Peaks
Sri Lanka boasts diverse mountains and peaks, each with its own allure. Ritigala is shrouded in mystique with lush forests and historic ruins, while Mihintale holds cultural significance as Buddhism's birthplace. Namunukula, a hidden gem, offers serene escapes with breathtaking landscapes and cool climates.
Hakgala Peak
Location:
Hakgala Peak is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, within the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. It is situated near the town of Nuwara Eliya and is part of the Central Highlands region, which is known for its stunning landscapes and cooler climate.
Height:
Hakgala Peak stands at an elevation of approximately 2,220 meters (7,284 feet) above sea level.
Notable Features:
1. Flora and Fauna:
Hakgala is famous for its biodiversity. The area surrounding the peak is part of the Hakgala Botanical Garden, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The region is home to various species of plants, including some that are endemic to the island. The reserve is also known for its rich wildlife, such as deer, wild boars, and various bird species, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and hikers.
2. Climate:
The peak lies in a cool climate zone, with temperatures dropping significantly during the night. It experiences mist and occasional rainfall, contributing to the lush vegetation around the area.
3. Cultural Significance:
The Hakgala region is rich in local history and is linked to Sri Lanka’s ancient past. The mountain itself and the surrounding area hold significance for those interested in the country's cultural heritage.
4. Trekking and Scenic Views:
Hakgala Peak offers beautiful hiking opportunities, with trails that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and mountains. From the summit, one can see the Nuwara Eliya plains, the distant Adam's Peak, and the surrounding Knuckles Mountain Range.
5. Hakgala Botanical Garden:
The Hakgala Botanical Garden is located at the base of the peak and is a notable attraction. It was originally developed as an experimental garden for cultivating crops like tea and cinchona (the source of quinine) but has since evolved into a popular tourist destination.
Access and Hiking:
Reaching the peak involves a relatively challenging hike through forested terrain, but the trail is well-marked. Visitors can explore the surrounding areas as well, with multiple pathways through the nature reserve.
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Kirigalpotta
Reaching upto 2388m (7835 feet) above mean sea level, Kirigalpoththa Mountain in Sri Lanka looms in the district of Nuwara Eliya casting its shadow over the main city. This mountain is the second tallest of the island paradise Sri Lanka, and the tallest of the mountains in the island.
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Thotupola Kanda
Totapolakanda is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka situated in Nuwara Eliya district 2,357 m above mean sea level. The mountain is located within the Horton Plains National Park. A trail to the top of the mountain, about two kilometres long, starts a few metres away from the Pattipola entrance to the Horton Plains National Park.
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Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada Mountain)
The most famous physical feature of Ceylon is Adam’s Peak, which is situated in the Ratnapura district. It is on the edge of the central massif but its surrounding group of mountains called the Wilderness of the Peak . It is about 7500 ft high and, though it is the second-highest peak in the land.
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Hakgala Peak
Hakgala Peak is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, within theHakgala Strict Nature Reserve. It is situated near the town ofNuwara Eliyaand is part of theCentral Highlandsregion, which is known for its stunning landscapes and cooler climate.
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Gommolliya
Gommolliya Peak is part of theKnuckles Mountain Rangein central Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. The peak is located in theKandy District, which is in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
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Bambarakanda Peak
Bambarakanda Peak is located in theBadulla Districtof Sri Lanka, within theUva Province. It is part of the central highlands and is situated near the famousBambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The area is renowned for its lush greenery, cool climate, and stunning natural beauty.
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Riverston Peak
The Riverston Peak in Sri Lanka can be reached by travelling, about 30km away from the Matale town, down the Matale– Girandurukotte Road. This secretive windy road, with its sharp hairpin turns, offers some of the best views to the surrounding countryside; to the extent that it is called the Mini World’s End.
【Text by Lakpura™. Images by Google, copyright(s) reserved by original authors.】