forgotten village trail knuckles mountain range

Explorer by MahooraThe Forgotten Village Trekking Trail

The foothills of Knuckles Mountain Range have many folktales and mysteries that linger around, creating a sense of curiosity amongst the villagers and travellers alike.

As the frequented footpaths and the enormous forests have silent stories to share, a visit to the Forgotten Village is certainly…  unforgettable.

This trekking trail consists of two sections:  Village Trekking Trail and the Forest Trekking Trail. We start the journey from Explorer by Mahoora Knuckles Campsite and go through the Illukkumbura village. At a turnoff, we take a forest trail in an ascending 2.5 km small motorable road.

Our forest trekking trail up to the Forgotten Village is 3 kilometres one way on an easy, flat terrain trek. In the past, many people lived in this area for a number of decades, yet due to difficulties in accessibility and the presence of wild elephants, many chose to relocate - leaving a very small number of inhabitants who continue to live in the area.     

Although it is hard to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be, we have developed a guideline that is likely to help you in understanding the level of intensity of the trekking trail. Trail Grading Guidelines

Variation 1 - Grading of the trail - B (Moderate)

  • Timing: approximately 7 hours - Full Day

  • Total Distance of the Trail: 11km

  • Recommended for guests who stay at Explorer by Mahoora - Knuckles for 3 nights

 

Variation 2 - Grading of the trail - A (Easy)

What makes this Trail different from Variation  1

Vehicle transfer to the beginning of the forest trek, thereafter continue on the forest trek.

  • Timing: approximately 4 hours - Half  Day

  • Total Distance of the Trail: 6 km

  • Recommended for guests who stay at Explorer by Mahoora - Knuckles for 3 nights

 

What's Included In These Fully Guided Trekking Trails

  • An expert local guide from the area who has roamed in this region for decades.

  • Professional Naturalist who will explain and interpret social life, nature encounters and sightings.
  • Snacks & Water.

  • First-Aid and required backup for any emergency.   

  • Lunch based on the programme.  

    

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Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

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