Sri Pada (Adams Peak)
Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is the third largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka. It spreads over 224 square kilometres and a tropical rain forest around the Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) mountain range. A huge forest area belonging to the Peak Wilderness was cut down and cleared during the British colonial rule in Sri Lanka (1815-1948) to gain land for the massive tea estates which still functions in Nuwara Eliya district. The remaining was declared a reserve on October 25th 1940
The contours of this reserve vary from 1000 to 7360 feet above sea level. It possesses unusual geographical formations compared to the other natural reserves of the island. Bena Samanala (6579 ft), Dotalugala and Detanagala, are some of the taller mountains in the Peak Wilderness. It is also the birthplace of Kelani, Kalu, Walawe rivers and many tributaries of the river Mahaweli which make waterfalls such as Dotalu Falls, Gerandi Falls, Galagama Falls (655 ft), and Mapanana Falls (330 ft) inside the sanctuary
Of the 3 access routes; Hatton, Kuruwita and Palabaddala, the Buddhist devotees and other tourists make use of to reach the Adam's Peak, Kuruwita and Palabaddala routes go right across the Peak Wilderness sanctuary. It is entirely under the control of Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Department but do not maintain any lodge, bungalow inside sanctuary in order to safeguard the purity of this forest. There is no restriction for eco-tourists to enter the sanctuary after obtaining permission from Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Department. Entering the sanctuary during the rainy season is at the tourist's own risk because of the unforeseen downpours and instant fl oods lead to life-risk situations.
Peak Wilderness sanctuary is within the Sabaragamuwa mountain range in the Central hills and there are no specifi c boundaries for the Peak Wilderness sanctuary. Most boundaries are marked by plantations owned by the Government and the private sector. The eastern boundary is clear and connected to Piduruthalagala mountain region and Horton Plains National Park.
