Riverston, Sri Lanka Central Province Adventurous City
Best time to visitJanuary to April, and July to September
Getting thereAbout 25 km from Matale, around 4.5 hours from Colombo
Recommended stay1–2 days
Welcome to Riverston
Discover Riverston
Riverston is a windswept ridge on the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO-listed wilderness of cloud forest, grassland and peaks. It is off the beaten track, with cool air, few tourists and some of the best views in the country.
Walk to the Pitawala Pathana grassland and the 'Mini World's End' cliff, find waterfalls such as Sera Ella and Bambarakiri Ella, and listen for endemic birds in the montane forest. It's a hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers.
Kura's tip
Weather changes quickly up here. Carry a rain jacket and a warm layer, and start walks early.
Top attractions
Things to see in Riverston
8 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Viewpoint
Riverston Viewpoint
A wind-swept ridge-top lookout with sweeping views over valleys, peaks and rolling cloud.
Grassland
Pitawala Pathana
A wide montane grassland with an easy trail to a dramatic cliff edge.
Waterfall
Sera Ella
A beautiful curtain of water falling into a large pool, surrounded by forest.
Waterfall
Bambarakiri Ella
A waterfall with a picturesque suspension bridge and rock pools. It's an easy stop.
Viewpoint
Kelebokka View Point
A lookout over the Kelebokka valley and its tea estates.
Viewpoint
Mini World's End
A sheer cliff at the edge of Pitawala Pathana with a dramatic drop and far-reaching views.
Hike
Manigala
A challenging hike to a rocky peak in the Knuckles range, rewarded with spectacular views.
Waterfall
Duwili Ella
A powerful waterfall whose spray creates a cloud of 'dust', which gives it its name.
Signature experience
Hiking and Trekking in pitawala pathana, Sri Lanka
This is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka, offers a unique hiking and trekking experience. Peak hike takes you through lush landscapes and verdant forests, offering panoramic views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and distant waterfalls. The Sera Ella Falls trail is moderately challenging, with stunning views of the waterfalls. The Pitawala Pathana grasslands provide a diverse range of flora and fauna, with sweeping views of the “Mini World’s End” cliff drop. The Knuckles Conservation Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a challenging trek through rich biodiversity, rare bird species, endemic plants, and pristine rivers. Riverston’s rugged terrain and dense forest canopy create an immersive trekking experience. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and a deep connection with nature.
