The Hanthana Mountain Range is located in the central province of Sri Lanka. It consists of seven peaks. The height of the highest peak in the range is 3800 ft. The highest peak is named as “Uura Kanda”.
Hanthana is a favorite travel spot for many people because it is exciting and thrilling to explore. You can reach the foot of the mountain range by the Peradeniya-Galaha road or the Kandy-Udawela road.
The mountain range, which is most often hidden by mist, is a favorite place by local university students who address the peak by the name Adara Kanda (mountain of love). Since the Peradeniya university is close by, all year around university students make it a point to visit this mountain range.
One of the best places to visit while trekking through the hills of Hanthana is the Hanthana viharaya, which was built during the time of the Kandyan Kingdom. It s located 10 km away from Kandy City and on the highest elevation in Kandy.
Opening hours
It is recommended to start the hike by 9 am and descend the hills by 3 pm. Because the dark falls without any warning so there’s a high possibility of getting lost while struggling to find your way.
Several incidents were recorded where university students lost their way when coming down the hills.
Hanthana Mountain range is an exquisite and charming mountain range which is a good trekking spot. Visit Hanthana and have a unique experience of your own.
Location of the destination
From Colombo
Go on McCallum Road and enter the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway from Colombo. Take the exit toward the outer circular expressway and turn right onto Colombo-Kandy road to continue for 90.8 km. Turn left onto Gannoruwa Road and turn right onto Keppetipola Road. Turn left again and you will reach your destination.
From Kandy
Go on Baladaksha Mawatha and then go on Getambe Kandy road. Turn right onto Keppetipola Road. Then turn left again and you will reach your destination.
Hanthana Mountain range is an exquisite and charming mountain range which is a good trekking spot. Visit Hanthana and have a unique experience of your own.
How to reach the Hanthana Mountain Range:
The location is easily accessible, and it is the best idea to travel by train and get down at the Peradeniya Station. Once you get down, you may even choose to walk towards the mountain from the station.
Hanthana Mountain range can be reached via; Kandy -> Hanthana -> Hatharekanuwa (4th Mile Post) and return Sarasavigama Colombo -> Peradeniya -> Uda Peradeniya -> Upper Hanthana bungalow -> Hanthana -> Katusu kanda Colombo -> Peradeniya University -> Sarasawigama -> Gal Oya Hadabima Janapadaya -> Hanthana Range
Best time to visit Hanthana Mountain and Weather conditions:
Situated in the Central Province, Hanthana experiences a cool climate throughout the year. With its height, it is advisable to choose a suitable day with plenty of sunshine. Watch out for monsoon rains that could happen between April-September. Between December-March the rainfall is lesser and could be the ideal period for hiking.
Hike to Hanthana:
The excursion gives the best experience to enjoy the magnificent views of Kandy town, the Knuckles range, hills in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Dolosbage range. The hiking pathway is not isolated as several villagers are living nearby. The sweet scent of incense sticks offered to God by the Hindus living along the plantation roads is something that cannot be forgotten. The way to the summit is so colourful and lively, and the traveller would never feel tired of hiking
