Represents a Climatic Microcosm of Sri Lanka. (Knuckles Mountain)
The Knuckles Mountain Range spans across the districts of Matale and Kandy, in the central region of Sri Lanka. It derives its name from the peaks and folds that resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist, as seen from certain viewpoints within the Kandy District. The British surveyors coined the name, while the local Sinhalese people call it Dumbara Kanduvetiya, meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range.
The higher montane region of the range is often covered by thick layers of clouds, adding to its aesthetic appeal. However, the Knuckles range is not just visually pleasing, but also holds great scientific significance. It represents a climatic microcosm of Sri Lanka, displaying the characteristic conditions of all the climatic zones in the country. At higher elevations, several isolated cloud forests support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Despite occupying only 0.03% of the island’s total area, the Knuckles range accommodates a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity. The range is home to several relict, endemic flora and fauna that differ from those found in the central massif. These forests house over 34 per cent of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs.
In summary, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a natural and scenic hill country of exceptional beauty and unparalleled scientific significance, representing a rich microcosm of Sri Lanka’s climatic diversity.
