Knuckles Mountain Range Trek: Waterfall Cave Camp

You sleep inside a cave behind a waterfall, not in a tent on the ground.

A 3-day trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range from Kandy takes you to a UNESCO World Heritage forest, crossing streams and waterfalls before camping in a cave nestled behind falling water. The route moves through tea estates and remote villages, with nights at the historic Cardamom Hut and the waterfall cave. A private guide, van transport from Kandy, tents, sleeping bags and meals are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kandy to Knuckles Range trek

• Meet guide in Kandy
• Travel by van to Lebanon Estate
• Hike through tea estate
• Ascend Ratnagiri Hill
• Enter lush forest
• Cross pristine streams
• View two waterfalls
• Reach KMP Cardamom Hut
• Overnight at Cardamom Hut

Day 2: Cardamom Hut to waterfall cave

• Trek from Cardamom Hut to cave
• Explore four waterfalls and infinity pool
• Relax in forest surroundings
• Camp overnight in waterfall cave

Day 3: Waterfall cave to Kandy or Dambulla

• Start trek from cave
• Reach top of Gunikuru Falls
• Pass through Ginikeliyawa and Aswedduma plains
• Arrive at Ranamure village
• Van transfer to Kandy or Dambulla

The experience

The trek starts with a van ride from Kandy to Lebanon Estate, where the hike begins through tea plantations before climbing Ratnagiri Hill into the forest. Day one covers two waterfalls and a climb to the Cardamom Hut, a stone shelter that has stood for over 50 years. The second day is shorter (about two hours from the hut to the cave) leaving the afternoon free to explore four more waterfalls and an infinity pool carved into the rock before settling into the cave for the night. The final morning takes you to the top of Gunikuru Falls, then across open plains through the villages of Ginikeliyawa and Aswedduma to Ranamure, where a van picks you up for the drive back to Kandy or Dambulla.

The cave camp is the centerpiece: you sleep on a mattress inside the shelter with the waterfall running outside, a setup the operator describes as rare and unforgettable. Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and mattresses) comes with the tour, as does a private English-speaking guide, all transport between Kandy and the trailhead, and tea and snacks throughout the days. The route stays within the Knuckles range itself, avoiding the standard Sri Lankan tourist circuit. The operator notes these are locations most travelers never see.

What’s included

• Private van transport from Kandy to Lebanon Estate and from Ranamure back to Kandy or Dambulla.
• private English-speaking guide for all three days.
• camping gear including tents, sleeping bags and mattresses.
• tea and snacks throughout the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (1 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lanka Trek

Is this one for you?This is a private, guided trek, so you move at the pace your guide sets and do not navigate alone. It suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants a structured route through remote forest and the security of a guide who knows the terrain and the cave camp logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 10 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many waterfalls do you cross on the 3-day Knuckles trek?

You encounter six waterfalls across the three days: two on the first day's hike to Cardamom Hut, and four more on the second day before camping at the waterfall cave.

What's the Cardamom Hut and where do you sleep the first night?

The Cardamom Hut is a historic stone shelter in the Knuckles range that has stood for over 50 years. You sleep there on the first night after hiking up from Lebanon Estate through the tea estates and forest.

Do you need to bring your own camping gear, or is it provided?

Camping gear is included: tents, sleeping bags and mattresses come with the tour, so you only need to pack personal items and clothing.

What time does the trek start from Kandy, and how do you get to the trailhead?

Your guide meets you in the morning in Kandy for a briefing, then private van transport takes you to Lebanon Estate, where the hike officially begins.

Can you swim or bathe at the waterfalls and infinity pool?

Yes. On day two, after reaching the cave, you have time to explore and enjoy the four waterfalls and the infinity pool, a natural rock basin, before settling in for the night.

Where does the trek end, and how do you return to your hotel?

The trek ends at Ranamure village on the morning of day three. A van picks you up there and takes you back to either Kandy or Dambulla city for drop-off.