Plizio Visual Lab
Thotupola Kanda
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Thotupola Kanda is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at 2,357 meters, and is also located within the Horton Plains National Park. It is known for its relatively easy accessibility, as the hiking trail to the summit is significantly shorter and less steep than those of neighboring high peaks. The name 'Thotupola Kanda' translates to 'Landing Place Mountain,' referring to a local legend that King Rawana landed his flying machine, the Pushpaka Vimana, here. The mountain's flora is characterized by alpine vegetation and pygmy forests adapted to harsh climatic conditions. Hikers can observe a variety of birds on the way to the summit and enjoy wide views of the highlands. The mountain plays an important role in the island's water cycle, as many streams in the area have their origins here.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Top sights: Black Bridge · Adam's Peak View · Thotupola Kanda
- Nearby: Nuwara Eliya (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Jun, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 144 | 106 | 102 | 155 | 128 | 62 | 50 | 65 | 112 | 221 | 289 | 262 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The mountain is located within the Horton Plains National Park. You can reach the trailhead by driving from Nuwara Eliya or Haputale to the park entrance and proceeding to the designated start point.
Best season
The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to March when visibility is highest. During the monsoon months, heavy rain and thick mist can make the trail slippery and obscure the legendary views.
Terrain & paths
As the third highest peak in the country, the hike is surprisingly manageable, featuring a relatively flat initial section followed by a gradual ascent through montane cloud forest and shrubs.
What to bring
Standard hiking shoes with good grip are recommended due to potential mud. Bring a light windbreaker or sweater, as temperatures at this altitude in Sri Lanka can be significantly cooler than on the coast.
Parking
Parking is available at the Horton Plains National Park visitor center or near the specific trailhead marker. Most visitors leave their vehicles at the main park entrance area where facilities are located.
Safety
Stay on the marked paths to protect the sensitive alpine ecosystem and avoid getting lost in sudden mist. Be mindful of wild animals such as sambar deer and occasionally leopards that inhabit the highland plains.
Time needed
A typical round-trip hike to the summit takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. This allows plenty of time to enjoy the unique flora and the panoramic views associated with local legends.
Geography
Facts
- At 2,357 meters, it is the third highest peak in Sri Lanka.
- The hiking trail to the summit is only about 2 kilometers long.
- It belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Central Highlands.
- The name refers to legends from the ancient Ramayana epic.
- The summit provides a clear view of the second highest mountain, Kirigalpotta.
- The average temperature at the peak often stays below 15 degrees Celsius.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Thotupola Kanda (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long does the hike to Thotupola Kanda take?
The hike is relatively easy and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.
Is the trail suitable for families?
Yes, it is one of Sri Lanka's most accessible peaks and well-suited for families with children.
Where is Thotupola Kanda located?
The mountain is located in Horton Plains National Park and is the country's third-highest peak.
Do you need a special permit?
No, the entrance ticket for Horton Plains National Park also covers access to this trail.
What is there to see on the trail?
The path passes through unique pygmy forests and has wide views of the grassy plains.
Thotupola Kanda: where is it located?
Thotupola Kanda is located in Sri Lanka.
Thotupola Kanda: what is there to see?
Highlights include Black Bridge, Adam's Peak View, Thotupola Kanda.
Thotupola Kanda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Jun, Jul.
Thotupola Kanda: why is it worth visiting?
Thotupola Kanda is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at 2,357 meters, and is also located within the Horton Plains National Park.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Sri Lanka →
Nearby cities
Kandy
Kandy, nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, is famous for the Temple of the Tooth and its Buddhist traditions.
Matale
Matale is an agricultural town nestled in a valley in the center of the island, surrounded by spice gardens.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, often called 'Little England', is a highland city with a cool climate, known for tea production and colonial architecture.
Hatton
Hatton is the heart of Sri Lanka's tea industry and a major gateway for those climbing the sacred Adam's Peak.
Haputale
Haputale is spectacularly perched on a mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views of tea plantations and cloud forests.
Knuckles Range
A UNESCO World Heritage site with misty peaks resembling a clenched fist, perfect for trekking.
Sembuwatta Lake
A paradisiacal man-made lake nestled within tea plantations, famous for its deep blue waters and misty mountain backdrop.
Bandarawela
Bandarawela is a quiet highland resort town known for its mild climate, colonial architecture, and tea production.
Maskeliya
A charming town situated by the Maussakelle Reservoir, surrounded by endless tea estates and the gateway to Adam's Peak.
More places
Hakgala
A mountain near Nuwara Eliya famous for the botanical gardens located on its slopes.
Horton Plains
A high-altitude plateau in central Sri Lanka, characterized by montane forest and grassland.
Kirigalpotta
The second highest mountain in Sri Lanka and the highest one accessible to the general public.
Moon Plains
An agricultural plateau near Nuwara Eliya offering a vast 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
Mahaweli Valley
The broad river valley of the Mahaweli, Sri Lanka's longest river, known for its agricultural importance.
Knuckles Mountain Range
A massive mountain range in central Sri Lanka whose folds resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist.
Lakegala
An impressive, triangular rock peak in the Knuckles mountain range, often associated with ancient legends.
Bogawantalawa Valley
A picturesque highland valley often called the 'Golden Valley of Tea' for its exceptional tea production.