The Knuckles Mountain Range, also known as Dumbara Kanduvetiya or the Mist-laden Mountain Range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Sri Lanka, spanning the Matale and Kandy districts. The range features 34 peaks, with elevations between 900 and 2,000 meters, including the highest peak, Gombaniya, at 1,906 meters. The name "Knuckles" was given by early British surveyors due to the resemblance of the range's five prominent peaks to the knuckles of a clenched fist.

This region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing various ecosystems such as montane forests, grasslands, and cloud forests. It is home to numerous endemic species, including the Knuckles pygmy lizard, purple-faced langur, and a variety of bird species. The area offers numerous trekking trails, providing opportunities to explore its diverse flora and fauna, as well as scenic waterfalls and traditional villages.

For herpetologists, the Knuckles Range is particularly significant as it hosts a remarkable diversity of snakes and other reptiles, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. The varied elevations and microclimates create ideal habitats for different species, making it an exceptional location for herping activities.

Pitawala Pathana is a unique grassland plateau within the Knuckles Conservation Forest, located near Riverston along the Rattota-Illukkumbura road in the Matale district. Covering approximately 10 hectares, this gently sloping rock slab is adorned with a thin soil layer supporting a turf grass cover about 10 cm in height, giving it a velvety appearance. The area is interspersed with isolated trees and shrubs and hosts many endemic plant and animal species.

A notable feature of Pitawala Pathana is the "Mini World's End," a deep escarpment offering panoramic views of the Knuckles Range and the valleys below. A nature trail of about 0.75 km leads visitors to this viewpoint, resembling a smaller version of the famed World's End in Horton Plains. The dramatic cliff edges and panoramic views make it a breathtaking destination for nature enthusiasts.

This unique ecosystem is home to many endemic species, including the rare Kirtisinghe's Rock Frog, found only in the Knuckles Mountain Range. The grassland's unique ecological characteristics make it an important site for biodiversity conservation and scientific research, particularly for herpetological studies.

Riverston, situated within the Knuckles Mountain Range, is characterized by striking landscapes often enveloped in thick clouds of mist. Located in the Matale district, this prominent peak is a popular destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts, offering cool, misty conditions and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.

At higher elevations, isolated cloud forests harbor a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to this region. The misty conditions create a mystical atmosphere and support unique ecosystems that differ from the lower elevations of the Knuckles Range.

Riverston is also a popular destination for camping and features random roadside waterfalls, adding to its natural allure. The area provides excellent opportunities for herpetological exploration, as the varied habitats support diverse reptile and amphibian communities. The combination of cloud forests, grasslands, and montane ecosystems makes Riverston an ideal location for observing different species in their natural environments.