Saptha Kanya

Mountain range in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka

Saptha Kanya

Maskeliya, Sri Lanka

Saptha Kanya (Sinhala: සප්ත කන්‍යා) (Meaning - Seven Virgins) (also known as Upper Laxapana Mountain Range) is a mountain range in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka. In Tamil it is known as Anjimalai (Tamil: அஞ்சிமலை) (Meaning - The Five Peaks). It is a ridge of seven peaks near the Norton Estate bordering the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province. The tallest peak is 1,569 m from the sea level.

Origin of Name

The literal meaning of the name Saptha Kanya is Seven Virgins. However, folklore also mentions that the name is a corruption of Svaptha Kanya, meaning Sleeping Virgin.

Aircraft Incident

4 December 1974, the aircraft, Martinair Flight 138 crashed into the mountain shortly before landing, killing all 191 people aboard – 182 Indonesian hajj pilgrims bound for Mecca, and 9 crew members.^[1]