Riverstone Gap
Riverstone Gap
4.5
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4.5
40 reviews
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chulan87
Gampaha, Sri Lanka22 contributions
May 2017 • Family
i. The Shantha's Home Stay at Riverston is located 200 meters away from the "Thelgamuwa oya/river (very nice and safe place to bath)
ii. It just 50 meters away from the "Mini Sera Ella" waterfall
iii. Just 300 meters to "Manigala Mountain"
iv. Shantha's Home Stay at Riverston is face to "Manigala Mountain"
v. Picturesque view of Paddy fields from the Shantha's Home Stay at Riverston
vi. Just 15min drive from "Pitawala Pathana/Plain" & "Mini Worlds end"
ii. It just 50 meters away from the "Mini Sera Ella" waterfall
iii. Just 300 meters to "Manigala Mountain"
iv. Shantha's Home Stay at Riverston is face to "Manigala Mountain"
v. Picturesque view of Paddy fields from the Shantha's Home Stay at Riverston
vi. Just 15min drive from "Pitawala Pathana/Plain" & "Mini Worlds end"
Written 11 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sumith W
Colombo, Sri Lanka228 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Visited Riverstone Plains ('Pitawala Pathana' in Sinhalese) with friends as a day outing. It lies adjacent to the famous Knuckles Mountain Range and can be accessed via Matale or the Dambulla - Bakamoona road. The road gets narrow and winding when you start climbing up. The sudden elevation in altitude brings you to a completely different climatic habitat and a mountainous terrain with plenty of fresh and cool air. The plains takes you to the edge of a cliff with a sudden and drastic drop at its distal end, somewhat similar to what travellers encounter at the famous "World's End" ("lokanthaya") at the Horton Plains, but on a lesser scale. The drop is aptly named "little world's end" ('Punchi Lokanthaya'). You could park the vehicles at the start of the plains and could follow a marked trail along the terrain to its edge. Depending on the weather and mountain mist, visibility could be limited. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the egde (need to be careful) and the scenary would be simply breath-taking.
After coming back to the vehicles, you could also continue with further upward journey to reach the summit of the mountain range. However, vehicles are not allowed in the last 3 Km (2 mile) distance of the road hence you have to negotiate the distance on foot. The climb would take another 45 minutes which could be a bit tiring. At the top, there is a telecommunication tower rising a further couple of hundred feet and a station complex transmitting mobile phone and railway communication signals. You could exchange a few pleasentaries with the staff manning the complex as they yearn for company! At this point, the summit stands at 4,800 feet above mean sea level and you feel as if you are standing "on top of the world" with almost all the other mountain peaks dwarfing beneath you. There is just one adjoining mountain peak rising a further 200 feet with a foot path to its top. For the more adventurous types, it would be worth the trouble to scale it.
And for us, after our trek down to the vehicles and then half way on to our descent, we stopped by a mountain stream used by many hikers to have a bath. The cool dip was very refreshing and enjoyable after the tiresome trek. You could also have meals by the side of the stream, but please do not litter.
For the more enthusiastic traveller, you could book a mountain lodge through the forest department and spend the night in the plains enjoying the unique stillness and the beauty of the mounternous wilderness.
After coming back to the vehicles, you could also continue with further upward journey to reach the summit of the mountain range. However, vehicles are not allowed in the last 3 Km (2 mile) distance of the road hence you have to negotiate the distance on foot. The climb would take another 45 minutes which could be a bit tiring. At the top, there is a telecommunication tower rising a further couple of hundred feet and a station complex transmitting mobile phone and railway communication signals. You could exchange a few pleasentaries with the staff manning the complex as they yearn for company! At this point, the summit stands at 4,800 feet above mean sea level and you feel as if you are standing "on top of the world" with almost all the other mountain peaks dwarfing beneath you. There is just one adjoining mountain peak rising a further 200 feet with a foot path to its top. For the more adventurous types, it would be worth the trouble to scale it.
And for us, after our trek down to the vehicles and then half way on to our descent, we stopped by a mountain stream used by many hikers to have a bath. The cool dip was very refreshing and enjoyable after the tiresome trek. You could also have meals by the side of the stream, but please do not litter.
For the more enthusiastic traveller, you could book a mountain lodge through the forest department and spend the night in the plains enjoying the unique stillness and the beauty of the mounternous wilderness.
Written 23 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathasha u
Bangkok, Thailand240 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
From Colombo it’s a 4.30 hour journey. Colombo to Matale it’s 3.30hours and from Matale about 1 hour or more depending on your stops.
Riverstone is a mountainous area with lots of places to see. Riverstone gap in particular is an area with lots of gusty winds and u feel like your being carried away. To get the full experience u need to climb the Riverstone SLT Tower mountain. This is where everyone goes to feel the ‘breeze’.
There is a car park at the bottom, you can park. There are 2,3 small shops to buy sweaters and snacks.
The climb is a paved road so don’t need any hiking gear or even shoes. We went in slippers. If ur fit it will take only ab 15-20 minutes if not, still only about 30 minutes maximum. There are some shortcuts through the forest, we went in but above don’t go due to many leeches yuck!
It’s an easy climb through paved rod with magnificent views and strong winds. Winds is a must so u really experience the Riverstone. Take a jersey/sweater when u go up as it’s cold.
Riverstone is a mountainous area with lots of places to see. Riverstone gap in particular is an area with lots of gusty winds and u feel like your being carried away. To get the full experience u need to climb the Riverstone SLT Tower mountain. This is where everyone goes to feel the ‘breeze’.
There is a car park at the bottom, you can park. There are 2,3 small shops to buy sweaters and snacks.
The climb is a paved road so don’t need any hiking gear or even shoes. We went in slippers. If ur fit it will take only ab 15-20 minutes if not, still only about 30 minutes maximum. There are some shortcuts through the forest, we went in but above don’t go due to many leeches yuck!
It’s an easy climb through paved rod with magnificent views and strong winds. Winds is a must so u really experience the Riverstone. Take a jersey/sweater when u go up as it’s cold.
Written 17 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devapriyaliyanage
Piliyandala, Sri Lanka27 contributions
Feb 2018
Go early as possible. very nice climate. further down you will see the pitawala pathana and little worlds end.
Written 18 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muditha J
Colombo, Sri Lanka733 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
Road is little bit difficult , if you have a good vehicle it will be useful. The roads are narrow , but you will get stunning views once you reach to the location , I think this place something like Ella area , very nice , weather conditions will change frequently , don't visit there in the rainy season.
Written 23 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keshan A
Sri Lanka49 contributions
July 2018 • Friends
One of the most beautiful place in Sri Lanka. The reason is wonderful nature with amazing views that you can see in this area. Don't forget to get relax with swim in Thelgamu Oya and Sera Ella. Safety is in your hand. Fresh air and calm environment will bring you the most unforgettable memories with this breathtaking place.
Written 20 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacob D
United Kingdom41 contributions
Dec 2017
The windy gap is one of the best ever been so far in the country. Sometimes it's misty and sometimes it's windy and sometimes it's raining too. So experience the change of weather anytime. The greenery is owesome and the view is so amazingly beautiful. One must visit this place before the camping at Riverston.
Written 23 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deee_Naa
Gampaha, Sri Lanka110 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
A picturesque destination, more like a hike :) climbed to the top and reached the tower. It was misty yet the weather wasnt very cold. You cant see the person in front of you when its really misty, but then again it is a very much of a nature loving experience.
Written 27 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morning Sri Lanka
Kurunegala, Sri Lanka18 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Hiking in Riverston Sri Lanka was an unexpected highlight of my journey throughout the island. Riverston is a region best defined by the popular term, ‘off the beaten path’. We drove for several hours, parked in the middle of nowhere and then embarked on a hike.
We headed across the river and through the rice fields and farmland. There is minimal signage but luckily we had our guide Lukobanda to guide us up. The hike doesn’t have a specific name according to the locals other than the Riverston Hike. The hike looks out over the Knuckles mountain range and the surrounding highlands. It’s one of the short day trip hikes in the area. The end of the hike ends with a sharp 300m drop, which made for some pretty epic photos. From here you can chill and take in the views of the Thelgamuwa Valley, the terraced rice fields, and the Knuckles mountain range. This spot is called ‘The Worlds End’.The hike is 5km long but not incredibly difficult.
We headed across the river and through the rice fields and farmland. There is minimal signage but luckily we had our guide Lukobanda to guide us up. The hike doesn’t have a specific name according to the locals other than the Riverston Hike. The hike looks out over the Knuckles mountain range and the surrounding highlands. It’s one of the short day trip hikes in the area. The end of the hike ends with a sharp 300m drop, which made for some pretty epic photos. From here you can chill and take in the views of the Thelgamuwa Valley, the terraced rice fields, and the Knuckles mountain range. This spot is called ‘The Worlds End’.The hike is 5km long but not incredibly difficult.
Written 13 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kapil
Colombo, Sri Lanka37 contributions
June 2018 • Family
Good for a walk and a nice drive amidst the green forest. Make sure u carry some refreshments or food as there are no shops or hotels on ur way. U will find sign boards directing to some breathtaking waterfalls which will make upto another 10kms extra of ur journey. Enjoy the scenery all along.
Written 20 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the windymonths in rivdrston gap? How is it in January,February?
Written 23 January 2019
Yes , even moris but should be in good condition.
Written 23 January 2019
Please give more details about the road to Riverstan . About the road condition . Thanks.
Written 6 January 2019
Its small (but can ride a vehicle) and adventure road in between top of the mountains. Anyway its totally paradise of the earth. You can reach there easily with an off road vehicle.
Written 8 January 2019
Yes, but I recommend to have a friend to assist.
Written 27 November 2018
Thisedi#123*
Colombo, Sri Lanka
What about the road conditions. Can I reach there witha small vehicle?
Written 22 October 2018
Yes. But you can see the beauty of the nature while you have a peaceful walk.
Written 20 August 2018
No One will check your bags. But you can do anything without littering the environment
Written 20 August 2018
there are fewer places around. cannot recommend a place though.
Written 4 May 2018
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