Riverston: A Cloud-Wrapped Wonder on the Edge of the Knuckles Range

 

Riverston: A Cloud-Wrapped Wonder on the Edge of the Knuckles Range

Located along the Naula–Laggala road in the Matale District of Sri Lanka's Central Province, Riverston is a stunning travel destination situated about 4,670 feet above sea level, bordering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Knuckles Forest Reserve. 

Because the area is continuously blanketed in mist, trees are lushly covered with mosses, lichens, and various orchid species. Near Pitawala Pathana, rare plant species such as Kandala and Nilmonarassa can also be seen. 

The region is home to fauna endemic to the Knuckles Reserve, including the horned lizard, kangaroo lizard, and specific frog species. Visitors can also spot endemic and rare birds, such as the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, Layard's parakeet, yellow-eared bulbul, and the rare Sri Lanka whistling thrush. 

How to Get to Riverston

From Colombo or Kandy: Travel to Matale town, then head through Rattota to reach Riverston. 

From Kandy: Distance is ~60 km (~3 hours total travel time). 

From Colombo: Distance is ~175 km (~5 hours total travel time). 

Note: The road from Rattota to Riverston has sharp hairpin bends, requiring careful driving. 

From Dambulla or Kurunegala: Reach Riverston by travelling via Elahera and Laggala. 

Best Time to Visit

Optimal Season: The dry weather months from March to September are best for trekking and sightseeing. 

June to August: The wind gap experiences extreme winds and heavy fog, making travel challenging. 

October to January: Heavy rainy season. Expect dense mist, slippery roads, and an abundance of leeches. 

Best Time of Day: Mornings are ideal, as the area gets completely shrouded in mist by late afternoon. 

Key Attractions Around Riverston

·         Pitawala Pathana:  A striking grassland ecosystem set atop a flat rock slab featuring a sheer 750-meter drop at its edge. Managed by the Department of Forest Conservation, an entry ticket is required. 

·         Riverston Tower:

Located ~2 km from the main road, the peak offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Dumbara Valley. Extreme winds blow along the narrow path near the top, and the route passes through a wind gap that remains misty and windy most of the year. 

·         Sera Ella:

A waterfall featuring a cave directly behind its curtain of water. Leeches are common along the access trails, so protective measures are recommended. 

·         Bambarakiri Ella:

A scenic waterfall located close to the main road, featuring a wooden suspension bridge.

·         Thelgamuwa Oya:

A popular river-bathing spot near Ilukkumbura. Consult locals about deep spots and whirlpools before swimming.

·         Sembuwatta Lake:

A man-made lake surrounded by tea plantations and pine forests. 

·         Matale Alu Viharaya:

The historic temple where the Tripitaka was first written down in book form. 

·         Nalanda Gedige:

An ancient stone temple site considered the geographical center of Sri Lanka. 

Places to Stay in Riverston

The Riverston Grand: Located on the Riverston–Rattota Road. 

Sir John's Bungalow: An old historic bungalow in Ilukkumbura formerly used by Sir John Kotelawala. 

Eco Vibe Resort: An eco-friendly stay near Rattota town. 

Wild Glamping Knuckles

Knuckles Wind Gate Hotel

Riverston Edge Resort