If you want to spend your nights inside the Knuckles Mountain Range, Ferndale Retreat in Rangala is a quiet place to base yourself. It is a small eco resort set in the forest, with waterfalls on the grounds, trekking trails nearby and a kitchen that cooks with food grown on the property. From Kandy it takes roughly two hours by road.
Why stay in the Knuckles at all
The Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the hills beyond Kandy. British surveyors gave it its English name because the folds of the peaks look like the knuckles of a clenched fist. Locals call it Dumbara Kanduvetiya, the mist laden mountain range, and anyone who has watched clouds roll through the valleys at breakfast will understand why.
It is also a place that rewards time. The trails are long, the weather changes quickly, and there is very little around you except forest and water. Sleeping in the range rather than driving up from Kandy means you start walking in the cool of the morning, and you finish the day with nowhere to rush back to.
Where Ferndale Retreat sits
Ferndale Retreat is in Rangala, deep in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The setting is forest, with waterfalls dropping down rocky cliffs on the grounds and wide views across the hills. Guests often mention the mist, which settles in the evenings and lifts slowly in the morning.
You stay in one of four private villas. Each one is 33 square metres and mixes rustic charm with the comforts you would want after a day outdoors. Four villas mean the retreat stays quiet. You will not share the terrace, the trails or the dinner table with a crowd.
What the food is like
The menu is Sri Lankan, with a modern touch. Expect traditional dishes and aromatic curries built on local spices. A good part of what reaches your plate is organic and grown on the property, and some guests have picked their own vegetables before dinner. When the kitchen is cooking from the garden, the menu follows what is ready.
Things to do without leaving the property
The Waterfall Trek follows the water up through the forest, the Heel Oya Trek takes you along a different valley, and the High Knuckles Trek heads for the high ground, where there is a chance of spotting rare wildlife. If you prefer something shorter, there are night trails for a slower walk after dark, and rock climbing for those who want it.
Who Ferndale is for
Ferndale suits couples, honeymooners and friends who want quiet, privacy and good food after a day outside. It also suits anyone who wants a slow weekend away from the cities and beaches. It is not the right place if you are looking for nightlife, a large resort with lots of facilities, or a beach, and we would rather you choose the stay that fits.
Getting here
Rangala is about 40 km from Kandy, which is nearly two hours by road. If you are driving, head to Kandy and leave your car in the car park managed by Ferndale. Our off-road vehicle takes you up to the retreat from there. Please coordinate with our resident manager before you travel so we can arrange your arrival and get you here in daylight. Our guide to the best time to visit the Knuckles and getting there from Kandy has the full details.
Booking
You can book through our website with our best rate guarantee, or find us on Booking.com, Tripadvisor and Expedia. For questions before you book, write to hello@ferndaleretreat.com or call the villa on +94 81 753 4803.
Frequently asked questions
Ferndale Retreat in Rangala is a small eco resort with four private villas, forest surroundings, waterfalls on the grounds and three trekking routes nearby. It works well for couples and slow travellers who want to sleep inside the range rather than visit it for a day.
Ferndale is about 40 km from Kandy. The drive takes nearly two hours, and a little longer in rain or mist. Our off-road vehicle takes you up from Kandy, where you can leave your car in the car park managed by Ferndale. Contact our resident manager in advance to arrange your arrival, and aim to travel in daylight.
Two nights is the minimum we would suggest. It gives you a full day for a trek or a waterfall walk, with an evening on either side and no rush to leave. Three nights suits you better if you want to try more than one trail.
Yes, for couples who prefer mist, forest and quiet to a beach resort. A private villa, a slow dinner and a gentle walk together suit it well. If you want nightlife or a busy pool scene, a coastal resort will suit you better.