Guide to Rohana Estate Lodging & Camping
Sightseeing
Property has great view of Knuckles 5 peaks. Knuckles hikers can start from Dawatagala Trail (Bambarella-Gomara Trail) which is 7km away. Thangappuwa-Alugallena Trail is 14km away. Property can assist in transport, meals and guides.
The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduwetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range.
The higher montane area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island's total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country's biodiversity. The isolated Knuckles range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests. Knuckles Conservation Forest was included in UNESCO natural world heritage list in 2010 as part of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
Knuckles Forest Reserve
Property has great view of Knuckles 5 peaks. Knuckles hikers can start from Dawatagala Trail (Bambarella-Gomara Trail) which is 7km away. Thangappuwa-Alugallena Trail is 14km away. Property can assist in transport, meals and guides.
The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduwetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range.
The higher montane area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island's total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country's biodiversity. The isolated Knuckles range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests. Knuckles Conservation Forest was included in UNESCO natural world heritage list in 2010 as part of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
This is the best part of your stay. Rohana Estate's own motorable peak with 360 degree view and quartz rock fortress. Mountains you can see include western view of full Knuckles Range, proper close view of Knuckles 5 Peaks, Piduruthalagala Range (Highest in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya District), Samanalakanda (Adam's Peak), Bathalegala (Bible Rock) and Alagalla in Sabaragamuwa Province, Hantana Range in Kandy, Nelligala mountain with temple, Hunnasgiriya Mountain in Wattegama and many more.
Huluganga Waterfall and town, Lebanon Waterfall, Kotaganga Falls, Kandy Bahirawakanda Budhdha, Condo tower near Katugastota Bridge are among the other things you can see.
One can enjoy sun/moonrise over knuckles and spectacular sunset behind Alagalla/Hunnasgiriya. Fortress is ideal for great pictures and camping. Little bit of rainforest also at the property edge which has a tree surrounded by vines and kids can enjoy a natural swing. Second peak is best for photography.
Gomara Fortress 360
This is the best part of your stay. Rohana Estate's own motorable peak with 360 degree view and quartz rock fortress. Mountains you can see include western view of full Knuckles Range, proper close view of Knuckles 5 Peaks, Piduruthalagala Range (Highest in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya District), Samanalakanda (Adam's Peak), Bathalegala (Bible Rock) and Alagalla in Sabaragamuwa Province, Hantana Range in Kandy, Nelligala mountain with temple, Hunnasgiriya Mountain in Wattegama and many more.
Huluganga Waterfall and town, Lebanon Waterfall, Kotaganga Falls, Kandy Bahirawakanda Budhdha, Condo tower near Katugastota Bridge are among the other things you can see.
One can enjoy sun/moonrise over knuckles and spectacular sunset behind Alagalla/Hunnasgiriya. Fortress is ideal for great pictures and camping. Little bit of rainforest also at the property edge which has a tree surrounded by vines and kids can enjoy a natural swing. Second peak is best for photography.
River
Popular attraction which is 4km from the property along proper asphalt carpet road. Enjoy swimming if you are a good swimmer. Others can enjoy in the shallow pool downstream.
Rangala Natural Pool
Popular attraction which is 4km from the property along proper asphalt carpet road. Enjoy swimming if you are a good swimmer. Others can enjoy in the shallow pool downstream.
Waterfalls
Nearest waterfall to the property which is 5.5km away. Two Buddhist meditation centers are within walking distance. Low ground clearance vehicles are not recommended. Rainy season is the best (May to December, not all the time). Visitors can have a refreshing bath in clean river water at the bridge.
Saree Ella and Lebanon Estate falls are about 3km away from here and can be grouped in single tour.
Jodu Ella Water Falls
Knuckles Peak RoadNearest waterfall to the property which is 5.5km away. Two Buddhist meditation centers are within walking distance. Low ground clearance vehicles are not recommended. Rainy season is the best (May to December, not all the time). Visitors can have a refreshing bath in clean river water at the bridge.
Saree Ella and Lebanon Estate falls are about 3km away from here and can be grouped in single tour.
One of many beautiful waterfalls in the area which falls like the Indian women's dress saree. This is further 4km from Jodu Ella twin falls. Road is good for cars. Step on the rocks when crossing muddy approach to the falls. You can enjoy getting underneath the falls. Shallow pool is good for kids.
Saree Ella Waterfall
Saree Ella Water Fall RoadOne of many beautiful waterfalls in the area which falls like the Indian women's dress saree. This is further 4km from Jodu Ella twin falls. Road is good for cars. Step on the rocks when crossing muddy approach to the falls. You can enjoy getting underneath the falls. Shallow pool is good for kids.
Waterfall in Bambarella area situated inside Lebanon tea estate and visible to the property. Tour of this waterfall with Jodu Ella and Saree Ella can be done in 2-3 hrs in tuk-tuk.
Lebanon Estate Waterfall - 1
Waterfall in Bambarella area situated inside Lebanon tea estate and visible to the property. Tour of this waterfall with Jodu Ella and Saree Ella can be done in 2-3 hrs in tuk-tuk.
Largest waterfall in the area and always have good amount of flow. It is in the center of Huluganga town and can be reached by bus.
Huluganga Ella Waterfall
Katugastota - Madawala - Bambarella RoadLargest waterfall in the area and always have good amount of flow. It is in the center of Huluganga town and can be reached by bus.
City/town information
Teldeniya is the main town with banks, fuel station, supermarket and other guest needs. Panwila town also has fuel station but road from Haagala junction to Property (3km) is in poor state of maintenance. There are other smaller towns such as Rangala, Huluganga, Bobaila. There are grocery shops at walking distance from the property.
Teldeniya Clock Tower
Teldeniya is the main town with banks, fuel station, supermarket and other guest needs. Panwila town also has fuel station but road from Haagala junction to Property (3km) is in poor state of maintenance. There are other smaller towns such as Rangala, Huluganga, Bobaila. There are grocery shops at walking distance from the property.
Neighborhoods
Gomaraya village is near the knuckle shaped 5 peaks of the Knuckles range. Area is mainly consisting of tea estates. Many waterfalls originating from Knuckles range are nearby. Weather is cool and pleasant with about 1000m altitude. Approach from 3 sides have beautiful small river crossings.
Gomaraya
Gomaraya village is near the knuckle shaped 5 peaks of the Knuckles range. Area is mainly consisting of tea estates. Many waterfalls originating from Knuckles range are nearby. Weather is cool and pleasant with about 1000m altitude. Approach from 3 sides have beautiful small river crossings.
Trails
4.5km dirt road from Thangappuwa through the forest reserve to this scenic place is a great way to experience forest of Knuckles. Great for walking but not so for vehicles. 4WD recommended if you choose this shortcut to Meemure. Thangappuwa is 14km away from property.
Corbet's Gap
Hunnasgiriya - Meemure Road4.5km dirt road from Thangappuwa through the forest reserve to this scenic place is a great way to experience forest of Knuckles. Great for walking but not so for vehicles. 4WD recommended if you choose this shortcut to Meemure. Thangappuwa is 14km away from property.
If you are planning to hike Knuckles 5 peaks this is the starting point from Gomaraya or Bambarella area. Tuk-tuk, motorcycle or 4wd is recommended. Not suitable for cars. It is 7km from the property. Scenic route through Katooloya (locals call Cataloy) is good as a hike.
Dawatagala Knuckles Natural Trail
If you are planning to hike Knuckles 5 peaks this is the starting point from Gomaraya or Bambarella area. Tuk-tuk, motorcycle or 4wd is recommended. Not suitable for cars. It is 7km from the property. Scenic route through Katooloya (locals call Cataloy) is good as a hike.
Established trail by the forest Department to reach Kotaganga Plains, top of waterfall, Knuckles 5 peaks, Alugalkanda mountain and the cave at the base of same mountain (end of trail over 8km). Very popular among hikers coming from Colombo. Thangappuwa is 14km from the property.
47 locals recommend
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
601 Howard England WayEstablished trail by the forest Department to reach Kotaganga Plains, top of waterfall, Knuckles 5 peaks, Alugalkanda mountain and the cave at the base of same mountain (end of trail over 8km). Very popular among hikers coming from Colombo. Thangappuwa is 14km from the property.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Public bus, tuk-tuk, own/hired vehicle, many trails
Public bus to Gomaraya from Kandy/Wattegama terminates at property gate (less frequent). Take Bambarella bus to Haagala junction and arrange tuk-tuk to destination. Take Rangala bus from Kandy/Teldeniya, get down at Duckwari Tea Factory then tuk-tuk to property. Rangala road is good for cars.