Hakgala, Mountain peak in Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka
Hakgala is a mountain peak in Nuwara Eliya District standing at around 2,170 meters with dense forest covering its slopes. The mountain sits within a nature reserve and has a large botanical garden on its northeastern side.
The mountain became important during the British colonial period when Sir James Taylor started tea plantations in the surrounding area during the 1800s. This development transformed the landscape and made the region a significant production center.
The name Hakgala comes from Sinhala and means jaw-rock, a term tied to local interpretations of the Ramayana epic that still shape how people understand the region.
The southwestern slopes receive heavier rainfall due to monsoon exposure, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your visit. The northeastern side is drier and offers better conditions for extended exploration.
The peak ranks among the highest mountains in the country and offers visitors mostly unknown trails away from the main visited areas. These lesser explored routes allow deeper discovery of the nature reserve without crowds.
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