Question 1

Where exactly is Corbet's Gap in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Corbet's Gap is a mountain pass in the Knuckles Mountain Range, located in Matale District in Sri Lanka's Central Province. It is most easily reached via the town of Hunnasgiriya, approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Kandy, along the B-grade road toward Meemure village.

Question 2

How difficult is the drive to Corbet's Gap?

Accepted Answer

The 19-kilometre road from Hunnasgiriya junction to the gap is paved but steep and winding. An ordinary car can manage it in dry weather, though a vehicle with good ground clearance is more comfortable. After heavy rain, the road can become slippery, so it is worth checking conditions locally before you set out.

Question 3

Can I visit Corbet's Gap without a guide?

Accepted Answer

The drive to the gap viewpoint requires no guide — the road is straightforward to follow from Hunnasgiriya. If you plan to trek into the Knuckles Conservation Forest beyond the gap, however, a licensed guide is strongly recommended because trails are often unmarked and a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation is required.

Question 4

Why is it called Corbet's Gap?

Accepted Answer

The pass takes its name from a British surveyor named Corbett who mapped the Knuckles Range during the colonial period. Locally, the site is still commonly called Attala-Wettuwa in Sinhala, and both names remain in everyday use among villagers in the area.

Question 5

What wildlife might I see near Corbet's Gap?

Accepted Answer

The Knuckles Conservation Forest surrounding the gap is home to leopard, sambar deer, purple-faced langur, and several endemic bird species including the Sri Lanka bush warbler and the Ceylon whistling thrush. Early morning visits improve your chances of spotting wildlife before foot traffic and noise increase.

Question 6

Is Corbet's Gap suitable for a day trip from Kandy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a day trip from Kandy is very feasible. Allow around an hour to reach Hunnasgiriya, then a further 30–45 minutes to drive to the gap. Spending two to three hours at the viewpoint and walking nearby trails leaves comfortable time to return to Kandy before dark. Starting early is advisable for the best views and cooler temperatures.

Question 7

What is Meemure and can I visit it on the same trip?

Accepted Answer

Meemure is a remote traditional village lying several kilometres beyond Corbet's Gap along the same road. It is one of the most isolated communities in Sri Lanka and retains strong ties to traditional farming and forest life. Visiting on the same day as the gap is possible, though the road beyond the gap requires patience and the round trip takes most of the day from Kandy.

Corbet’s Gap

Nearby places

Réservez cette expérience avec Lakpura

MTB Ride through the Jungal to Cobbett's Gap from Kandy City

Transfert entre l'aéroport de Colombo (CMB) et Corbets View, centre-ville de Kandy