Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is the newest member from Sri Lanka to the UNESCO world heritage sites added in 2010. This includes the Knuckles Conservation Forest, Horton Plains National Park and the Peak Wilderness Protected Area. The mountain areas above 2500m are considered as having the richest eco-systems and biodiversity.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is located in the highest grounds of Sri Lanka elevation over 2100m. This natural landscape has magnificent scenery among the top highest mountains in the country and the marches and valleys to lakes, springs and waterfalls. The region is also known for the best tea plantations in the country. Horton Plains national park has the famous view point called the ‘Worlds End’ where the plateau plunges almost 1000m in a sheer drop and the waterfall ‘Bakers Falls’.
It also has its endemic flora and fauna stored which has amazed the explorers and researchers for its richness. The animals seen in the park are several species of Gauna including Sambhur, Bear Monkey, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel, Fishing Cat, Wild Boar, as well as the Leopard. The Horton plains surround the highest mountain peaks in Sri Lanka including the Pidudruthalagala and the Kirigalpotta. It is a fine destination for the adventure lovers as well as nature lovers to explore the natural diversity and climate.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles Mountain Range, one of the largest and remarkable natural phenomenon in Sri Lanka, is located north-east of the city of Kandy. The mountain range has a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the mass. It has got its name ‘Knuckles’ as it appears to the far like a clenched fist. The mountain range has a collection of stunning waterfalls coming down from the high peaks of the range and many rivers, and springs. The thick forest cover on the mountains makes it extremely difficult to reach the peaks not to mention the mist and the insects like leeches that are vastly present in the forest. There are areas in the range which are still untouched by the human feet as they are hidden among this amazing natural shade. The Knuckles mountain range comprises a very high proportion of the country’s biodiversity and has attracted the scientists and explorers alike.
Peak Wilderness Protected Area
The region is considered as a top biodiversity hotspot in the world where a fascinating number of endemic species of flora and fauna are found. The site includes the largest and least disturbed remaining areas of the submontane and montane rain forests of Sri Lanka. It is found that more than half of the endemic species, and plants and more than 34% of the endemic trees and herbs are found in these areas. This region includes the Adam’s Peak, a mountain visible to most parts of the country having the elevation of 2,243m. It is also considered as a sacred place for many religions in Sri Lanka.