Nature & Hiking
The Hanthana Mountain Range rises dramatically just south of Kandy, offering some of the most accessible and rewarding hiking in the central highlands — with sweeping tea estate vistas, forest trails and ancient temples tucked into the hillsides.
The range stretches for approximately 20 km along the southern edge of Kandy, with the highest peak reaching 1,180m. The slopes are a patchwork of tea plantations, cloud forest and rocky outcrops, with trails that wind through working estates and past small temples.
The Hanthana Estate, managed by the University of Peradeniya, is one of the most popular starting points. From here, well-worn paths lead up through fragrant tea bushes and into the forest, with several peaks offering 360-degree views of the Kandy basin, Knuckles and beyond.
The range is also a key section of the Pekoe Trail — Sri Lanka's long-distance tea country hiking route — making it a perfect introduction to the trail before continuing further into the highlands.
Everything you need to know before planning your excursion to Hanthana Mountain Range.
The Hanthana Estate office can point you to the best trail for your fitness level. Wear long trousers to avoid leech bites during wet season.
