Discover the Majestic Monara Gala Mountain: A Hiker's Paradise
Explore the breathtaking Monara Gala Mountain, a premier hiking destination in Sri Lanka with stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Monara Gala Mountain, or Peacock Hill, offers an enchanting escape for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, this hiking area is renowned for its panoramic vistas, diverse flora, and vibrant birdlife. The journey to the summit promises an exhilarating adventure, with well-marked trails that guide visitors through dense forests and rolling hills. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains, making every step a worthwhile experience. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon, as the golden hour casts a magical glow over the landscape, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. In addition to its natural beauty, Monara Gala Mountain is a significant tourist attraction, attracting both local and international visitors. The area is rich in biodiversity, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and learning about the local ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for the colorful peacocks that give the hill its name, as well as various other wildlife that call this area home. For those looking to enhance their experience, consider hiring a local guide who can share insights into the region's history and ecology, enriching your visit even further. After your hike, take a moment to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. There are designated areas for picnicking where you can savor a packed lunch while soaking in the stunning views. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the landscape is incredibly photogenic, and you’ll want to capture the memories of this unforgettable adventure in nature. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Monara Gala Mountain offers a unique experience that showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Local tips
- Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up during the hike.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky and uneven terrain.
- Consider visiting during the dry season for the best hiking conditions.
- Don't forget your camera; the views from the top are stunning and photogenic!
A brief summary to Monara Gala Mountain (Peacock Hill)
- 3JPJ+2PJ, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
Start from the Kandy City Center. Head southwest on Dalada Veediya (Temple of the Tooth Road), walking towards the Temple of the Tooth. Once you reach the Temple, take a left onto Rajapihilla Mawatha, which runs alongside Kandy Lake. Continue walking along this road until you reach the intersection with the Kandy-Gampola Road. At this intersection, turn right and head towards Gampola. Keep walking for about 1.5 km until you reach the junction leading to the Monara Gala entrance.
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Walking
Once you find the entrance to the trail leading to Monara Gala Mountain (Peacock Hill), follow the marked path. The trail is well-defined and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the summit, depending on your pace. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful views along the way as you ascend.
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Public Transport (Tuk-Tuk)
If you prefer not to walk, you can take a Tuk-Tuk from the Kandy City Center to the base of Monara Gala Mountain. Simply tell the driver 'Monara Gala' or show them the location on your phone. The ride will take about 15-20 minutes. Once you arrive at the base, follow the same trail to reach the summit.
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Combination (Walking and Public Transport)
Another option is to take a bus from the Kandy Central Bus Station towards Gampola. Get off at the 'Buddhist Cultural Center' stop, which is close to the base of Monara Gala. From there, you can either walk (approximately 10 minutes) to the trailhead or catch a Tuk-Tuk for a quicker option.
Attractions Nearby to Monara Gala Mountain (Peacock Hill)
- Peacock Rock
- Peacock Hill Hiking Trail Start Location
- Rothschild Tea Estate - Factory
- Hellboda Ella Falls
- Delta Falls
- Sita Devi Kovil
- Kothmale Dam's Museum කොත්මලේ වේල්ල කෞතුකාගාරය
- Glenloch Tea Factory and Tea Center
- Hanuman Temple Ramboda
- Shree Bhakta Hanuman Kovil
- Oak Ray Tea Factory & Museum
- Devathura Ella Falls
- Fool's Bridge - මෝඩයාගේ පාලම
- Ramboda tunnel
- Puna Ella Falls in Ramboda | රම්බොඩ පූනා ඇල්ල
Landmarks nearby to Monara Gala Mountain (Peacock Hill)
- Ranamune Raja Pihilla, Kothmale.
- පුරාණ කඩදොර විහාරය කොත්මලේ Purana Kadadora Viharaya
- දෙහදු කඩුල්ල / Dehadu Kadulla - Kothmale
- Kothmale Hanging Bridge
- Loolkandura Tea Estate | ලූල්කඳුර වතුයාය
- Great Western Mountain
- Arch bridge
- PRW Horton Plains Safari & Tours/Travel
- Megoda Kalugamuwa Ambalama
- කුඩා ඔය
- Nuwara Eliya mountains view point
- Kolapathana Waterfall
- Shanthipura View Point
- Pigeons Nest Guest House
- Hanthana Mountain View Point