Mountains and hills are an important part of Sri Lanka’s physical geography.
Although Sri Lanka is a relatively small island, it has a significant mountainous region that greatly influences the country’s climate, rivers, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The mountainous and hilly regions of Sri Lanka are mainly located in the Central Highlands.
This region includes the highest peaks, plateaus, and hill ranges in the country. Due to higher elevation, these areas experience cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding lowlands.
Pidurutalagala is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, rising about 2,524 meters above sea level.
Other notable mountains include Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), Kirigalpotta, Thotupola Kanda, and Namunukula. Many of these mountains have cultural, religious, and historical importance.
The mountains and hills of Sri Lanka are the main source of the island’s river systems. Most major rivers originate in the Central Highlands and flow toward the sea.
These rivers are vital for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation.
Hilly regions are also famous for tea plantations, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Because of their scenic beauty and pleasant climate, mountainous areas attract many local and foreign tourists every year.
Mountains & Hills of Sri Lanka – Quiz
Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. Where are most mountains in Sri Lanka located?
A. Northern Plains
B. Eastern Coast
C. Central Highlands
D. Western Coast
Answer: C
2. What is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka?
A. Adam’s Peak
B. Kirigalpotta
C. Thotupola Kanda
D. Pidurutalagala
Answer: D
3. What is the approximate height of Pidurutalagala?
A. 1,524 meters
B. 2,524 meters
C. 3,524 meters
D. 2,000 meters
Answer: B
4. Which mountain is also known as Sri Pada?
A. Pidurutalagala
B. Adam’s Peak
C. Namunukula
D. Knuckles
Answer: B
5. Which mountain is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims?
A. Pidurutalagala
B. Kirigalpotta
C. Adam’s Peak
D. Thotupola Kanda
Answer: C
6. Which region has a cooler climate due to high elevation?
A. Central Highlands
B. Dry Zone
C. Coastal Belt
D. Northern Plains
Answer: A
7. Which mountain range is also called the Dumbara Hills?
A. Rakwana Hills
B. Knuckles Range
C. Namunukula Range
D. Central Plateau
Answer: B
8. Which economic activity is common in hilly areas?
A. Fishing
B. Tea cultivation
C. Salt production
D. Rice farming
Answer: B
9. Mountains are important because they are the source of:
A. Ports
B. Rivers
C. Deserts
D. Lagoons
Answer: B
10. Which mountain is the second highest in Sri Lanka?
A. Kirigalpotta
B. Adam’s Peak
C. Namunukula
D. Bible Rock
Answer: A
11. Which mountain is famous for annual pilgrimages?
A. Pidurutalagala
B. Adam’s Peak
C. Knuckles
D. Namunukula
Answer: B
12. Which natural feature is common in mountainous regions?
A. Waterfalls
B. Sand dunes
C. Lagoons
D. Coral reefs
Answer: A
13. Which hill range is located in the eastern part of the highlands?
A. Knuckles Range
B. Rakwana Hills
C. Namunukula Range
D. Central Plateau
Answer: C
14. Which mountain area is important for biodiversity?
A. Northern Plains
B. Central Highlands
C. Coastal Plains
D. Dry Zone
Answer: B
15. What causes cooler temperatures in mountain areas?
A. Latitude
B. Altitude
C. Ocean currents
D. Soil type
Answer: B
16. Which activity is least common in mountain regions?
A. Tea farming
B. Tourism
C. Fishing
D. Hydropower
Answer: C
17. Which mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A. Knuckles Range
B. Rakwana Hills
C. Namunukula Range
D. Bible Rock
Answer: A
18. Mountains mainly support Sri Lanka’s:
A. River systems
B. Desert climate
C. Volcanoes
D. Ice caps
Answer: A
19. Which mountain is located near Nuwara Eliya?
A. Pidurutalagala
B. Adam’s Peak
C. Namunukula
D. Bible Rock
Answer: A
20. Why are mountains important to Sri Lanka?
A. They block rainfall
B. They support rivers and climate
C. They reduce agriculture
D. They create deserts
Answer: B