Pitawala Pathana, Riverston — Attraction in Central Province

Pitawala Pathana is a beautiful and picturesque location nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking landscapes, it has become a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Located in the Matale district of Central Province, Pitawala Pathana offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors.

One of the main attractions of Pitawala Pathana is its expansive grassland, which spans over hundreds of acres. The grassy plains are reminiscent of an African savannah, with tall, swaying grass and scattered trees dotting the landscape. This open space provides a sense of freedom and tranquility, making it the perfect place for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply immersing oneself in nature's beauty.

The appeal of Pitawala Pathana goes beyond its scenic beauty. The location offers a multitude of outdoor activities for adventurous souls. The most popular activity is hiking, as the region is home to several stunning trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints. One such trail is the Knuckles Mountain Range, which offers an exhilarating trek through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged terrain. The reward at the end of the hike is a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Pitawala Pathana is also famous for its vibrant biodiversity. The grasslands act as a natural habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. The area is a haven for bird watchers, as it is home to a variety of avian species. With a bit of luck and patience, visitors may spot colorful birds such as the Sri Lankan junglefowl or the Ceylon grey hornbill. The grasslands are also inhabited by several mammals, including sambar deer, wild boar, and porcupines, making it an exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, Pitawala Pathana offers the opportunity to engage in adrenaline-pumping activities such as rock climbing and camping. The sheer cliffs of the Knuckles Mountain Range provide the perfect setting for rock climbing enthusiasts to test their skills. Additionally, camping amongst the rolling hills and under the starlit sky is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to truly connect with nature.

Apart from its natural wonders, Pitawala Pathana has a cultural significance. The region is home to several ancient and sacred sites, adding an element of historical and religious value to the area. The nearby Aluvihara Cave Temple, believed to have been a place of Buddhist meditation for thousands of years, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Exploring these sacred sites gives visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Pitawala Pathana is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and engaging outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination. Whether one chooses to hike through the Knuckles Mountain Range, spot wildlife in the grasslands, or simply relax and breathe in the tranquility of the surroundings, Pitawala Pathana offers an authentic and...

The beautiful valley around Knuckles massif is called “Dumbara” because it’s always misty. The region is blessed with rich fauna and flora, nourished by intermittent rains and water cascading from surrounding streams.

The Knuckles mountain range (Dumbara Valley), called so because it resembles the knuckles of a clenched fist, consists of 35 peaks which rise above 900m, perhaps the highest aggregation of such peaks in a single mountain range.

The area above Knuckles range was declared as a climatic reserve, a conservation forest and a National Biosphere Reserve for its unparalleled bio diversity.

The climate in Dumbara range varies from extreme wet to almost-arid. The area is highly windy most of the period throughout the year.

Pitawala Pathana is a grass plain spreads over an area of about 10 ha of a gently sloping rock slab covered with just a thin soil layer. The turf grass of about 10 cm in height gives a velvety appearance to this sloping expanse of grassland. Isolated and scattered trees and shrubs could be seen. Many endemic plant and animal species are found.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is a rare type of grassland that evolved in response to a particular ecological condition and can be found nowhere else in the country. A semi evergreen forest on somewhat deeper soil surrounds the grassland.

The Pitawala Plains ends in a sheer drop. It is certainly nerve wracking to glimpse into the depths, hundreds of meters below similar to the world’s end point at Horton Plains. A gentle 750 meter hike from the ticket counter takes you to 2 view points close to each other.

The ecology and dynamics of the grassland vegetation at Pitawala Pathana is worth examining. The open meadows hold the deepest secrets compared to any habitat in Sri Lanka. With an ecology expert, you can discover its biota including amphibians, small mammals, lizards, tree frogs and a few endemic plants. Due to extreme winds, only small plants survive the rocky flat terrain.

Pitawala Patana is home to two endemic species. One is a frog known as Dumbara Galpara Mediya and the other is Patan Ala, a type of grass. There are also many carnivorous plants that trap unwary insects.

The soil in the plains is not very rich in nutrients and thus certain plants have adapted to find the required nutrients from insects. Kadulessa, one such carnivorous plant species, has a sticky serum that traps unwary insects.

From Colombo go to Kandy and then go to Matale in A9 route. From there, turn to Raththota road and come to Raththota town. Take the right turn from the three-way junction in Raththota town. It will lead you to Ilukkumbura – Puwakpitiya. the turn to Riverstan is at the 28th km post, and 3km down in Ilukkumbura road you can find Pitawala Pathana, and in about another kilometer’s distance is the Pitawala Pathana Mini...

Pitawala Pathana and its surroundings are amazing creations of nature. It's one of the key attractions of the Knuckles range of mountains. It can be accessed through a winding road connecting Laggala to Matale. Those who start the journey from Matale side will pass the Riverston peak before reaching the plains Pitawala Pathana. Those who start the journey from Laggala will pass Ilukkumbura before reaching the plains. The trek through the relatively flat terrain of the plains ends up at the mini world's end - a natural precipice that describes a 90 degree angle with the plains. This is arguably the centerpiece of Pitawala Pathana. On a day free of mist one can visualize the beautiful forested area and some villages hundreds of feet below and miles away from you. There are around 3 lookouts/viewpoints to experience the grandeur of the mini world's end situated close to each other. Since all of them are unprotected (to preserve nature) one should be extremely careful especially under low light conditions and during misty times. The entrance to the plains is closed at 5 pm. If you are lucky you will see several indigenous flora and fauna during your trek. Please note that the plains are infested with domestic animals such as cattle and buffalo that make photography unrewarding at times since it's hard to avoid them if you use a wide angle lens to photograph the open plains. The closest accommodation is available in the Ilukkumbura area where there are several villas/resorts less than 10 km away from the Pitawala Pathana. Night travel is not recommended on these narrow and mostly poorly surfaced roads. There are many stretches where two vehicles cannot safely pass each other particularly at night. The last fuel station is in Laggala or Rattota depending on the route you choose. Have adequate fuel in your tanks to save you from trouble. Older vehicles might find the winding steep roads a significant challenge. An SUV or an AWD/4WD vehicle is preferred to a low ground clearance sedan or hatch back. Vans are also fine though their width and larger volumes can...