Hunnasgiriya lies at the highest point of the road and offers magnificent views. It is also where a 29 km dead-end road branches off to Meemure; a trail from Hunnasgiriya also leads to the rocky hill of Medamahanuwara. This gives you different priorities to consider when planning: the connection to Meemure, the best starting point for trekking in the Knuckles Mountains, and a hill with a history as an old fortress. If you are looking for a hotel in Hunnasgiriya, first consider which of these perspectives you want to shape your stay.
The Road to Meemure and Trekking
The 29 km dead-end road to Meemure branches off in Hunnasgiriya. Meemure is considered the best starting point for trekking in the Knuckles Mountains. This distinction matters when choosing your route: Hunnasgiriya is where the road branches off, while Meemure is considered the starting point for trekking in the Knuckles Mountains. If these mountains are your main destination, make Meemure the central reference point for your plans. If Hunnasgiriya itself is your focus, the viewpoint and the trail to Medamahanuwara offer other points of interest. This way, you can distinguish the road connection from the trekking destination rather than treating both as the same starting point.
The Road and the Views
In the surrounding area, the road to Hunnasgiriya first follows the Hulu Ganga and then one of its tributaries. Hunnasgiriya is the highest point on the road and offers magnificent views. The river route and the views refer to different features: the river sections are part of the road route in the surrounding area, while the highest point and the views are associated with Hunnasgiriya. If you want to get a sense of the landscape along the road, these two features help distinguish the route through the surrounding area from the viewpoint in the town.
Medamahanuwara: Hill and Fortress History
A trail from Hunnasgiriya leads to the rocky hill of Medamahanuwara, which is 1,340 m high. An old fortress stood there and served as Vikrama Rajah Sinha’s last refuge before his capture. This trail is therefore associated with a specific landscape feature and its historical role. It differs from the turnoff to Meemure, which is associated with trekking in the Knuckles Mountains: here, the trail leads to a hill with a fortress history, while the road leads to Meemure. If you are planning a hike, check the latest access and trail conditions in advance.
The Hunnasgiriya Kevulgama Ambalama
Another nearby historical point of interest is the ancient Hunnasgiriya Kevulgama Ambalama. It is an archaeological protected monument in the Kevulgama Grama Niladhari Division within the Ududumbara Divisional Secretary’s Division. The government gazette notice designating it a protected monument was published on 6 June 2008. The Ambalama and the fortress site at Medamahanuwara represent different historical points of interest: the hill is associated with Vikrama Rajah Sinha’s story of refuge, while the Ambalama’s historical significance stems from its ancient character and protected status.
Choose the Focus of Your Stay
Meemure is associated with trekking in the Knuckles Mountains, while Medamahanuwara is associated with the hill trail and the fortress history; the views and river route give the road landscape its own distinct appeal. These differences can help guide your choice of Hunnasgiriya and your further planning, without combining the trails into a single day route. When booking, check current availability and the specific details for each hotel.
Discover more destinations: Ampitiya, Hakgala, Watawala, Polgolla, Galaha, Pallegama, Meemure, Sirimalwatta
For the broader travel overview: Central Province.
