If you're looking for an easily accessible escarpment in Sri Lanka with breathtaking views, Hulangala is the perfect choice. Located in the beautiful Matale District, Hulangala offers a scenic and serene experience, providing visitors with an unforgettable adventure and stunning panoramic views.
If you're looking for an easily accessible escarpment in Sri Lanka with breathtaking views, Hulangala is the perfect choice. Located in the beautiful Matale District, Hulangala offers a scenic and serene experience, providing visitors with an unforgettable adventure and stunning panoramic views.
Hulangala, Selagama Estate, on the border of Kurunegala and Matale districts, Sri Lanka.
No specific hours, but daytime visits are recommended for safety and optimal viewing conditions.
Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the cooler weather and avoid afternoon mist.The dry season, from December to March, offers clearer skies and more comfortable hiking conditions
No official entrance fee; however, if camping or parking within the estate, a fee may be applicable. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or estate management.
If you’re looking for an easily accessible escarpment in Sri Lanka with breathtaking views, Hulangala is the perfect choice. Located in the beautiful Matale District, Hulangala offers a scenic and serene experience, providing visitors with an unforgettable adventure and stunning panoramic views.
Hulangala is easily accessible from Palapathwela Junction, located on the A9 main road—a well-traveled route for visitors exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, connecting Kandy and Dambulla. From Palapathwela, the car park at the ticket office is just 12 km (7 miles) away, making it a short and convenient drive. The hike to the Mini World’s End viewpoint is around 2.3 km (1.4 miles), with well-maintained trails leading to the edge of the escarpment.
If you’re coming from Yattawata on the B409 mountain pass road, which connects Matale to Kurunegala, it’s just 4.5 km (2 miles) from the ticket office to the Mini World’s End. The drive from Matale to Hulangala is about 19 km (12 miles), and Kurunegala is just 37 km (23 miles) away. Kandy is located 44 km (27 miles) to the south, and Dambulla is 41 km (25 miles) to the north.
Hulangala, at 1,050 meters (3,440 feet) above sea level, is part of the Northwestern Highlands range in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, with a remarkable location stretching from Kandy to Dambulla. The Mini World’s End cliff at Hulangala offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Knuckles Mountain Range, Mahaweli River, and Pettiwala Valley.
The name “Hulangala” comes from the Sinhalese words ‘Hulan’ (wind) and ‘Gala’ (rock), reflecting the often windy conditions at the summit. From a distance, Hulangala’s shape resembles a ship, which has earned it the alternative name, “Navgala”.
At the Mini World’s End viewpoint, the cliffs drop over 100 meters (328 feet), offering an awe-inspiring view of the valley below. Although the cliffs are not vertical, the drop is steep, and strong gusts of wind are common, so visitors should be cautious—particularly with children.
For a relaxed visit, a 1.5-hour hike will be sufficient to enjoy the viewpoint. Those looking for more adventure can continue to the summit of Hulangala Peak, just 1 km (0.6 miles) from the escarpment. The summit trail is slightly steeper but rewards hikers with even more breathtaking views.
The ideal time to visit Hulangala is during the dry season, from December to March, when the trails are most accessible and the views are clear. However, each season brings its own unique charm, so Hulangala can be visited year-round.
If you plan to camp overnight, arriving in the late afternoon is recommended to set up camp in time for the stunning sunrise and sunset views.
To visit Hulangala, take the E04 highway from Colombo towards Kurunegala, then follow the road to Matale for about 12 km. Instead of searching for Hulangala on Google Maps, enter Selagama Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, which will guide you to the correct path leading up to the Selagama Estate entrance. From there, follow the signs to the ticket office, where you can either hike or drive to the viewpoint.
The weather in Hulangala can vary significantly, with tropical temperatures at lower elevations and cooler temperatures as you ascend. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing, especially for cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Sudden weather changes, including strong winds and rain, can occur, so always check the forecast before embarking on your journey.
Visit Hulangala for an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the view, Hulangala offers something for every nature enthusiast.
