Isanka Lion Holidays


Central Highlands of Sri Lanka



"The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka covers the remaining part of the rainforests of Sri Lanka, the habitat of high numbers of threatened flora and fauna species"





Sri Lanka's highlands are situated in the south-central part of the island. The property comprises the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. These montane forests, where the land rises to 2,500 m above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur, the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. The region is considered a super biodiversity hotspot.


One of the most remarkable surviving species is the endemic Sri Lankan leopard. Also, the western purple-faced langur is critically endangered.


This mountainous region, covered with grass plains, consists of three separate protected areas:


+ Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, including Adam’s Peak

+ Horton Plains National Park

+ Knuckles Mountain Range


Adam’s Peak is the highest point of the range at 2,243m above sea level. On top there is believed to be a footprint of Lord Buddha. Because of that, the peak has become an important center for Buddhist pilgrims.


On July 2010, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka which incorporates Horton Plains National Park, peak wilderness sanctuary and Knuckles Mountain Range was inscribed on the World Heritage List.


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Horton Plains





Horton Plains in not just another name on the map. Nestled high in the southern portion of the central hills of Sri Lanka, near the meeting point of the Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, is an ecological jewel known as the cradle of endemic biodiversity and the watershed for some of the country’s most important waterways.


The Horton Plains are the headwaters of important rivers such as the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. The plains also feed Belihul Oya, Agra Oya, Kiriketi Oya, Uma Oya, and Bogawantalawa Oya. In fact, the Agra Oya is the source stream for Sri Lanka’s longest river, the Mahaweli River, the Belihul Oya fulfils that role for the southward flowing Walawe River, and the Bogawanthala Oya is reckoned to be the source of the Kelani River, which meets the sea just north of Colombo.


The original name of the national park is Maha Eliya Thenna. But in the British period the park was renamed after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, the British governor of Ceylon from 1831 to 1837, who travelled to the area 1836.



Knuckles Mountain Range





Located within the district of Kandy and Matale in central Sri Lanka, the Knuckles mountain range, so called because of its appearance resembles a set of knuckles of a clenched fist, consists of five mountain peaks and several other smaller peaks. With the highest point about 6,000 ft above sea level the Knuckles span an extensive region covering 155 sq. km of the island. A wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna makes this wilderness area a storehouse of rich biodiversity.


Trek through dense forests, along rivers and waterfalls, past tea plantations and terraced paddy fields and visit some of the small rural village communities. Panoramic views of misty mountains, stunning valleys, ancient rock formations, lush forests, crystal clear streams, beautiful animal and plant life, paddy fields, traditional villages and hospitable people make the Knuckles an unmissable and unique blend of nature, culture and adventure. At least 35 peak rising over 900m and many species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.



Explore
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka !


Check Our Tour Packages

Chimney Pond - Horton Plains



Mini World's End - Riverston



Rare Mountain Leopards - Horton Plains



Montane Grassland - Riverston



Endangered Gray Slender Loris - Horton Plains



Sambar Deer (Rusa Unicolor) - Horton Plains



Isanka Lion Holidays



No. 90 T. B. Tennekoon Mawatha, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka.
Hotline: +94 76 700 3692
Email: info@isankalionholidays.com