Quick answer
The Knuckles Range, north-east of Kandy, is one of Sri Lanka's richest places for endemic wildlife, with species such as the leaf-nosed lizard found only here. Its cloud forest, grassland and streams also hold purple-faced langurs, giant squirrels, mouse deer, leopards and many endemic birds and frogs. Part of the Central Highlands World Heritage Site since 2010, the range is best visited roughly from January to April, from bases such as Riverston, Deanston or Meemure, with a local guide.
Key takeaways
- The Knuckles Range is part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2010.
- The leaf-nosed lizard is found only in the Knuckles Range, one of several species restricted to this area.
- The range spans a sharp rainfall divide, with wetter western slopes and drier eastern slopes.
- Purple-faced langurs, giant squirrels, mouse deer and leopards live in the forests.
- Riverston, Deanston and Meemure are the main bases for wildlife walks, roughly two to three hours from Kandy.
What makes the Knuckles Range special
The Knuckles Range is a mountain massif in the Matale and Kandy districts, with peaks rising above 1,800 metres. It is protected as the Knuckles Conservation Forest and is part of the Central Highlands World Heritage Site, which UNESCO inscribed in 2010 for its high concentration of endemic species.
The range is isolated from the main central highlands by the Mahaweli valley, and its peaks catch rain from both monsoons. This isolation and variety of climate have produced species found nowhere else, especially among lizards, frogs, fish and plants.
The landscape ranges from cloud forest and montane grassland to dry patana grassland, cardamom plantations and paddy-terraced villages such as Meemure.
Endemic species of the Knuckles
The Knuckles Range's most famous endemic is the leaf-nosed lizard, an agamid with a leaf-shaped appendage on its snout, found only in this range. Other restricted species include the Knuckles pygmy lizard and several endemic frogs and freshwater fish.
Seeing these species usually needs a local guide, as they are small and well camouflaged. Early morning and after rain are the best times to look.
- →Leaf-nosed lizard: found only in the Knuckles Range.
- →Knuckles pygmy lizard: a tiny endemic of the forest floor.
- →Endemic frogs: shrub frogs in the wet forest.
- →Endemic fish: in the clear mountain streams.
Mammals and birds
The Knuckles Range's mammals include the purple-faced langur, toque macaque, Sri Lanka giant squirrel, mouse deer, sambar, wild boar and leopard, though leopards are rarely seen. Otters live in some of the streams.
Birds include the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka hanging parrot and Layard's parakeet, along with many forest species. The range is less famous for birds than Sinharaja, but quieter and more varied.
- →Purple-faced langurs and toque macaques: common in the forest.
- →Giant squirrels: in the canopy.
- →Mouse deer and sambar: shy, best at dawn.
- →Birds: grey hornbills, barbets and parakeets.
Where to look: Riverston, Deanston and Meemure
Riverston, on the north-western side of the range, is reached by road from Matale and has short walks through cloud forest and grassland, with good views and lizards. Deanston, on the southern side, is a base for longer walks into the forest. Meemure, a remote village at the foot of the range, offers walks through paddy fields and forest streams.
Each base has simple guesthouses or eco-lodges and local guides. The roads to Riverston and Meemure are narrow and winding, roughly two to three hours from Kandy.
- →Riverston: cloud forest and grassland, short walks.
- →Deanston: longer forest walks.
- →Meemure: village and stream walks.
When to visit
The best time to visit the Knuckles Range for wildlife is roughly January to April, when the weather is driest and the trails are easiest. From roughly May to September, the south-west monsoon brings wind and rain to the western slopes, and from October to December the north-east monsoon brings rain to the east.
Leeches are common in wet weather, so leech socks are useful. Mist can roll in at any time, so start early.
Visiting responsibly
The Knuckles Range is a conservation forest, and some areas require permits. Local guides know the rules and the trails, and hiring one supports the villages around the range. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange guided walks focused on wildlife, from half-day walks at Riverston to multi-day treks.
Keep to the trails, take rubbish out and do not collect plants or animals. The endemic lizards and frogs are sensitive to disturbance, so watch without handling them.
Frequently asked questions
What animals live in the Knuckles Range?
The Knuckles Range holds the purple-faced langur, toque macaque, giant squirrel, mouse deer, sambar, wild boar, leopard and otter, along with endemic lizards such as the leaf-nosed lizard, endemic frogs and fish, and birds such as the grey hornbill and yellow-fronted barbet.
What is the leaf-nosed lizard?
The leaf-nosed lizard is an agamid lizard found only in the Knuckles Range. Males have a leaf-shaped appendage on the snout. It lives in the cloud forest and is well camouflaged, so a local guide is usually needed to find one.
When is the best time to visit the Knuckles Range?
The best time is roughly January to April, when the weather is driest and trails are easiest. From May to September the western slopes are wet and windy, and from October to December the eastern slopes get rain. Start early, as mist can roll in later in the day.
Can you see leopards in the Knuckles Range?
Leopards live in the Knuckles Range, but they are rarely seen, as the forest is dense and the cats are shy. They are more often detected by tracks or camera traps. For leopard sightings, plan time at Yala or Wilpattu.
How do I get to the Knuckles Range?
The Knuckles Range is reached by road from Kandy or Matale. Riverston is roughly two hours from Kandy via Matale, and Meemure roughly two and a half to three hours via Hunnasgiriya. Roads are narrow and winding, so a driver is recommended.
Do I need a guide in the Knuckles Range?
A guide is strongly recommended. Trails are not always marked, some areas need permits and the weather can change quickly. Local guides also know where to look for endemic lizards, frogs and birds that visitors would otherwise miss.
Is the Knuckles Range good for birdwatching?
Yes. The Knuckles Range holds the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka hanging parrot and Layard's parakeet among many forest species. It is less famous than Sinharaja for birds but quieter, and its mix of wet and dry habitats adds variety.