Sri Lanka is known all over the world for its beautiful mountains and natural beauty which is also a plus. The central and southern parts of the country contain many rugged mountains and peaks. These places are of high ecological value and are biologically diverse. The mountains of Sri Lanka contain well-preserved forest areas and are also the source of many of the country’s rivers. Sri Pada Mountain of Sri Lanka is the sacred peak where pilgrims from all over the world come to worship the footprint of Lord Buddha. The country is also home to many waterfalls and is famous throughout the world for its tea plantations.
The weather conditions of this country remain almost constant throughout the year with low temperatures. Huge mountains covered with lush greenery and marked with occasional waterfalls are the features of this country that make it extremely beautiful. Sri Lankan cities like Nuwara Eliya make the country remarkable with its majestic sightseeing opportunities and mountains in Sri Lanka.
Best time to visit
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Sri Lanka’s weather is very complex as this small island country is affected by two monsoons. Due to which it becomes very important to keep the time of year and prevailing weather conditions in mind before planning a trip to Sri Lanka. However, you can travel the country and at least part of it always has good weather.
The months from January to early March are the best time of the year to visit this country. These months have the most sunshine making it pleasant, warm and suitable for travel. Temperatures at higher altitudes are much lower than on the dry and sunny coasts in the south and west of Sri Lanka.
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Top 10 Mountains of Sri Lanka
There are many mountains in Sri Lanka that not only take the breath away of the travelers but also quench the thirst for adventure among adventure seekers. Take a look at this list of top mountains that you should definitely conquer when traveling to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.
1.Sri Pada or Adams Peak
As stated earlier, Sri Lanka is famous for its Buddhist pilgrimage to Sri Lanka. Sri Pada or Sacred Footprint is a 1.8 meter rock near the summit of Adams Peak which is at an altitude of 2,243 metres. This mountain is the junction of many religions like Buddhism: which consider it to be the footprint of Buddha, Hindus consider it to be the footprint of Lord Shiva. In Islam and Christianity this footprint is believed to be that of Adam or St. Thomas. Adams Peak is one of the most beautiful mountains in Sri Lanka and is located in the Ratnapura district on the edge of the central massif. The group of surrounding mountains in this area is known as the Forest of Peaks and is extensive compared to other mountains.
2. Kirigalpotta
The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Kirigalpotta has an elevation of 2,388 meters above mean sea level. It is also the highest mountain in Sri Lanka which can be easily reached by the common citizens of the country. Pidurutalagala, on the other hand, is a military base area and thus, is not accessible to the public. Kirigalpotta peak is located in Nuwara Eliya district. A not very well known 7 kilometer walking trail takes you to the mountain peak through Horton Plains National Park. However, this route is a great adventure for hiking in the mountains in Sri Lanka.
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3. Pidurutalagala
Pidurutalagala is the only extremely prominent peak in the island nation. It is one of only 1,515 very prominent peaks worldwide. There is a forest reserve around this mountain which was seriously damaged in a forest fire five years ago. More than three acres of forest land has been damaged by the fire. However, over time and with the help of the people of Sri Lanka, much of the damage has been repaired and is still improving every day. The mountain peak of Pidurutalagala serves as the base of communication chain of the Sri Lankan government and armed forces. Due to the secrecy of activities in the area it has been marked as an ultra-high security area. Contrasted with lush green surroundings, these are the best mountains in Sri Lanka, covered with forests housing a huge variety of rare and endemic species of plants and animals. The mountain peak gives one a chance to look over the beautiful country of Sri Lanka and is a perfect panorama.
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4. Thotupola Area
Thotupola Mountain in Sri Lanka is one of the highest ranking mountains in the top ten of the list. The climbing and sightseeing takes about half a day of the journey. The vegetation of this region is different from the rest of the mountains in the country. If you have fondness for mountain greenery then mountain top is the best attraction for you. Thotupola Kanda is one of the most famous and beautiful mountains of Sri Lanka and also has a historical connection with the King Ravana period.
Rare species of birds are often found in this part of the country, these include the Dull Blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White Thrush and many other species. The rare horned lizard is very common around the Horton Plains and if you’re lucky you may even spot a leopard.
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5. Rasagala
It is commonly called Rajagala Aliso or Rajagalathena, meaning ‘The Monarch’s Rock. Rasagala is a rugged mountain covered with dense forests and has an elevation of 1,038 feet above sea level. It is located in the country’s sparsely populated eastern province, which has significant archaeological importance. Rajagala Archaeological Site is spread over 1,600 acres and is the second largest monastery of its kind, the first being Mihintel Monastery in Anuradhapura. The place contains more than six hundred prehistoric ruins, monuments and artefacts, among which hundreds of stupas can be found.
6. Hakgala
Then, Hakgala Mountain in Sri Lanka is located in the Nuwara Eliya district of the country and its height is about 7,116 feet above sea level. The mountain is mostly covered with forests that belong to the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. The northeastern slope of this mountain is also notable for the presence of the Hakgala Botanical Garden. The southwestern slope of Hakgala has a more humid climate in contrast to the northeastern slope. The main reason for this is the south-west monsoon winds which directly hit the south-western slopes of the mountain.
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7. Conical hill
Conical Hill is another stunning beauty of the Sri Lankan island. The location of this mountain was unknown to hikers for decades and has only recently been discovered. Trekking on this mountain can be a bit difficult as there are no properly maintained roads to reach it, but if you are confident enough then you can make the trek using the paths used by the wild animals of the region. Can. The area also witnesses the presence of a huge variety of wasps, making it a difficult place to explore.
8. Great Western Mountains
Standing at an altitude of approximately 2,212 meters above mean sea level, the Great Mountain is the sixth highest mountain in the country. It is another notable mountain located in the Nuwara Eliya district of central Sri Lanka. This location gives the mountain the advantage of a picturesque setting. If traveling by train, this mountain spanning a distance of 1 kilometer can be seen between Thalawakele and Nanuoya. It is a climbable mountain in Sri Lanka which can be reached from the end. However, it is considered one of the most difficult summits due to the steep and intense terrain.
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9. Bible Hill
Bible Rock is located near Aranayake Island near Kegalle District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is known as Bathalegala in the Sinhalese language and the name Bible Rock is due to the fact that the surface of the area looks like a book. It has a remarkably flat surface similar to the more famous Sigiriya Citadel to its north.
10. Gombaniya
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The Gombanya mountain range is located in the Matale district of the country. This range consists of five peaks resembling the knuckles of a closed fist and thus, is also known as the Knuckles range. The highest point of this range is at an elevation of 6,248 feet above mean sea level. The five peaks of the Gombanya Range, from west to southeast, are Kirigalpotta, Gombanya, Knuckles, Kobonilagala and Dotulugala: also known as the Mini Alps. This mountain range extends over approximately 20,000 hectares of land. It houses the biodiversity of flora and fauna indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, making it a must-see on your trip to Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka’s geographical location is unique, which places it at an advantage due to the greenery of this land. With waterfalls hidden here and there in the amazing mountains in Sri Lanka, it is definitely an experience of a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountains are there in Sri Lanka?
The mountains of Sri Lanka display the most surreal and mesmerizing views, allowing visitors to see the beauty of the pearl of the Indian Ocean at a glance. There are about 19 mountains in Sri Lanka which attract tourists throughout the year.
Which is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka?
Pidurutalagala is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka situated at an altitude of 2,500 above sea level, making hiking and trekking even more adventurous for thrill seekers.
Which hill is located in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is home to the famous conical hill which is 2,166 meters high and is located in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka.
Which is the highest plateau of Sri Lanka?
The highest plateau of Sri Lanka is located in the highlands of the Central Province, 32 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and is called the Horton Plain.
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