Sri Lanka · Wildlife

Knuckles and Wasgamuwa trail from Colombo

3 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Colombo. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the biodiversity of the Knuckles Mountain Range
  • 02 Enjoy a trekking experience with views of the Knuckles backdrop
  • 03 Visit Rangala Nature Pool and bathe in its cold waters
  • 04 Look out for endemic flora and fauna in the Knuckles region
  • 05 Experience a game drive safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
  • 06 Spot elephants, birds, and other wildlife in a strict nature reserve
  • 07 Travel from Colombo with private A/C transportation
  • 08 3-day nature adventure combining trekking and wildlife

Discover two of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding natural landscapes on this 3-day journey from Colombo, combining mountain scenery, trekking, and wildlife viewing. Explore the rich biodiversity of the Knuckles Mountain Range, known for its misty peaks, striking landscapes, and remarkable concentration of endemic flora and fauna.

You’ll also experience Wasgamuwa National Park, a wilderness area celebrated for its elephants, birdlife, and diverse wildlife. With private transport, an English-speaking guide, and time to enjoy both trekking and safari experiences, this tour offers a varied introduction to Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Discover two of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding natural landscapes on this 3-day journey from Colombo, combining mountain scenery, trekking, and wildlife viewing.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Kaudulla National Park, Wasgamuwa National Park, Knuckles Mountain Range
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

colombo to wasgamuwaWasgamuwa is well known for its abundant wildlife population, wilderness setting and home of several interesting ancient sites. Wasgamuwa is distinguished from other parks by having a full complement of predators of which bears are particularly noteworthy. Ecological research undertaken in the park suggests that the density of bears in Wasgamuwa is probably higher than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Wasgamuwa located in the district of Matale, between Polnnaruwa and Habarana, 225 km away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa is the best place to observe Elephants. The nearest large town is Polonnaruwa, 10 km from the northern boundary. The best time to enjoy the sight of large herds is during November to May. In the rest of the year the elephants tend to migrate to nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Other wildlife includes Purple faced langur monkeys, wild boar, sambar and spotted deer, buffalo and rarely sighted leopards and sloth bearsThe Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, north-east of the city of Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kandu Watiye meaning mist-laden mountain range. The entire area is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud but in addition to its aesthetic value the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka.

2
Day 02

wasgamuwaWasgamuwa is well known for its abundant wildlife population, wilderness setting and home of several interesting ancient sites. Wasgamuwa is distinguished from other parks by having a full complement of predators of which bears are particularly noteworthy. Ecological research undertaken in the park suggests that the density of bears in Wasgamuwa is probably higher than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Wasgamuwa located in the district of Matale, between Polnnaruwa and Habarana, 225 km away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa is the best place to observe Elephants. The nearest large town is Polonnaruwa, 10 km from the northern boundary. The best time to enjoy the sight of large herds is during November to May. In the rest of the year the elephants tend to migrate to nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Other wildlife includes Purple faced langur monkeys, wild boar, sambar and spotted deer, buffalo and rarely sighted leopards and sloth bears

3
Day 03

Wasgamuwa to ColomboWasgamuwa is well known for its abundant wildlife population, wilderness setting and home of several interesting ancient sites. Wasgamuwa is distinguished from other parks by having a full complement of predators of which bears are particularly noteworthy. Ecological research undertaken in the park suggests that the density of bears in Wasgamuwa is probably higher than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Wasgamuwa located in the district of Matale, between Polnnaruwa and Habarana, 225 km away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa is the best place to observe Elephants. The nearest large town is Polonnaruwa, 10 km from the northern boundary. The best time to enjoy the sight of large herds is during November to May. In the rest of the year the elephants tend to migrate to nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Other wildlife includes Purple faced langur monkeys, wild boar, sambar and spotted deer, buffalo and rarely sighted leopards and sloth bears

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Colombo. 8 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation in a A/C Vehicle
  • English speaking guide for the entire tour
  • All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges
  • Mineral Water Bottle

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees
  • Any tours to cities not mentioned above
  • Any other services not mentioned above
  • Accommodation & Meals

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Colombo.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Colombo.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Colombo..

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