Maskeliya, located around 20 km away from Hatton, is made up of a combination of three estates. During the pilgrimage season, which lasts from December to April, thousands of people pass through the town on their journey to Adam’s Peak. Known as one of the coldest areas in Sri Lanka, Maskeliya offers beautiful places to visit for amazing views and opportunities to connect with nature. This town in the central province of Sri Lanka is renowned for its beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and estates.
Places to visit in Maskeliya
The Castlereagh Reservoir, The Castlereagh Reservoir, part of the Laxapana Hydro Power Complex, offers captivating beauty and various recreational activities. Built in 1953, it features panoramic views, boat rides, bird watching, picnics, and hiking. Some areas are safe for swimming, and it even has its own airport for a unique arrival experience.
Devon Falls, Devon Falls is a stunning 97-meter waterfall on the Kotmale Oya River. It has three tiers and is best viewed during the rainy season. Despite the potential for flash floods and landslides, it attracts many visitors each year.
St. Clair Falls, A visit to St. Clair’s includes the opportunity to visit nearby tea plantations. This waterfall is situated within the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and requires some effort to reach, but the breathtaking views make it worth it. There are several trails leading to the falls, each with varying difficulty levels, making it a great destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Gartmore Falls, Maskeliya’s Gartmore Falls is a combination of two waterfalls: Upper Gartmore Falls and Lower Gartmore Falls. Upper Gartmore Falls is a natural infinity pool that overflows into the Maskeliya Reservoir. To reach Upper Gartmore Falls, you’ll need to hike through tea plantations, while Lower Gartmore Falls is directly accessible by road. Although it’s easier to reach, swimming is not advisable due to strong currents. However, you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the Upper Gartmore Falls.
A Hike on the Seven Virgins Mountain Range
The legend of the Seven Virgins Mountain tells the story of seven maidens who sought refuge in the mountains to escape a powerful king. The mountains split open to hide them forever. There are seven mountain peaks, each offering unique experiences in terms of difficulty and scenery.
The Virgin Peaks offer a range of hiking experiences:
The First Virgin (The Northmost Peak) is the easiest ascent and suitable for beginners.
The Second Virgin offers moderate difficulty and scenic views of tea plantations and valleys.
The Third Virgin features steeper climbs and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the entire range.
The Fourth Virgin is considerably challenging with rocky terrain and breathtaking views of Adams Peak.
The Fifth Virgin is the least frequently climbed peak, requiring technical skills and local expertise.
The Sixth Virgin is known for its waterfalls and diverse flora, and is moderately difficult to climb.
The Seventh Virgin is considered the most challenging, requiring advanced skills and endurance.
