An area of stunningly beautiful but rugged mountainous range is the Knuckles region. A varied climate zone from 38 to 5 degrees, tall grass to pygmy tree rain forest vegetation & rising from 1500 to 5500 feet is this area that boasts of many endemic species, both fauna & flora!

Villages that have existed since Royal times are interlaced between a few hospitable valleys where traditional farming methods are still practiced. Peak rain forests produce & spill waterways in the form of waterfalls, pools, streams, springs & rivers down its valleys.

The trek crosses the Knuckles ridge, where the main source of 2 of the island’s rivers begin, the Amban & Hulu Ganga. We descend into a picturesque valley ‘Wilderness’ surrounded by jungle & waterways. An abandoned plantation bungalow, which in its glory days boasted of 24 rooms, is our home in the wild.

This estate & its bungalow is privately owned, hence this is a private trail.


Total distance: Around 30Km.

Temperature: Between 11 to 38 degrees.

Conditions: Rocky, muddy & damp with the occasional river/stream to cross.

Elevation: Between 2200 to 5000Feet.

Difficulty level: Mildly difficult on occasion.

Distance per day: Around 10K [about 4-5 hours]

Group size: Minimum 2 – maximum 20

Program:

Day 1.

We meet-up with our porters & cook at a tea plantation cross road near Madulkalle, have some refreshments & commence the trek. Initially it’s through tea plantation which gives way to secondary forests. We stop at a freshwater pool & stream for tea/lunch. Hereon the climbing starts through rain forests until we come to the Knuckles ridge. We then descend to a hidden valley called ‘wilderness’. An old plantation bungalow remains in this valley. We stay here for the night. Comforts include running water, flushing toilet, fresh & hot cooked food, beds & a roof above. Dinner & overnight stay at wilderness.


Day 2.

Trek down after breakfast for the river with swim & lunch, besides the river. We then ascend a plateau-like mountain, to camp on a grass plain. From here is an uninterrupted view of the entire knuckles range…remote, rugged & beautiful. You can choose your perfect window to pitch camp. Dinner & overnight in tents.

Day 3.

Decamp & after breakfast, visit an ancient village nearby for refreshments & clean-up. It’s only a short distance to the roadway, where the vehicle would meet-up, near little World’s End.