"Wild Glamping Knuckles "

The Knuckles Mountain Range also called the Knuckles Massif; a bio-diversity hotspot located in the districts of Kandy and Matale in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Situated at a height of over 3000 ft above sea level, covering a land area of approximately 21 hait consists of five peaks; namely Kirigalpottha, Gombaniya, Knuckles, Koboneelagala and Dotulugala which form the shape of the knuckles in a clenched fist. The area situated above 1500 m was declared a climatic reserve in 1873 and a conservation forest in 2000, later a National Man & Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 2009. It is today considered as one of South Asia’s important sites for the conservation of montane tropical forest habitats.

This picturesque mist laden mountain range is where the Knuckles Forest Reserve also known as the Knuckles Conservation forest is found. It is an UNESCO designated World Heritage Site that comes under the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage Property, one of the two World Heritage Natural Properties in Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Knuckels .............

Corbert's Gap

Corbet's Gap is a popular tourist attraction that is located within the Knuckles Mountain Range.. It is a deep valley and also happens to be a rain shadow area. The vegetation here can vary between wet, dry and montane vegetation. The B grade road from Hunnasgiriya; which is a popular starting point for trekkers, leads to the Corbett’s Gap. Corbett’s Gap was given its name after a British surveyor Corbett who mapped the area. Locals often refer to it as the ‘Attala-Wettuwa’. This is one of the most popular and magnificent view points in the Knuckles Mountain Range.

Laggala 

Laggala is a prominent rock related to the Ramayana legend which plays an important role in the narration of the story. It is where Lord Rama’s army was sighted for the first time before the final battle that took place in this exact location.

Pitalawala Pathana

Pitawala Pathana is an unusual expanse of grassland found within the Knuckles Mountain Range in close proximity to Riverston.  An ideal spot for a hiking and camping experience.

Mini World's End 

The Mini World’s End at Deanston is a spectacular view point located within the Knuckles Mountain Range. An escarpment with a sheer drop of 1192 metres, it gives magnificent and panoramic views of the surrounding misty landscapes. Deanston, which is the starting point for the trail to Mini World’s End, is an off the beaten track of 1.1 kilometres towards the drop. One should not get confused between the ‘Little World’s End’ located at Horton Plains and the Mini World’s End at Knuckles. It is referred to as ‘mini’ because the cliff is not as high as of the one at Horton Plains.

Hiking and Trekking in Kuckels Range 

Trekking the Knuckles Mountain Range may be a bit of an arduous task because of the thick fog, unpredictable weather and the large leech population. In spite of all these, trekking the Knuckles Mountain Range will prove to be an unforgettable experience for it is one of the best places for a backpacking escapade. Imagine changing landscapes of grasslands to rugged mountain peaks with meandering streams and flowing waterfalls appearing in between – it is a trekker’s paradise.

• Mini World's end trail
• Dothalygala Nature trail 
• Trail to Nitro caves from Corbett’s Gap
• The Bambarella Hike of 5 peaks of Knuckles

Waterfall Hoping 

 The Knuckles Mountain Range, synonymous with beauty and an astounding resemblance to a human fist of knuckles, is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Sri Lanka, with plenty of waterfalls that would encourage one to spend a day trekking and waterfall hopping.

• Hulugaga Ella Waterfall 
• Saari Ella waterfall 
• Jodu Ella waterfall 

To develop Knuckles, Sri Lanka sustainably, it's essential to consider environmental, social, and economic factors. The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• Eco-friendly Tourism: Promote low-impact, eco-friendly tourism to minimize the environmental footprint. This includes guided nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife observation.

• Restricted Access: Implement controlled access to sensitive areas to protect flora and fauna. Establish well-defined trails and educate visitors about responsible tourism.

2. Community Engagement

• Community-based Tourism
• Training Programs

3. Infrastructure Development

• Green Infrastructure: Implement eco-friendly infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy sources, to reduce the environmental impact.

• Trail Maintenance: Establish and maintain well-marked trails to prevent habitat destruction and soil erosion.

4. Resource Management

• Waste Management: Implement effective waste management systems to reduce pollution. Encourage recycling and the use of biodegradable products.

• Water Conservation: Promote water conservation practices and infrastructure to safeguard local water resources.

5. Education and Awareness

• Visitor Education: Develop educational programs for tourists, highlighting the importance of the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the need for responsible tourism.

• Local Awareness Campaigns: Educate local communities about the significance of conservation and sustainable practices.

8. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the government, private sector, and local communities to ensure a holistic approach to sustainable development.

• International Collaboration: Seek support and collaboration with international organizations and NGOs specializing in conservation and sustainable development.

By integrating these practices, Knuckles, Sri Lanka can develop in a way that preserves its unique natural heritage, benefits local communities, and promotes responsible tourism. It's crucial to strike a balance between development and conservation to ensure the long-term well-being of both the environment and its inhabitants.

Bibliography :

Reddy, J., 2008. A simple abode: high in the little-explored Knuckles Range of Sri Lanka, a grassroots tourism project is helping to sustain and preserve the traditional ways of a dwindling village community. Geographical, 80(11), pp.64-70.

Ranaweera, R.A.A.K., Madhusankha, W.A.I. and Idroos, A.A., 2019. MOUNTAIN ECO-TOURISM & SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT: DUAL PERSPECTIVES FROM INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS AND POTENTIAL VISITORS (EVIDENCES FROM MEEMURE & KNUCKELS). Journal homepage: http://tourismleaderssummit. org/jtear, 3(1).

Pattiyagedara, S.S. and Fernando, P.I.N., 2020. Rural tourism niche-market as a development strategy on rural community: reference to Hiriwadunna village track, Meemure and Heeloya Knuckles Valley tourism village, Sri Lanka.

Wickramasinghe, K., Steele, P. and Senaratne, A., 2008, July. Socio-economic impacts of forest conservation on peripheral communities: case of Knuckles National Wilderness Heritage of Sri Lanka. In a paper presented at “Governing Shared Resources: Connecting Local Experience to Global Challenges,” 12th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of Commons, Cheltenham England.

Zoysa, M.D., 2022. Forest-based ecotourism in Sri Lanka: a review on state of governance, livelihoods, and forest conservation outcomes. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 41(3-5), pp.413-439.