Seven Virgins Mountain Range
Description
The Seven Virgins Mountain Range, also known as Saptha Kanya, is significant and picturesque in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka. In the Sinhala language, Saptha Kanya translates to "the Seven Virgins", while in Tamil, it is known as Anjimalai, meaning "The Five Peaks". This mountain range, also called the Upper Laxapana Mountain Range, is renowned for its untouched and unspoiled beauty, making it a captivating destination for those who appreciate natural splendour.
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Geographically, the Saptha Kanya mountain range lies in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka and is a ridge comprising seven peaks. The highest peak of this range reaches an elevation of 1,569 meters (5,148 feet). The mountains are known for their enchanting environment, often shrouded in mists, creating a mystical atmosphere. The range is positioned above the Laxapana Hydro Power Plant, contributing to its unique environmental setting.
Apart from its natural beauty, the Seven Virgins Mountain Range is also remembered for a tragic event. On December 4, 1974, Martinair Flight 138, a chartered flight from Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, to Colombo, Sri Lanka, crashed into the fifth mountain of the range. This devastating accident resulted in the loss of all 191 people aboard, including 182 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims bound for Mecca and nine crew members.
Today, the Seven Virgins Mountain Range stands as a testament to both the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the solemn memory of those lost in the 1974 air disaster. It remains a significant site for local and international visitors, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich natural and cultural heritage.
