Mountains in Sri Lanka

As one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Indian subcontinent, Adam’s Peak is a 7,359 feet tall mountain in Sri Lanka, frequently visited by people of almost all major religions. It is widely known for Sri Pada, a foot-shaped indentation at the summit of the pyramid-like mountain. Also called the sacred footprint, it is believed to be the footprint of Lord Buddha,  Shiva, the Muslims as Adam’s, and St. Thomas the Apostle by different religions.

Best Time: December to May

Locally known as Mount Pedro, Pidurutalagala is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of 2524 m, the peak can be seen from the entire Central Province of Sri Lanka. The peak also serves as a base for the country’s armed forces’ radar system. It is not accessible by the general public. Leopards are a common sight in the mountains, as are Meerkats, Sand Deer, Sand Leopards, Green Leopards.

With a height of 2388 m, Kirigalpotta is the second largest mountain in Sri Lanka which is accessible to visitors. The 7-km hiking trail that passes by the Horton Plains National Park also leads to the mountain top. The mountain peak is located in Nuwara Eliya and can be accessed via a 5km trail from the famous Horton Plains National Park. The whole trek takes about 4 hours. 

One of the most elaborate mountain ranges in the heart of Sri Lanka is Hanthana mountain range. The spectacular view that you get of the entire Kandy city from Hanthana mountain range will keep you awestruck for your entire journey. This mountain in Sri Lanka is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and bird watching. The whole hike to the the top and back takes about 7 hours. Be sure to carry water bottles, food, and uitable apparel.

Knuckles Mountain range is an unusual terrestrial landform located in Matale and Kandy, in Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name was given by the British, and the locals call this range 'Dumbara Kanduvetiya', which means mist-laden mountains. Knuckles Mountain Range is called so because of its uncanny resemblance to the fingers of a clenched fist. The range is a World Heritage Conservation Area and is relatively untouched. The range features 34 peaks, ranging between 900 metres to 2000 metres.

The third largest peak in Nuwara Eliya is at a height of 2357 m above the sea level. It is also referred to as the Thotupola Peak by the natives. The peak is a part of the Horton Plains National Park. The legend of Lord Rama and Ravana describes this peak as Ravana’s landing site when he kidnapped Sita, Lord Rama’s wife. The mountain is located in the Horton Plains Cloud forest, and the whole 5 km trek to the top takes bout 2 hours to complete.

Proved to be the fourth tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, Kudahagala Mountain, also referred to as Agrabopat Hills, is said to be elevated at a height of 2320 meters (7,612 feet). This mountain is situated near the Nuwara Eliya district and can be seen clearly from the Horton Plains National Park which is also located in the area. The whole trek takes about 3 hours, and it is advisable to carry water and suitable apparel.

Gommoli Kanda Mountain, meaning ‘Hump of the Bull’ in Sinhalese due to its peak resembling it, stands at a height of 2,034 meters such that is counted to be the 13th highest mountain in Sri Lanka. You need to pass through Wangedigala and Balathuduwa Peaks to reach this peak, and is about 3 hours from Kalupahana junction. Carry water bottles and hiking shoes as the whole trek takes about 5 hours to complete.

Situated in the Uva Province in Sri Lanka, Namunukula or ‘Nine Peaks’ mountain range is known to be one of the most prevalent hiking spots and the 12th tallest mountain in Sri Lanka; with an elevation of 2,035 meters. The tallest peak of the mountain range can be reached via route startingat the 3rd Mile Post on Passara-Badulla Road. The peak also has several spots popular for camping. The whole hike takes about 5 hours.

Rassagala, or The Monarch’s Rock, is among the most important archaeological sites and magnificent, rugged and heavily forested mountains in Sri Lanka. Inhabited since the 1st century BCE, Rassagala houses over 600 prehistoric ruins, ancient stupas and well-preserved caves of hermits. A scenic trek through paved concrete halfway up the mountain leads to Rajagalathenna Monastery, one of Sri Lanka’s most prosperous temples.