Pitawala Pathana is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you are searching for serenity among lush greens. This is a grassland belonging to the Knuckles Conservation Forest. Pitawala Pathana is a top tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Both locals and foreigners find this place a beautiful misty dream on rainy days and a ravishing journey on bright days. The beauty and richness of nature is much reflected in the Wet Pathana covered with grass and scattered trees. And the pure breeze you feel while walking under the blue sky towards the worlds’ end view is mesmerising. Adjoining the tranquility of Pitawala Pathana, you can see verdant mountain ranges around it just like protecting it from the outside world. If you visit here one time, I promise you, you will visit it again for the feeling of being part of nature, among greens and an astonishing view.
Geography and landscape of Pitawala Pathana
Pitawala Pathana is spread in around 10 hectares with a landscape varying in elevation from 450 metres to over 1200 metres. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported that Pitawala Pathana is a special type of grassland developed under unique ecological conditions. It probably has gone through centuries of natural processes to produce the evergreen beauty it owns. The fact that the grass is growing on a thin soil surface on a rock slab is itself astonishing.
The diversity of plants, trees and animals that live here confirms the ecological value of Pitawala Pathana.
- Endemic flora –
- The variety of grass you find here including ‘Patan Ala’
- Pygmy forests made of tree species and medicinal plants
- Herbaceous plants like Brachystelma lankana and Justicia royeniana
- Endemic Fauna –
- A frog named ‘Dumbara Galapara Mediya’, also known as the Marble Rock Frog or Kirtisinghe’s Rock Frog
Moreover, you will get to appreciate different kinds of animals like small mammals, lizards, amphibians, birds, and butterflies other than these frogs.
- Mini Worlds’ End – Pitawala Pathana is popular for its Mini Worlds’ End. It is a one-of-a-kind experience as the location and the view indorses the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, you need to be careful when walking to the edges as the wind can be quite strong even to sway a grown adult.
- Waterfalls in Pitawala Pathana – These waterfalls are not visited often due to their remote location and they do not have names because of that. If you love adventures, maybe you can reach these although they are deep within the jungle. Both these waterfalls are scenic but unspoiled.
How to Get to Pitawala Pathana
Pitawala Pathana is located in Matale District. From Matale town, you should head northwest on Kany Road and turn into Matale – Illukkumbura Road. The whole journey is 32 km from Matale town and approximately it will take 1 hrs and 30 mins to reach the destination.
But, trust me, you will not get tired of the journey because of the road covered in green canopy of trees creating an amazing view for the travellers.
If you are travelling from Colombo by your own vehicle,
- Kandy Road -> Kurunegala Road -> Dambulla Road -> Imbulandanda Road -> Matale – Illukkumbura Road.
If you are travelling by bus or train, take the bus or the train from Colombo Fort to Matale.
Travel tips
There are two buses that travel from Rattota to Illukumbura if you could catch them but the smartest way to reach the destination is by hiring a taxi or renting a vehicle.
The area is only open from 6am to 6pm. So, plan your options before starting the trip.
Between January and March would be ideal if you want to visit during less rainy days.
You will have to buy a ticket from the office at the entrance.
Where to eat?
There is a canteen at the entrance for the travellers. You can bring your own food into the grassland too. But be mindful about not leaving a trace by collecting all your garbage. As mentioned, this area is a unique place rich in biodiversity and it is our responsibility to protect this precious heritage.
Fun activities to do in Pitawala Pathana
A nature walk – Because walking everywhere in the Pathana can harm it by time, there are trails made for you to walk. These trails are running around everything you got to see there from the grassland to the jungle. You can walk along these paths and experience nature at its peak and feel the tranquillity of being a part of it. you will be able to forget all your problems, what has been stressing you out from just a walk here.
Adventurous Trail – But if you like rather adventurous hikes, they also have made more challenging trails where you will get to climb, descend and occasionally to cross streams. You can satisfy your adrenaline rush in these trails while going through breath-taking scenery.
Places to stay
There is also a campsite where you can spend the night in Pitawala village (not inside Pitawala Pathana).
You can find hotels nearby too.
Must-visit Attractions near Pitawala Pathana
1. Knuckles mountain range
2. Riverston
3. Thelgamuwa Oya
4. Aluvihara Rock Temple
5. Hunnasgiriya waterfall
6. Sera Ella
7. Waddapani Ella
8. Bambarakiri Ella
9. Sembuwatta lake
10. Kaluganga Dam
You can witness a few more waterfalls and view-points around the Pitawala Pathana area.
Conclusion
Pitawala Pathana is not just a beautiful location. It is a paradise created by nature itself to heal the human mind. The drizzling rain falls from time to time on the green velvet of grass and walking under the charm of nature is an experience of another level. This is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
But remember, the weather is unpredictable and it is better if you come prepared for rain and the chilly atmosphere. Also, safety comes first. Especially when you are going to the Mini Worlds’ End viewpoint, remain within the marked lines for your own safety.
If you have not still visited this lively paradise in Matale, Sri Lanka this is your call to start the journey. And do not forget to take pictures as this will be one of the best trips you went in life.
