Pidurutalagala Mountain and the Forest Reserve is situated almost next to the heart of Nuwara Eliya Town.
During 1897, there had been a path made to climb Pidurutalagala mountain. The four mile track to the top could have been made by walking for two and half hours or could be made on horse back.
The British preferred to call this mountain “Pedro” as pronouncing the mountain as “Pidurutalagala” was not an easy task for them.
The meaning of word Pidurutalagala can be likened as “ Straw laden rock “.
Mountain of Pidurutalagala
The mountain of Pidurutalagala has a forest reserve surrounding it. The forest underwent damage five years ago in a forest fire, causing the loss of some 3 acres of forest. However, the damage is being repaired now with the assistance of nature and human intervention. The area of the mountain and forest reserve has been designated an ultra-high security zone due to the summit being used to house the communications array of the Sri Lankan Government and the Armed Forces of the country.
Unlike most mountain summits which are rocky, Pidurutalagala Mountain in Sri Lanka had a cap of pale green vegetation on its somewhat flat summit as per eyewitness accounts of the 1940s. During the summer months the vegetation had a tendency to dry to a pale yellow giving it a straw-like appearance, and hence the name ‘Straw Laden Rock’ or ‘Pidurutalagala’ in Sinhala. During the early 20th century the mountain still had only a single human-made path to the summit. The only other trails were from the elephants that frequented the mountain. The rest of the mountain was all untouched vegetation.
The man made path to the top had been marked at regular intervals throughout the ascent on stone posts such as 7500 feet, 8000 feet. Earlier in 1940s, on the mountain summit there had been a “Toposcope” or a type of a Map which had a circle of pointed arrows that showed the directions of certain important places with distances of ‘ line of sight’ from Pidurutalagala or “Mt. Pedro” , such as Colombo, Adam’s Peak, Dondra Head, Horton’s Plains, etc. One could clearly see and identify faraway places such as Yala, Hambantota, Bintenna, Namunukula, Horabora Wewa and Bay of Trincomalee which were marked on the Toposcope.
Is Pidurutalagala Mountain open to Public
Pidurutalagala Mountain in Sri Lanka is not open to the public most of the year. However, during certain periods of time passes of admission can be obtained for a drive to the top. Trekking is strictly not allowed. Once the vehicle enters the limits of the Security Point at the base it has to be driven without stopping or anyone disembarking from the vehicle till the Upper-Security Point at the mountain’s summit.
Why Visit Pidurutalagala
Pidurutalagala is not only the highest peak of Sri Lanka, but also one of its most impressive and significant landmarks. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Pidurutalagala.
Height
Pidurutalagala stands at an elevation of 2,524 meters (8,281 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point of the island. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the hills, valleys, forests, lakes, and tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Indian Ocean and the Adam’s Peak, another famous mountain in Sri Lanka.
Scenery
Pidurutalagala is a stunning sight to behold, especially during sunrise and sunset. The peak is covered with lush green vegetation, including pine trees, grasslands, and flowers. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as monkeys, deer, leopards, and birds. You can spot some of these animals along the way as you hike up the mountain.
Biodiversity
Pidurutalagala is part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Central Highlands are recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and endemism, meaning that many of the plants and animals found here are unique to this region and nowhere else in the world. Some of the endemic species that you can find in Pidurutalagala are the Sri Lankan leopard, the purple-faced langur, the Sri Lankan whistling thrush, and the Horton Plains slender loris.
History
Pidurutalagala has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, Pidurutalagala was the abode of the gods and the place where King Ravana hid Princess Sita after abducting her from India in the epic Ramayana. Pidurutalagala was also the site of a British observatory and a military base during the colonial era. Today, Pidurutalagala hosts a radar station and a communication tower that are operated by the Sri Lankan Air Force. These facilities are off-limits to the public, but you can still see them from a distance.
Can I climb Pidurutalagala?
The mountain is closed for the general public as it is designated as a high security zone by the Sri Lankan army. However, it is possible to visit with a prior approval from the ministry of Defence. Hiking or getting off the vehicle until you reach the top is strictly prohibited due to leopard encounters.
Where is the Pidurutalagala located?
Pidurutalagala (Sinhala: පිදුරුතලාගල, pronounced [ˌpidurutaˈlaːɡələ], Straw Plateau Rock), or previously Mount Pedro in English, is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, at 2,524 m (8,281 ft). It is situated North-North-East from the town of Nuwara Eliya and is easily visible from most areas of the Central Province.
How to visit Pidurutalagala?
Pidurutalagala is located in the city of Nuwara Eliya, which is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. There are several ways to reach Pidurutalagala from different cities and regions in Sri Lanka by various modes of transport. Here are some of the options:
By Bus
The cheapest and most common way to reach Pidurutalagala is by bus. You can take a bus from Colombo, Kandy, or any other major city to Nuwara Eliya, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
By Train
The most scenic and comfortable way to reach Pidurutalagala is by train. You can take a train from Colombo, Kandy, or any other major city to Nanu Oya, which is the nearest railway station to Nuwara Eliya. The train ride takes about 6 to 8 hours and offers spectacular views of the countryside, the mountains, and the tea plantations.
From Nuwara Eliya, you can take another taxi or tuk-tuk to the Pidurutalagala entrance, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.
By Car
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Pidurutalagala is by car. You can rent a car from Colombo, Kandy, or any other major city and drive to Nuwara Eliya, which takes about 4 to 5 hours. From Nuwara Eliya, you can drive to the Pidurutalagala entrance, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
