starting
from Kandy Town to Raththpta town and Ilukkumbura town, will take the explorer
towards the well known 'Knuckles Peaks'.
Flora
and Fauna.
Mammals
There
are 31 species of mammals recorded in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Ex:
Wild Buffalo, Wild boar, Jackal, Toque Macaque,Black Napped Hare, Purple faced
Leaf Monkey, Fishing Cat, Leopard, Mouse Deer,Sambar and Elephants.
Amphibians and
Reptiles
There are 20 species
of amphibians recorded in the knuckles Mountain Range,12 species are endemic.
Also 53 species of reptiles recorded from the area, 23 species are endemic.
Birds
There are 130
species of birds. Over 10 migrant species are also found here. Of the total
recorded species 20 are nationally endangered.
Ex : Jungle fowl,
Sri Lankan Super fowl, Sri Lankan Wood Pigeon,Yellow-eared Bulbul, Whistling
Thrush Spot-wing Thrush, Layard's Parakeets,
Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Hanging
Parrot, Brown capped Babbler, Crimson backed Woodpecker, Sri Lankan Woodshrike,
Sri Lankan Dull blue Flycatcher, Sri Lankan Myna, Bush Warbler and the Sri
Lankan White eye.
