Monara Gala Mountain (Peacock Hill)

A beautiful place to see the mountains and the scenery of the surrounding area of ​​Kotmale. The road to reach the mountain is very difficult.

One of the picturesque places in Kothmale area.

However getting there is a bit tricky due to the bad road conditions. Only the first few kilometers from the Kothmale Saya is in good condition.

Other half of the leg is challenging. You have to drive over a stone exposed road. The road like that up to Doragala town and from there road is kinda okay for another few kilometers.

If you are traveling in a vehicle with low ground clearance, make sure that you park your vehicle at Aramaya and walk the rest.

From there you have to walk like 2.5 kilometers to the hike starting location.

From the hike stating location to the top, there is another one kilometer. Which is not that hard to climb and can get there in like 30 mins.

You can also visit peacock hills by public transport. In order to do that, you have to take Doragala bus from either Atabage or Pussallawa.

The walk towards right from Doragala junction toward the tea factory. After around 4 km walk from there, you’ll meet the same hike starting point.

Monara Gala Mountain is the highest peak in the Pussellawa area. It is also the most scenic spot in Kotmale, with stunning views of Ambulawa, Dolosbage Range, Nawalapitiya Town, and Nuwara Eliya. The mountain is named after its peacock-like shape. There is a section of rock at the top of the hill that protrudes from the main ridge and looks like a peacock's head and neck. Visitors can go further along the rock and descend slightly to reach the most beautiful spot on the top of the hill. However, it is important to be careful as there are slopes on all three sides.

In addition to its natural beauty, Monara Gala Mountain has a rich history. It is said that Prince Dutugemunu lived in a village at the foot of the mountain for many years while farming in the Kotmale area. Legend has it that he had a discussion with the Suranimala giant who brought information to Prince Gemunu through a rock from Mount Monaragala.

A really nice place to visit in Kotmale. You can visit there within 30 to 45 mins from Kotmale Dam's Museum. ️ It's better to have a vehicle with good ground clearance since the road condition is not good (see the dash cam footage below). We went by a Vitz with 3 people, and touched the ground a couple of times, needing very careful driving. You can follow the map, you should put 'Peacock Hill Hiking Trail Start Location' as the destination to show the correct road. Vehicles can go upto the trail start point. The trail is easy and about 1km, took about 30 mins to go to the top.

You can see a breathtaking view from up there. It's really beautiful, calm and peaceful. For best views, try to be there early in the morning or evening. ️ Be careful on the rock. Enjoy the view and take some pics. Be nice to mother nature and don't pollute her.

One of the best view points in Sri Lanka. Hiking takes about 20 minutes from the road. You can get a good view of Ramboda, Kotmale from the top. But during the rainy seasons the view may not be visible due to the mist.

Easy hiking trail.recommend for anyone.its take 2 hours for go up and down.take water and small snack.amazing view in a clear day.

Peacock hill is situated near Kothmale. If you are hoping to visit by bus here is the directions.
You can take a bus from Gampola to Doragala. Usually you can take 9.30AM bus and it takes about 1.30 Hours to reach doragala. And there is a road to start point of Peacock hills. You won't miss the start point if you ask from villlagers.
Hiking part takes less time. (30Min)

A very good place for hiking
But avoid during rainy season specially when it’s lightning

Reaching to the peak is not a hard hike. Its about 1.5 kilometers. There is no any hash conditions. We have to go among a Pinus tree yard. But water is not available on the peak. Sunset is not too much visible due to the misty conditions.

There are two ways to reach to the peak of the Peacock Hill. But one way is temporarily closed. Another way is not easy because the road is mostly damaged. Reaching 4 wheel vehicles like Cars, Vans are little bit difficult.

Easiest transport - Private transport (bike or offroad vehicle)

Easiest Road - Kothmale Reservoir Side. Mahaveli Saya Road

Public transport - Gampolin 8: 45 / 9: 20 Doragala bus. The last stop is at Doragala Tea Factory. About 4 km on foot from there. A shop is found with a pine forest. From there up through the jungle. About 800 m.
Return - 1: 50 or 3: 20 The bus from Doragala Tea Factory leaves at 1: 50 from Pussellawa side. 3: 20 goes from the road next to Kothmale Dam.

Vehicles that can be traveled - Bikes / three wheelers / offroad vehicles. No cars.

If you are coming by bike, you have to walk only 800 m from the starting point of Phineas forest.

Breathtaking scenary. Easy hike. Road condition is not wery good. Public transport is scarce.

Beautiful place Small hike (25 minutes) Best time is before 11am for best view. Roads are not good for vehicles like cars, It is like a little world end. Have to claim the hill. Way to the top is not much difficult when compare with world end. Good view point from the top, can see the full coverage of kandy district.there is no facilities to water and food. So have to bring with us.

It's was a good experience but, it didn't come out well. There was a heavy mist so we couldn't see the view and the beauty.

Best Views after Small Hike…
Everyone can easily reach the top…
Bikes are recommended.
If you need more information please follow and dm my Instagram @rifki.subahan

A very beautiful place located at a height of more than 1500 meters above sea level. Kothmale Reservoir, Kabaragala Mountain, Chariot Path, Ramboda and many other places can be seen.