Pettigala, often called Pethiyagala, is a scenic 760 m peak about 20 km east of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, attracting avid hikers with a stunning trail.
The journey begins at the historic Bambaragala Raja Maha Viharaya, a temple complex featuring ancient caves — Indrasala Guhava and Situwam Lena — along with centuries‑old frescoes. For those with an average level of fitness, the moderate, forested 1 km hike takes about an hour, leading through manna vegetation and rocky paths before reaching the summit rock, Pettigala. From here, hikers are rewarded with enchanting 360° views of Kandy’s outskirts, from Victoria Reservoir to the Knuckles Range and Mahaweli River.
Half-day hikes to the summit are best timed for sunrise or sunset, allowing visitors to enjoy the best views of the highlands.
