A sprawling protected area in the valley of the Mahaweli River just outside of Kandy, the Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary safeguards the catchment basin of the three reservoirs it is named after, which are the country’s most important sources of hydro-electric power. The area lies in the lee of the country’s central mountain range and as a result, features a typical dry zone climate even though it geographically lies on the cusp of the wet zone. Steep slopes covered with dense scrubland dominate the sanctuary making it a popular hiking and trekking destination. A very popular excursion is a trek to Bambiya Peak, from where picturesque views of the Randenigala reservoir can be seen. Troupes of macaques abound here, and a small population of elephants roams the sanctuary, most often seen in the evenings when they venture to the water’s edge.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass