Viewpoints in Kandy District

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks

This collection highlights the high-altitude landscapes of Sri Lanka's central highlands, centered around the Kandy district and the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range. It includes architectural landmarks like the spiral Ambuluwawa Tower, the dramatic sheer cliffs of Mini World’s End, and the famous eighteen-bend mountain pass of Daha Ata Wanguwa. These sites offer vantage points over major landmarks, including the Victoria and Kothmale Reservoirs, the Mahaweli River valley, and the dense cloud forests of the Knuckles massif.

Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks — Map

Cherubino / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Knuckles Mountain Range

The Dumbara Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy.

B

Ambuluwaawa

A multi-religious center and biodiversity complex located on a peak in Gampola, featuring a distinctive white spiral tower.

C

Pettigala

A prominent rock formation near Teldeniya providing 360-degree views of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles range.

D

Hunnasgiriya

A high peak in the Knuckles range offering views of the surrounding tea estates and the Matale district.

E

Ambalammana Peak

Located near Galaha, this summit offers views across the Kandy plateau and the Hanthana mountain range.

F

Arthur’s Seat

A high-altitude vantage point overlooking Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and the city center.

G

Ambuluwawa Tower

A 48-meter-tall spiral staircase tower offering views of Sri Pada, Piduruthalagala, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

H

Temple viewpoint

Vantage point located near the Bahirawakanda Vihara, providing clear views of the Kandy city basin.

I

Knuckles Water Falls

A series of cascades located within the Knuckles Forest Reserve, accessible via hiking trails near Deanston.

J

Fool’s Bridge

View Point

K

Pettigala View Point

Primary lookout spot on the Pettigala rock, overlooking the Victoria Dam and the Mahaweli River valley.

L

Pettigala 2nd View Point

An alternative vantage point on the Pettigala ridge offering a different perspective of the Digana landscape.

M

Kalupahana

High mountain area in the Knuckles range known for its mist-covered peaks and proximity to the Duwili Ella trail.

N

Saari Ella Water fall

A waterfall in the Knuckles region named for its resemblance to the folds of a traditional saree.

O

Daha Ata Wanguwa

A famous stretch of the Kandy-Mahiyangana road featuring eighteen hairpin turns with views of the Mahaweli valley.

P

Mini World's End

A sheer cliff drop located at Pitawala Pathana, offering views across the Thelgamuwa Valley.

Q

Kothmale Reservoir Observation Point

Viewpoint overlooking the Kothmale Dam, one of the major hydroelectric projects of the Mahaweli Development program.

Other Lists

Kandy District Unmissables Sacred Sites of Spiritual Heritage Lakes and Waterfalls