Knuckles Mountain Range in the central province of Sri Lanka, lies in the districts of Matale and Kandy. It gets its name since its peaks resemble the knuckles of clenched fists when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy district. This name is given to the mountain range by British surveyors. The Sinhalese residents call it “Dumbara Kanduvetiya” which translates to mist-laden mountain range. The area is popular for a wide variety of flora and fauna out of which some are endemic. The higher mountain peaks are often laid over by thick layers of cloud.

The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO heritage site and is one of the most popular hiking spots in Sri Lanka. It consists of 34 mystical mountains which range from 900 meters to 2000 meters. The Knuckles Mountain Range is known to be the hardest and toughest hiking spots in Sri Lanka and should only be attempted by those who are experienced at hiking.

The most popular hiking trails of the Knuckles Mountain Range are the Dothalugala nature trail, the nature trail that leads to Nitro Caves, a large cave inhabited by hundreds of bats, the trail to Mini World’s End and the Duwili Ella trail.