A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve named for the way its jagged peaks resemble a clenched fist when viewed from the lowlands below – the Knuckles is a landscape of cloud forests, traditional mountain villages, seasonal waterfalls, and hiking trails that range from a comfortable half-day walk to multi-day treks across remote ridgelines. The endemic wildlife here – including the Kandy dwarf gecko and numerous highland bird species – rewards birdwatchers and naturalists specifically. But the landscape alone is worth the drive up from Kandy. Few places in Sri Lanka feel this remote while remaining this accessible.