Destination
Manigala
Spread the word
Mount Manigala is rocky crag that is one of the best hikes for any nature lover. It is located below Riverston and has to be walked from Atanwala, though the throughbred hiker would prefer to start from the Riverston Base camp for a more challenging hike.
The route to Manigala starts from Matale if going in a vehicle, passing Rattota and going through Riverston where one can rest at the Riverston Base Camp where a hiker would ideally start, before coming to Pitawala where one should turn right at the Pitawala junction. Approximately 3 km from there, is the Raththinda Village a place with stunning lush fields and mountains. So, photographers would definitely have a worthy stop here. Not far past the village are the Wedda-Peni Ella waterfalls gaining its name from a piece of interesting though morbid folklore. Caution is advised near the water as it is known to flood easily. After the waterfall is Atanawala village. Manigala can be reached by travelling just a 2 km past the village on Walpolamulla Road and turning left. And this is where true hike starts.
The foot path leading has been repaired by the Forest Conservation Department. The rock gains its name from one of its special features which allows the time to be told from its shadow. Tamil workers in the area started calling the rock “Time rock” (‘Mani’ meaning time colloquial Tamil) and the name stuck and later changed slightly to be called Manigala. Manigala is part of the Knuckles Reserve. During the hike wildlife such as wild buffalos, leopards, elephants, wild boars, deer, etc. can be sighted. While there are Sloth Bears in the reserve, they cannot be seen in Manigala due to the high growth of a plant that they avoid. In addition, the peak of the mountain has amazing views that any nature photographer will love.
Hiking Difficulty: 5/10
Toilet Facilities: No
Disable accessibilities: No
Distance from Matale: 40km
Difficulty level: high
Tickets: Yes
More Destinations
