Five peaks of knuckles (1862m)

The map – click to enlarge

It was Awurudu holidays and the weather was playing tricks on our minds but we didn’t want to let this holiday pass away without doing any hikes. There were two options it was either knuckles or sinharaja. So we decided go anywhere depending on the rain pattern. I was really motivated to do Knuckles after seen that Niroshan had covered all 5 peaks within a day and that was an inspiration for me (I’m sure you could read about that adventure in near future). So we started picking one by one from 3am onwards and after picking up Nishan from Miriswatta we had a small discussion regarding our destination for the day and since everyone was ok with the idea (despite a rain spike in the charts) we went ahead with hiking Knuckles. We reached Bamberella via Wattegama at around 9am and took the estate road to the trail head (need high ground clearance).

the famous five peaks

kirigalpoththa

Gombaniya

getting ready to take off

On the way we did meet the guy who issued tickets and we bought 5 tickets for 200 bucks. When we started the hike it was close to 10am. After a 10 minute hike we reached the waterfall where we had String hoppers as breakfast. From here onwards it was a walk along an open area, this stretch was so dehydrating but the view towards Knuckles kept us going. At one point we crossed the stream which forms the waterfall at a lower point. This is actually the proper and last water stream until the 4^th peak is reached. From here onwards we entered the forest trail and started ascending uphill. Few on and off breaks were compulsory because of the steep ascend. We came across a 3way junction where the Thangappuwa trail branched out towards the right. We took the left uphill trail. From this point onwards the trail got tough and our knees started knocking on our cheeks at some points. There were few open areas where we rested awhile enjoying the breathtaking scenery. After a tiring 2 hour hike we reached the first peak.

trail head

knuckles falls

the base

breakfast

“Wal araliya”

Kendrickia walkeri

off we go

sunny path

last stream

towards Gombaniya & Yakunnge hela

our destination

open areas

the path

path changing consistently

a common flower

first view point

3way junction (take the left turn)

one of those breaks

found everywhere on the mountain range

nelu

wow	our guide :-P

found at 1800m

view towards cobets gap

First peak had only a small view point(Window like) and there was a cleared area which was used for camping. After a brief break we took off towards the 2^nd peak. Second peak seems to be the highest point with a rocky summit. There were members of a normal family who had come to visit the Knuckles range and seen them was something out of the norm. From the 2^nd summit we took off towards the 3^rd through a somewhat covered path. There were many leeches on the 3^rd peak since it was bit marshy but they were not so vicious. From the 3^rd we took off towards the forth and reached a bare land where a superb camping site could be found. If one wants to camp I would suggest this scenic and spacious location. There were two drinkable springs which were dug off by campers we did fill up our empty bottles from it. From 4^th to the 5^th there wasn’t a clear path but it was not difficult. If one wishes he could go along the peaks and reach Rilagala, Selvakanda and cross over to Kalupahana. Due to the mist we couldn’t appreciate Pitawala, Etanwala, Kehelpathdoruwa and Na ela sides. But Hunnasgiriya, Gombaniya and Victoria reservoirs were seen through the mist.

Pseudophilautus hoffmanni

view from the 1st peak

on the way to 2nd peak

tired but yet marching

the ridge we walked along

beauty

view towards the 3rd peak

another view

on the 2nd peak with an interesting family who hiked all 5 peaks

towards the 3rd

couldnt resist

colourful mountain tops

the ridge

3rd peak

marching forward

towards pitwala

peak close to maningala

towards gomare gala

looking back towards 2nd peak

“ashoka”

no path?

the drop

5th waiting for us

wanted to take this route downwards

wow	best camping place on 4th peak

water source at 4th peak

kalupahana

paddyfields at etanwala side

note the flowers

binara

had a nice smell

its fruit

towards infinity

like a velvet

5th peak

victoria reservoir

4th 3rd and 2nd

hunnasgiri peak

extensions of knuckles range

down the pallam

mist mist go away

beautiful mother nature

sri lankan white eye

a pano

After having lunch at the 3^rd peak we returned back in a hurry because thundering lightning began. Few members in our group did suffer with on and off cramps but it settled with time. When we reached the end it was almost 5.30pm so we did head towards the Bambarella Bridge and refreshed ourselves before heading towards Kandy where we had dinner. I had to say good bye to the rest since I was heading towards Monaragala. This was one hell of a hike that we will cherish for few years.

there were plenty of bees on this

lonely beauty

lunch time

heaven

returning back

back to the 2nd peak

down we go

3 layers

wiltshire and etipola seen far away

a bark mushroom

path among the bushes

steep descent

bit of blue

resting point

flat terain

gray leaves

what we conquered

the team