Exploring Hantana Peak in Hantana Mountain Range

The Hanthana Mountain Range lies in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, south-west of Kandy. It was declared as an environmental protection area in February 2010 under the National Environment Act. The maximum height of the range is 1,200 m (3,800 ft).

The Hanthana mountain Range has several peaks, the highest ones cannot be seen from Kandy, they are at the southwestern end of the range, namely Katusu Konda, about 1300 m (4270 feet) above sea level, and Uragala, which is almost as of the same height, reaching 1260 m (4130 feet). Of these two main peaks, Katusu Konda can be seen from the viewpoints near the abovementioned broadcasting towers. From other directions, both peaks are easily recognizable by their sharp cliffs and the triangular shape of the summits, with almost vertical escarpments to the east and slopes of 100% inclination (45 degrees, or 1:1) on the western flanks. Both spectacular summits can be reached without mountaineering skills. However, hiking on their crests is truly walking on knife-edge and a slip would be fatal.

The starting point of this Hanthana hike is only 7km from the center of Kandy by road. More precisely, the trail starts near the mountain pass, the highest point of the road via the Ceylon Tea Museum to Galaha. This pass is at an elevation of 850 m (2790 feet) above sea level, whereas the nearby peak of the broadcasting tower and the crest running from there to the viewpoint called World’s End, are at an elevation between 1000 and 1050 m (up to 3450 feet). All in all, the hike from the mountain pass to Hanthana World’s End is 3 km long. However, the altitude difference is almost 200 m (more than 600 feet). And nearly half of it must be overcome (just before reaching the said two towers) by a steep uphill trail of only 250 m (800 feet) in length. This is to say, due to the steep incline a short passage of the climb is strenuous indeed.

IMPORTANT FACTORS

• Clients should carry their personal effects for Warm, Windy,
• Recommendations include the use of insect repellent, sunburn lotion.
• Individuals with special dietary requirements need to inform in advance.
• Clients need good pair of shoes or boots, leech socks, long sleeve t-shirts and pants.
• The experienced and well-trained guide would take every precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests on tour as your safety is our prime concern. However, Paradise Island Safari or its employees do not accept any liability for death, injury or illness of guest while on tour caused by any animal, reptile, insect, and events of nature or any type of accident.