Nature lover's paradise in the center of Sri Lanka

Hanthana mountain range which also known as nature lover’s paradise in Kandy, Central of Sri Lanka is popular among people those who like to go hiking, bird watching, camping, photography and be close to nature in anyway. It was located 1240 m above sea level, the Hanthana mountain range stretches all the way from Kandy to the town Galaha. The Hanthana mountain range was declared as an environmental protection area in February 2010 under National Environment Act. This mountain consists of seven peaks. The highest one is known as Uura Kanda. The waters of Mahaweli River and the tributaries of the river separate the individual hills of the range. These peaks offer spectacular views of the Kandy city, knuckles range, the range of Aranayake and the hills of the Sabaragamuwa region can be spotted from the heights of these hills.

Because of the beautiful scenery and a breathtaking panorama from its peaks, Hanthana is a favourite travel spot for many people. Mostly, among the university students. Moreover, University of Peradeniya is situated adjacent to the Hanthana mountain range. There fore it is easy to reach the foot of mountain range via the peradeniya- Galaha road or the Kandy – Udawela road. Also the mountain range, which is most often hidden by mist, is favoured by local university students. There fore the mountain range also known as adara kanda or the mountain of love is a most popular place between university students. And every year, university students from around the country make it a point to visit this mountain range.

In addition the place is popular for wild life habitat also. Therefore so many nature lovers and nature photographers are visiting this mountain range, because the mountain consists of fishing cats, civets, wild boars, hares, foxes, leopards, monkeys and porcupines are presenting in this ecosystem. Due to this the National Environment Act named Hanthana as protected nature reserve. And the people of Kandy were given permission to enter the area only to collect cane and firewood only, which allowed for a large number of animals to live and roam freely throughout the forest.

And also another interesting place in Hanthana mountain range is the Hanthana viharaya; people can visit this place while trekking through the hills of Hanthana. This was an ancient temple which was built during the ancient Kandyan kingdom and it is the temple that situated on the highest elevation in Kandy.

The Hanthana mountain range is one of the amazing places which are situated in central Sri Lanka. Also so many fascinating flora and fauna made the Hanthana range as their home. Moreover, it is the one only place that giving beautiful sceneries in both morning and evening. Therefore don’t forget to enjoy these charming views and other fascinating things in your next visit to Kandy!!