Pilkington Point
A breathtaking viewpoint near Haputale, offering panoramic vistas of southern plains, misty hills, and tea estates. Famous for its challenging access ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Clearer views, less mist
Pilkington Point
Best Time
Clearer views, less mist
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking viewpoint near Haputale, offering panoramic vistas of southern plains, misty hills, and tea estates. Famous for its challenging access and wild elephant sightings.
"Fully worth the hassle gone through to get here. Access road is dilapidated but the view is quite nice."
🚗 High Ground Clearance Needed
The last 2km road is very rough. A vehicle with good ground clearance is highly recommended.
🐘 Watch for Elephants
Wild elephants are common here. Be cautious and maintain a safe distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Valley Views
Southern Plains
Breathtaking vistas of lush tea plantations, misty hills, and southern plains. On clear days, see Udawalawe reservoir and the coastline.
The Iconic Hut
Viewpoint Summit
A charming hut adds a unique flavor to the scenery, offering shelter during sudden showers.
Wildlife Spotting
En route and at the viewpoint
Keep an eye out for majestic wild elephants roaming the area, a thrilling encounter for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Ascent
Ticketing and Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 High Ground Clearance Needed
The last 2km road is very rough. A vehicle with good ground clearance is highly recommended.
🐘 Watch for Elephants
Wild elephants are common here. Be cautious and maintain a safe distance.
💰 Entry Fee
A small fee of Rs. 100 is charged for entry.
🧥 Be Prepared for Weather
Weather changes rapidly. Expect sun, rain, and mist all in one visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High Ground Clearance Needed
The last 2km road is very rough. A vehicle with good ground clearance is highly recommended.
🐘 Watch for Elephants
Wild elephants are common here. Be cautious and maintain a safe distance.
💰 Entry Fee
A small fee of Rs. 100 is charged for entry.
🧥 Be Prepared for Weather
Weather changes rapidly. Expect sun, rain, and mist all in one visit.
🚶♀️ Trekking Shoes Recommended
The journey can involve some walking, especially if you park further down.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pilkington Point offers truly breathtaking panoramic views of Sri Lanka's southern plains and misty hills, making the challenging journey worthwhile for many. Visitors are captivated by the dramatic weather changes and the unique charm of the viewpoint's hut. However, the extremely rough access road and the presence of wild elephants require caution and preparation.
"One of the beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. It can be reached via Poonagala road. You have to take another turn on the Poonagala road and move 2 km upwards to reach this viewpoint.
This 2 km road is in terrible condition. Motorcycles and threewheelers are able to make it. It is not only about the road, but also the risk involved in the ride, particularly where there is no any safety barrier on the road edge to protect against fall hazard (the precipice is on the left going uphill), roughly along the last 500 m of the journey. Last but not least, wild elephants roam the area. I met an electricity fence across the road at two locations along the way up.
A person is charged Rs. 100. Tickets are issued by a Tamil guy on the way, a little bit before you reach the destination. I did not know about ticketing. It was on my way back that I was asked to pay for tickets.
Despite the associated risk in the journey, the environment is fascinating. The weather keeps changing. The sun, rain and mist take their turns to take over the nature. How remarkable! However, a 360° view is not available here. Very calm a place to spend time.
The hut that is there adds a unique flavour to the scenery. It can protect you during a shower. Unfortunately, I found polythene and broken glass in the area, which is how our people leave their mark. Pathetic!"
Jagath Mahagamage
"Can reach Pilkington point around 9 Km from Koslanda town Koslanda poonagala Bandarawela road.Then turn right and go around 2 Km. This 2 km concrete road segment is very narrow. My vehicle is vitz car. From Pilkington Point , Wellawaya Town,Ella Wellawaya road and Alikote ara reservoir which is built under Uma oya project can be seen , depend on visibility."
RAIL ZONE MATARA
"The road to get here is quite bad. Good ground clearance would help. However, we made it with an aqua, and a fit so it's possible to get there. View from the point is quite nice. Is it worth driving for a couple of hours? I'd say yes."
Yasas Nanayakkara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Koslanda town, take the Poonagala road for about 9 km, then turn right and proceed for approximately 2 km uphill. The final 2 km are a narrow, concrete road in poor condition.
Motorcycles and three-wheelers can manage the rough road. For cars, a vehicle with high ground clearance is strongly advised due to the poor road condition.
The road has no safety barriers on the edge, posing a fall hazard, especially on the last 500m. Be extremely cautious.
While public transport can get you to Koslanda or Poonagala, the final 2km stretch is best managed by private vehicle, motorcycle, or tuk-tuk.
While specific coordinates can vary, searching for 'Pilkington Point, Poonagala' on your navigation app should guide you.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee of Rs. 100 per person, collected by a local on the way up.
Pilkington Point is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor viewpoint, so there are no strict opening or closing times.
No advance booking is required. Tickets are purchased on-site from the collector.
The primary restriction is the road condition, which may deter certain vehicles. Be mindful of wildlife.
Visiting at night is not recommended due to the poor road conditions, lack of lighting, and potential wildlife encounters.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and distant plains.
Expect stunning views of lush greenery, rolling hills, misty valleys, and on clear days, the Udawalawe reservoir and southern coastline.
There is a small hut that can provide shelter from rain. Otherwise, facilities are minimal.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, and when the mist rolls in.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for changing weather, and rain gear.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings offer clearer skies and softer light, while late afternoons can provide dramatic sunsets. Mist can add a mystical quality.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or misty shots.
The main viewpoint offers the most iconic shots. Experiment with different angles to capture the tea estates and valleys.
Drone footage has been captured here, offering stunning aerial views. Ensure you comply with local drone regulations.
Clear days offer visibility of distant plains, while misty conditions create a more atmospheric and moody scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the views are spectacular, the primary focus for families might be managing the journey. Consider if your children are comfortable with bumpy rides and the possibility of seeing wild elephants from a safe distance. The presence of a small hut offers some shelter, which can be useful if the weather turns.
🚗 Adventure Seekers
The reward for this adventurous trek is the stunning, unobstructed view from the summit. The unpredictable weather, with its sudden mists and showers, adds to the dramatic atmosphere. Plus, the chance of encountering wild elephants in their natural habitat provides an unforgettable wildlife experience.
📸 Photographers
The ever-changing weather, with its dramatic mist and cloud formations, provides unique photographic opportunities, creating an ethereal and moody atmosphere. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions or to stabilize shots in misty weather. Drone footage has also captured incredible aerial perspectives of the area.
The iconic hut at the viewpoint also adds a charming element to compositions. Remember to be patient, as the weather can transform the scene in minutes, offering new photographic possibilities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Access Road
Be prepared for potential obstacles such as temporary electric fences, often used to manage wildlife.
Wildlife Encounters: Elephants at Pilkington Point
These majestic creatures are a significant part of the natural landscape here, and seeing them in their habitat can be a highlight for many visitors. It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance is paramount. Visitors should be aware of their presence and avoid any actions that might provoke them. The presence of elephants underscores the natural beauty and untamed character of the region.
The Ever-Changing Climate
This atmospheric variability makes each visit unique. The mist can lend a dramatic and moody quality to the landscape, while clear spells reveal the vastness of the southern plains and distant landmarks like the Udawalawe reservoir.
It's advisable to come prepared for all types of weather, with layers of clothing and rain gear being essential. 
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