Located to the southwest of Kandy and bordering the University of Peradeniya, the Hanthana Mountain Range is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This scenic range features seven distinct peaks, with Ura Kanda standing as the tallest. Its dramatic landscapes have even served as filming locations for movies and music videos.
From the top of these summits, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Dolosbage range in Aranayake, the city of Kandy, the Knuckles mountain range, and the highlands of Sabaragamuwa.
Why Explore the Hanthana Mountain Range?
Hanthana’s seven peaks offer hikers and nature lovers countless vantage points overlooking lush forests, rural villages, and rolling hill country. The highest point, Ura Kanda, rises to about 3,800 feet and rewards visitors with stunning panoramic scenery.
These trails are especially popular among young travelers and university groups. In fact, many major state universities in Sri Lanka choose Hanthana for their annual treks, making it a must-visit location for anyone passionate about hiking.
Hiking and Trekking in Hanthana
A typical half-day trek through the Hanthana highlands takes you along a mostly easy 1.9-mile path, ending with a moderately steep final ascent of roughly 150 meters at a 45° incline. Since being declared a protected nature reserve in 2010, the area has grown in popularity among trekkers seeking natural beauty and biodiversity.
Birdwatchers will find this region especially rewarding, with around 120 bird species recorded. The Sherwood Forest trail, a favorite among hikers, offers impressive perspectives of two prominent peaks in the range and a distant glimpse of Ura Ketu Gala. Film lovers may be intrigued to learn that this very landscape provided the backdrop for scenes in Steven Spielberg’s 1984 classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
For further details, visit hiking-and-trekking-in-Sri-Lanka.
Wildlife of Hanthana Mountain
The Hanthana range supports a rich variety of native wildlife and is recognized by the Sri Lankan government as a protected reserve. Among its inhabitants are monkeys, leopards, foxes, hedgehogs, fishing cats, civets, wild boars, and various birds of prey.
With more than 120 bird species found here, it’s an outstanding destination for bird enthusiasts seeking both common and endemic species.
Learn more at Sri Lanka Wildlife.
Tips for Hiking in Hanthana
Treks usually begin around 9:00 AM and wrap up by 3:00 PM, as dusk can arrive quickly and make navigation difficult. To ensure safety and get the most out of your adventure, consider booking a tour with local guides who are familiar with the terrain.Contact us to arrange your customized hiking experience.