Central Highlands

The Central Highlands consist of Horton Plains, the Knuckles Mountain Range, and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. This region, encompassing the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, Horton Plains National Park, and Knuckles Conservation Forest, has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Horton Plains National Park Covered by misty mountains, grasslands, and cloud forests, Horton Plains National Park is a plateau situated at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters. Rich in biodiversity, many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in the 1960s and later elevated to a national park due to its biodiversity value and climatic patterns.

Most of the vegetation consists of grasslands interspersed with mountain forests, including many endemic woody plants. The park is home to large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer and is also an Important Area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but also specific to Horton Plains. Attractions in the park include the sheer precipice of World's End and Baker's fall. Additionally, two major rivers, Mahaweli and Walawe, radiate from the summit of Horton Plains.

Baker's Falls (Horton Plains) Baker's Falls in Horton Plains National Park is a picturesque waterfall on the Belihul Oya River. The cascading waters are a refreshing sight during hikes in the area.

Knuckles Mountain Range The Knuckles Mountain Range is located in central Sri Lanka, spanning the districts of Matale and Kandy. Its name derives from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif, resembling clenched knuckles when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Locally, this area is referred to as Dumbara Kandhu Yaya, meaning mist- laden mountain range.

This entire area is characterized by striking landscapes often enveloped in thick layers of cloud. Beyond its aesthetic value, the range holds significant scientific interest, serving as a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. The conditions of all climatic zones in the country are exhibited in this mountain range. At higher elevations, a series of isolated cloud forests are home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a vital repository of the country's biodiversity.

Peak Wilderness Sanctuary The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a tropical rainforest radiating the Kelani and Kalu, the major rivers of the island, along with many tributaries of the Mahaweli River. These streams create waterfalls on their way to the Indian Ocean inside the sanctuary. Spanning elevations from 300m to 2200m above sea level, this sanctuary possesses unusual geographical formations compared to other natural reserves on the island.

Adams Peak Adams Peak, one of the highest peaks in Sri Lanka, is known as Samanthakuta or Samanalakanda. According to Buddhist tradition and belief, it houses the sacred footprint of Buddha on its summit.

The surrounding region consists of forested hills with an extremely cold climate. This area serves as a wildlife reserve, home to a diverse range of species, from elephants to leopards, including many endemic species. The surrounded area is enriched with gem-bearing gravel containing precious stones such as Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires, for which the island has been famous, earning it the ancient name "Rathnadvipa" or Island of Gems.