Pidurutalagala

Pidurutalagala

Pidurutalagala is situated in Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. It is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka which soars up to the sky at a height of 2524 meters. The name Pidurutalagala stands for Straw Plateau Rock in English and this is visible all through the central province.

About the destination

Pidurutalagala is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It can also be called as Mount Pedro. It has an elevation of about 2524 meters which is 8281 feet according to a survey. It is currently designated as an “Ultra-high security zone” and it is protected by a large military base. It is not open to the public throughout the year but only in some seasons.

History of Pidurutalagala

Back in 2010 a fire broke out and thus destroyed about 3 acres of forest. But somehow it is repaired to some extent now but not completely.

It is also stated that in 1897 there were paths to climb for the ladies. Because at that time the British high-class ladies use to climb the mountain on their visits to the tea estates. The mountain gained its name as “Pedro” from the British because they found it difficult to pronounce the name “Pidurutalagala” but rather said “Pedro”.

Eco-system in Pidurutalagala

There is a green cap of vegetation and there are frequent elephants in the area. According to the famous William Morris Davis who was then called the “Father of American geography” stated that the mountain was too smooth to be called mountainous or rocky and it was too irregular to be called plain.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Follow McCallum Road. Take the Colombo – Katunayake Expressway from Katunayake and exit on to Yakkala – Radawana Road. Take Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Highway, Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway in Nuwara Eliya. Drive to Piduruthalagala Mountain Road.

From Nuwara Eliya

Take Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway. Drive to Piduruthalagala Mountain Road to reach your destination.