Hummanaya Blowhole is a natural wonder of Sri Lanka, situated in the Dickwella area of the Southern Province. The Blowhole is the second-largest in the world and the largest in the country. It is also a nice place to visit in the Matara area of Sri Lanka. Hummanaya Blowhole is situated in Kudawella Village, which is 28 km from Matara, 12 km from Tangalle, and 5 km from Dickwella. After you reach the Kudawella village on the A2 road, you need to walk around a kilometer to reach the place. It is actually situated on a small hill. The "Hoo" noise of the blowhole can be heard from a great distance before you reach the place. That noise has caused this natural wonder to give the name "Hummanaya" to this blowhole. You need to buy a ticket to enter its viewing area. From there, you can see how the seawater rushed into the air through a submerged cave. This happens because the sea water flows through two giant rocks under high pressure. Depending on the nature of the sea, the water sprays at different distances. On some days of the year, the water sprays around 25–30 meters high and then splashes around the area. The seawater shoots happen every two minutes, and it is a pleasant experience for anyone. The viewpoint also makes for scenic pictures of the Indian Ocean. The months of April to September are considered the best months to visit Hummanaya Blowhole. But it is open around the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. If you are a tourist who is exploring, Tangalle, Mirissa, or Weligama areas, then we suggest you not miss this place during your Sri Lanka tour. . . (Hummanaya Image Source: Unseen Sri Lanka from Facebook)
Hummanaya Blowhole is a natural wonder of Sri Lanka, situated in the Dickwella area of the Southern Province. The Blowhole is the second-largest in the world and the largest in the country. It is also a nice place to visit in the Matara area of Sri Lanka.
Hummanaya Blowhole is situated in Kudawella Village, which is 28 km from Matara, 12 km from Tangalle, and 5 km from Dickwella. After you reach the Kudawella village on the A2 road, you need to walk around a kilometer to reach the place. It is actually situated on a small hill.
The “Hoo” noise of the blowhole can be heard from a great distance before you reach the place. That noise has caused this natural wonder to give the name “Hummanaya” to this blowhole. You need to buy a ticket to enter its viewing area. From there, you can see how the seawater rushed into the air through a submerged cave. This happens because the sea water flows through two giant rocks under high pressure. Depending on the nature of the sea, the water sprays at different distances. On some days of the year, the water sprays around 25–30 meters high and then splashes around the area.
The seawater shoots happen every two minutes, and it is a pleasant experience for anyone. The viewpoint also makes for scenic pictures of the Indian Ocean. The months of April to September are considered the best months to visit Hummanaya Blowhole. But it is open around the year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. If you are a tourist who is exploring, Tangalle, Mirissa, or Weligama areas, then we suggest you not miss this place during your Sri Lanka tour.
Weherahena Temple or someone called "Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya," is another nice place to visit in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with a large Buddha statue. The temple is considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. But there is no great historical value behind this. The distance to Weherahena Temple from Colombo is 170 km, and from Matara city, it is 7 km. There is an interesting story behind this tourist attraction. It dates back to the early 20th century. Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero has arrived in the Weherahena area as a punishment from his teacher. The land was approximately 0.5 acres in size at the time, and it was made up of a Bodhi tree. The Thero then built a small clay house on the land with the support of the people. He then decided to develop the temple and planned to build it into the largest Buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple, as has been mentioned in the Ummagga Jathaka Story. In 1939, the Thero began construction on the planned temple with the help of Anagarika Dharmapala. The tunnel was first made, and the work on the large statue was started later. Finally, the statue was completed in 1976. Japan was also encouraged to rebuild the temple in a modern style after 1976. The area of the whole temple is nearly 3 acres today. Today, visitors to the temple can see the beautiful and decorated art on the tunnel walls. The 39-meter height Buddha statue has brought massive attraction to the temple from the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha statue is also thought to be in the samadhi position. We suggest you visit this beautiful Weherahena Temple during your tour of southern
Weherahena Temple or someone called “Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya,” is another nice place to visit in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with a large Buddha statue. The temple is considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. But there is no great historical value behind this. The distance to Weherahena Temple from Colombo is 170 km, and from Matara city, it is 7 km.
There is an interesting story behind this tourist attraction. It dates back to the early 20th century. Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero has arrived in the Weherahena area as a punishment from his teacher. The land was approximately 0.5 acres in size at the time, and it was made up of a Bodhi tree. The Thero then built a small clay house on the land with the support of the people. He then decided to develop the temple and planned to build it into the largest Buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple, as has been mentioned in the Ummagga Jathaka Story.
In 1939, the Thero began construction on the planned temple with the help of Anagarika Dharmapala. The tunnel was first made, and the work on the large statue was started later. Finally, the statue was completed in 1976. Japan was also encouraged to rebuild the temple in a modern style after 1976. The area of the whole temple is nearly 3 acres today.
Today, visitors to the temple can see the beautiful and decorated art on the tunnel walls. The 39-meter height Buddha statue has brought massive attraction to the temple from the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha statue is also thought to be in the samadhi position.
We suggest you visit this beautiful Weherahena Temple during your tour of southern Sri Lanka.
Start Fort, or someone called "Tharaka Kotuwa," is an ancient building in Matara, Sri Lanka. It was built by the Dutch as a defense building during the period of 1763–1765. The start fort is located 350 meters east of the Matara fort on the Nilvala River. The Dutch called this fort "Redoute van Eck" back then. The Dutch captured Sri Lanka from the Portuguese in 1638. They captured the Matara fort from the Portuguese and reconstructed it in 1640. However, it was vulnerable to attackers coming from the land. The Matara Rebellions and the Kandyan Kingdom army attacked and captured the Matara Dutch Fort in 1762. Anyhow, the Dutch re-captured the fort in 1763. They identified the vulnerable situation of the fort and then decided to increase its strength. As a result, they planned to build the Star Fort. The name "Star Fort" comes from its unique shape. It has a six-pointed star with enough space for 12 large cannons to cover all directions. The rampart walls have been constructed with granite rocks and corals. The width of the rampart wall is 14 feet. It also has got enough space to hold a small garrison, food supplies, and ammunition. Further, it has two prison cells and a well in the center with a 2.75-meter diameter. The roof of the building was completed with cadjam leaves in the early days and then replaced with clay tiles. There is a deep moat around the Star Fort, which also provides additional protection. Even today, you can see the VOC emblem and the year of the construction near the main gate. The Dutch were made to live in this fort for their protection, but they never had a chance to prove that. They handed over the Star Fort to the British in 1796. The
Start Fort, or someone called “Tharaka Kotuwa,” is an ancient building in Matara, Sri Lanka. It was built by the Dutch as a defense building during the period of 1763–1765. The start fort is located 350 meters east of the Matara fort on the Nilvala River. The Dutch called this fort “Redoute van Eck” back then.
The Dutch captured Sri Lanka from the Portuguese in 1638. They captured the Matara fort from the Portuguese and reconstructed it in 1640. However, it was vulnerable to attackers coming from the land. The Matara Rebellions and the Kandyan Kingdom army attacked and captured the Matara Dutch Fort in 1762. Anyhow, the Dutch re-captured the fort in 1763. They identified the vulnerable situation of the fort and then decided to increase its strength. As a result, they planned to build the Star Fort.
The name “Star Fort” comes from its unique shape. It has a six-pointed star with enough space for 12 large cannons to cover all directions. The rampart walls have been constructed with granite rocks and corals. The width of the rampart wall is 14 feet. It also has got enough space to hold a small garrison, food supplies, and ammunition.
Further, it has two prison cells and a well in the center with a 2.75-meter diameter. The roof of the building was completed with cadjam leaves in the early days and then replaced with clay tiles. There is a deep moat around the Star Fort, which also provides additional protection.
Even today, you can see the VOC emblem and the year of the construction near the main gate. The Dutch were made to live in this fort for their protection, but they never had a chance to prove that. They handed over the Star Fort to the British in 1796.
The site is still open to visitors and is under the control of the Sri Lankan government. You can walk around the star fort and experience the Dutch culture in Sri Lanka. It is a nice place to visit around the Matara area of Sri Lanka.
Ravana Falls, or what some locals call 'Ravana Ella, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Ella area of the Badulla District. With a height of 25 meters (82 feet), the waterfall is considered one of the widest waterfalls on the island. Locals also refer to this waterfall as "Bambaragama Ella." Ravana Falls is formed by a branch of the Kirindi Oya River and is located at an elevation of 1050 m. The waterfall is also part of a Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary. Location The place is not far from Ella tourist city, and the distance from the Ella railway is around 6 km. If you travel from Colombo or either Nuwara Eliya, you must first come to the Kumbalwela junction through Bandarawela. From the junction, you should head towards Wellawaya, where anyone can easily find the Ravana Falls. It is just near the main road and the places called 12–13 mileposts on the route. If you are coming by train, then you should drop off at the Ella Railways station. Then you can easily pick up a bus in the Ella,which should go towards the wellawaya, to reach the waterfall. It is not very expensive, and the ticket price is around 50 rupees. As well, hiring a tuk tuk is a great option, but you will have to spend around 400–500 rupees. Here is the Google Maps location of the waterfall: Ravana Falls Story Ravana Waterfall also has a folktale, which combines with the epic tale of the Ramayana, which is a famous Indian historical book. The name of the waterfall, ‘Ravana’ comes from this folklore. This happened before 6,000 years ago. According to them, King Ravana was the king of Sri Lanka,
Ravana Falls, or what some locals call ‘Ravana Ella, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Ella area of the Badulla District. With a height of 25 meters (82 feet), the waterfall is considered one of the widest waterfalls on the island. Locals also refer to this waterfall as “Bambaragama Ella.” Ravana Falls is formed by a branch of the Kirindi Oya River and is located at an elevation of 1050 m. The waterfall is also part of a Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary.
Location
The place is not far from Ella tourist city, and the distance from the Ella railway is around 6 km. If you travel from Colombo or either Nuwara Eliya, you must first come to the Kumbalwela junction through Bandarawela. From the junction, you should head towards Wellawaya, where anyone can easily find the Ravana Falls. It is just near the main road and the places called 12–13 mileposts on the route.
If you are coming by train, then you should drop off at the Ella Railways station. Then you can easily pick up a bus in the Ella,which should go towards the wellawaya, to reach the waterfall. It is not very expensive, and the ticket price is around 50 rupees. As well, hiring a tuk tuk is a great option, but you will have to spend around 400–500 rupees.
Here is the Google Maps location of the waterfall:
Ravana Falls Story
Ravana Waterfall also has a folktale, which combines with the epic tale of the Ramayana, which is a famous Indian historical book. The name of the waterfall, ‘Ravana’ comes from this folklore. This happened before 6,000 years ago. According to them, King Ravana was the king of Sri Lanka, and King Rama was the king of India. The brother of King Rama, whose name was Laxmana, and Prince Rama were slicing off the nose of the sister of King Ravana.
As a result, King Ravana has kidnapped Price Sita (the wife of King Rama) into a cave behind this waterfall’. According to the tale, King Ravana and Princess Sita have bathed in the pool of the Ravana Fall. Some tales say that the King Ravana has played Ravanahaththa (a musical instrument) over here. The story is much longer and can’t be explained in a few words. If you are interested in going deeper on that, we recommend further reading the epic tale of ‘Ramayana‘.
Ravana Caves
Today, you cannot find such a cave near or behind the waterfall. A cave called ‘Ravana Cave’, 11km away from the Bandarawela, is also connected to the Ravana folklore. Somebody believes it was the place where King Ravana was hiding Princess Sita. The place is not far from here and is a popular travel attraction for locals. It is located at an elevation of 1370 m, where you need to pass a temple and a small cliff to reach those caves. The historians have found evidence of humans who lived near these caves around 25,000 years ago. Therefore, it is a major historical location for the country.
Somebody believes there was a tunnel connecting the waterfall and the caves. But nobody has found such a tunnel sofar. If you are someone who loves to explore Ramayana places in Sri Lanka, then you must not forget this Ravana Waterfall and the Ravana Caves.
Beauty of the Waterfall
Ravana Falls cascades with a few drops, which include three major tiers. It is so beautiful that you can see its beauty from different angles. There is a nice viewpoint near the main road. Somebody says that the waterfall is cascading from a concave rock outcrop, which is oval-shaped and resembles an areca flower with withering petals during the wet season.
Anyhow, if you love to go near the waterfall, then you can hike to its upper parts. If you are lucky enough to visit the top of the Ravana Falls, you can experience a marvelous picture of the surroundings. The picture towards the Wellawaya and the other low, elevated valleys is so charming.
Hiking, Swimming and other Activities
If you are someone who likes to bathe, then this is a good spot for that. There are a few good spots to swim. But you must be concerned about your safety during the swim because there are some deep areas. Further, Ravana Falls is a great spot for a hiker or trekker where they can climb to the second or third tiers. It is a nice activity to try.
Tickets and Entrance Fees to Ravana Falls
You are lucky that there are no tickets or entrance fees for Ravana Falls. It’s completely free with no charges.
Weather and Climate
October to February is considered the rainy season in the Ella area. There, you can watch the actual beauty of the waterfall during that season with a lot of water. But from May to September, it is considered the dry season in the area where there is not much water. But it is the best time to go to the top ties and go swimming. Anyhow, there are some sudden weather changes in the area that you must note. We believe, February to April is the perfect time to visit Ravana Falls.
Bambaragama Falls
There is another waterfall just below the main road. Locals called it the ‘Bambaragama Falls’ as well as the ‘Lower Ravana Falls’. It is not much height, and it is around 9m. The closet village called ‘Udunuwara’ is’ where this waterfall is ideal for a fresh dip. From there, the waters of the Ravana Falls combine to form the Kirindi Oya in the lower areas.
Ravana Ella Photos
Here are some of the photos which was captured by our guests during their visit to Ravana falls and their Ella tour:
Ravana Falls is situated near a major tourist destination in the country. Therefore, you have many travel destinations around the Ella region. Here are a few:
Ravana Falls and the surrounding areas are very busy during the holidays. A lot of locals and foreigners come to watch this beautiful waterfall on those days. Therefore, it’s better if you can go there early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall and for photography.
The upper areas of the waterfall have a sudden changing climate, therefore, you can expect a sudden water increase at Ravana Falls. Therefore, you must be careful while you are trekking or swimming.
There are some vendors and a few local shops near the waterfall where you can buy fruits, foods, and other essentials.
There are so many monkeys around the place. Beware of touching or dealing with them.
If you are someone who doesn’t like to go hiking or trekking, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ravana Falls while watching it from the stage near the main road.
Conclusion
Ravana Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka that has a huge history and is connected to the epic tale of the Ramayana. If you are someone who explores Ramayana places in Sri Lanka, then you must visit here. At Mahaweli Tours and Holidays, Ravana Waterfall is a must visit destination in most of our tour packages. If you are someone reading this post from abroad, who is planning to visit Sri Lanka, you can choose us as your Sri Lanka tour agency to cover this beautiful place.
Just send us a WhatsApp message for more details: +94777 111553
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( Cover Image Source: Serendib | Credit Goes to Original Owner)
Dondra Head Lighthouse is situated in the Dewinuwara of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is considered the southmost point of the island which is situated 6km from the Matara. The Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and one of the tallest lighthouses in Southeast Asia. The lighthouse is managed by the Sri Lanka Port Authority. It is open to visitors, but you should get special permission to visit its balcony. The view looks breathtaking, and you can observe the calmness of the Indian Ocean and many other land areas of the Matara region. The height of the lighthouse is 49 meters (160 feet). But the light's focal height is 47 m. Overall, it contains seven floors and 14 windows. Further, Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Electricity is used to power the lighthouse, where its range is 52 km (32 miles). The construction of this lighthouse was commenced in 1887 and completed in 1889. The initial design was made by Sir James Nicholas Douglass. But the construction was done by William Douglass. All the construction materials, including bricks and steel, were imported from the UK. The place is a superb spot for travelers who visit southern Sri Lanka. Therefore, we request that you don’t miss this place when you are traveling to Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, or any other area of the Matara area. . . . (Image Source: Anna Franci from Facebook)
Dondra Head Lighthouse is situated in the Dewinuwara of the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. It is considered the southmost point of the island which is situated 6km from the Matara. The Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and one of the tallest lighthouses in Southeast Asia.
The lighthouse is managed by the Sri Lanka Port Authority. It is open to visitors, but you should get special permission to visit its balcony. The view looks breathtaking, and you can observe the calmness of the Indian Ocean and many other land areas of the Matara region.
The height of the lighthouse is 49 meters (160 feet). But the light’s focal height is 47 m. Overall, it contains seven floors and 14 windows. Further, Dondra Head Lighthouse is considered one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. Electricity is used to power the lighthouse, where its range is 52 km (32 miles).
The construction of this lighthouse was commenced in 1887 and completed in 1889. The initial design was made by Sir James Nicholas Douglass. But the construction was done by William Douglass. All the construction materials, including bricks and steel, were imported from the UK.
The place is a superb spot for travelers who visit southern Sri Lanka. Therefore, we request that you don’t miss this place when you are traveling to Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, or any other area of the Matara area.
Pidurangala Rock is another famous tourist attraction in the Sigiriya area. It is a 360-degree viewpoint with a nice little hike to follow. The view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Pidurangala Rock is simply breathtaking, and we believe you've seen it while searching for images of Sri Lanka on Google Images. Pidurangala Rock is not as famous as Sigiriya Rock. But it is a superb destination that you should also visit during your tour of Sigiriya. It is located 2 kilometers to the north of the rock fortress. The hike will start from the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya, where the initial part of the hike is not very difficult. In the beginning, there is a clear and nice footpath. After that, you will meet the Pidurangala cave temple and the ancient ruins around it. Historians believe that the ruins date back more than 2000 years. They also believe the entire area was a monastery before King Kashyapa came to Sigiriya in the 5th century AD. After the cave temple, your hike will become much harder, and you will have to cross some difficult spots. The route is easy to find thanks to the man-made red arrow signs. Anyhow, your route is along the large boulders. If you are an experienced hiker, it will only take you around 30 minutes to climb this rock. But if you are a lazy hiker, then it will take you around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top. The view from Pidurangala Rock is absolutely fabulous. It is an ideal spot to take some rare images. From there, you can observe most parts of the Central and North-Central provinces of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit there is at sunrise and sunset. These times allow you to take your best shots. As
Pidurangala Rock is another famous tourist attraction in the Sigiriya area. It is a 360-degree viewpoint with a nice little hike to follow. The view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress from Pidurangala Rock is simply breathtaking, and we believe you’ve seen it while searching for images of Sri Lanka on Google Images.
Pidurangala Rock is not as famous as Sigiriya Rock. But it is a superb destination that you should also visit during your tour of Sigiriya. It is located 2 kilometers to the north of the rock fortress. The hike will start from the Pidurangala Raja Maha Viharaya, where the initial part of the hike is not very difficult. In the beginning, there is a clear and nice footpath. After that, you will meet the Pidurangala cave temple and the ancient ruins around it. Historians believe that the ruins date back more than 2000 years. They also believe the entire area was a monastery before King Kashyapa came to Sigiriya in the 5th century AD.
After the cave temple, your hike will become much harder, and you will have to cross some difficult spots. The route is easy to find thanks to the man-made red arrow signs. Anyhow, your route is along the large boulders. If you are an experienced hiker, it will only take you around 30 minutes to climb this rock. But if you are a lazy hiker, then it will take you around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top.
The view from Pidurangala Rock is absolutely fabulous. It is an ideal spot to take some rare images. From there, you can observe most parts of the Central and North-Central provinces of Sri Lanka. The best time to visit there is at sunrise and sunset. These times allow you to take your best shots.
As a visitor, you should buy a ticket to enter Pidurangala Rock. It is open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no water source on the top; therefore, you should bring enough water with you.
Finally, we suggest that you don’t forget this place during your travels to Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Dambulla Cave Temple.
The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a popular tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It is situated in the center of the city, where you can reach it easily. The post office is considered one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in 1894 by the British. The Tudor Revival architecture has been used in the development of this building. It looks very beautiful when you are seeing it from a distance. The red bricks were used in the construction. Its clock tower, which you can see in the corner of the building, also attracts visitors. Sri Lanka Post issued a Rs 10 stamp on December 20, 1990, to commemorate World Post Day. On that stamp, a photograph of this building was included. In 2012, the upper floor of this building was converted into accommodation for tourists. Before that, it was used by former postmasters as quarters. If you are a traveler who explores the hill country of Sri Lanka, then we request that you visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office during your Nuwara Eliya tour.
The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is a popular tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It is situated in the center of the city, where you can reach it easily. The post office is considered one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in 1894 by the British.
The Tudor Revival architecture has been used in the development of this building. It looks very beautiful when you are seeing it from a distance. The red bricks were used in the construction. Its clock tower, which you can see in the corner of the building, also attracts visitors.
Sri Lanka Post issued a Rs 10 stamp on December 20, 1990, to commemorate World Post Day. On that stamp, a photograph of this building was included. In 2012, the upper floor of this building was converted into accommodation for tourists. Before that, it was used by former postmasters as quarters.
If you are a traveler who explores the hill country of Sri Lanka, then we request that you visit the Nuwara Eliya Post Office during your Nuwara Eliya tour.
Seetha Amman Kovil, or someone called "Seetha Amman Temple," is a famous tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It is 5 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and 1 kilometer from the famous Hakgala Botanical Garden. Therefore, you can visit Seetha Amman Kovil during your Nuwara Eliya tour or Hakgala Botanical Garden visit. The village is called "Seetha Eliya," and it is near the Hakgala Mountain. It is the only Hindu temple in Sri Lanka that was dedicated to Princess Seetha. People believe the place is special where it combines with the epic tale of Ramayanaya. History of Seetha Amman Kovil King Ravana has captured Indian Princess Seetha, according to the Indian epic Ramayana. He took the princess to Sri Lanka and kept her as his prisoner. This happened almost 5000 years ago. The Hakgala region is thought to be one of the locations in Sri Lanka where King Ravana held captive Princess Seetha. The nearby stream to the Kovil, according to the story, catered to Princess Seetha's needs when she spent her days here. Later, Lord Hanuman found the princess. But King Ravana captured Hunaman and burned his tail. He was then burned alive with his tail. Now, the people believe the dark color of the soil comes from when the Hunuman burned the area. They also think the circular depressions on some rocks in the stream are because of Hanuman’s footprints. There were no Kovils at first. But later, people made the Kovil by respecting Princess Seetha. There, you can see South Indian architecture on the Seetha Amman Kovil. More facts about the Temple Seetha Amman Kovil is open every day, and visitors can participate in pujas. There are two main puja times. The morning session continues from 8 a.m. to 1pm. The evening session runs from
Seetha Amman Kovil, or someone called “Seetha Amman Temple,” is a famous tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It is 5 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya and 1 kilometer from the famous Hakgala Botanical Garden. Therefore, you can visit Seetha Amman Kovil during your Nuwara Eliya tour or Hakgala Botanical Garden visit. The village is called “Seetha Eliya,” and it is near the Hakgala Mountain.
It is the only Hindu temple in Sri Lanka that was dedicated to Princess Seetha. People believe the place is special where it combines with the epic tale of Ramayanaya.
History of Seetha Amman Kovil
King Ravana has captured Indian Princess Seetha, according to the Indian epic Ramayana. He took the princess to Sri Lanka and kept her as his prisoner. This happened almost 5000 years ago. The Hakgala region is thought to be one of the locations in Sri Lanka where King Ravana held captive Princess Seetha.
The nearby stream to the Kovil, according to the story, catered to Princess Seetha’s needs when she spent her days here. Later, Lord Hanuman found the princess. But King Ravana captured Hunaman and burned his tail. He was then burned alive with his tail. Now, the people believe the dark color of the soil comes from when the Hunuman burned the area. They also think the circular depressions on some rocks in the stream are because of Hanuman’s footprints.
There were no Kovils at first. But later, people made the Kovil by respecting Princess Seetha. There, you can see South Indian architecture on the Seetha Amman Kovil.
More facts about the Temple
Seetha Amman Kovil is open every day, and visitors can participate in pujas. There are two main puja times. The morning session continues from 8 a.m. to 1pm. The evening session runs from 2 to 6 p.m. You are no need to buy tickets to enter. It is fully free. In any case, you can donate to the Kovil. You can also find this place easily when you are traveling on the Badulla-Nuwara Eliya road.
If you are a traveler who loves to explore Ramayanaya locations in Sri Lanka, then you should definitely not miss this place. It is 10 minutes from Nuwara Eliya. Therefore, you can come here very easily. As well, don’t forget to visit Seetha Amman Kovil with your full devotion.
Some Photos of the Seetha Amman Temple
(Image Source; Facebook.com and Credit should go to the original owners)
Looking for the best hiking places in Kandy? If yes, you are in the correct place. This post will go over the top six hiking and trekking spots in and around Kandy. According to us Here are the best hiking places in Kandy and its surrounding areas. Hanthana Mountain Range Pettigala Knuckles Five Peaks Alagalla Yahangala and Kehelpathdoruwa Dothalugala We will go into greater detail about these 06 locations from here, but if you are really interested in them, we recommend that you read more about them. Hanthana Mountain Range Hanthana Mountain Range is a very popular destination among hikers in Sri Lanka. It is situated very close to Kandy City. You can observe this mountain range from the city. The radio transmission towers on the mountain range will definitely catch your eye as you look towards the entire range. It’s not difficult to reach the place. There are 4 main routes to go there; Peradeniya-Sarasawigama Route Mahakanda - Sarasawigama Route Galaha - Delthota Route Hanthana - Uduwela Route The Hanthana-Uduwela Route is the simplest of the four. It's a few-hour, moderately difficult hike. After reaching the first peak, you can trek long distances along the whole mountain range. Uragala is the highest point, with an elevation of 1240 m. Katusukonda is the most attractive spot for adventure in the Hanthana Range. It is a narrow footpath on the edge of a large rock that is ideal for adventure lovers. There is a sudden change in weather on the top of the range. As a result, it is best to go on a hike after considering the weather forecast. You can observe the entire Kandy city from the Hanthana. This is certainly one of the best hiking places in Kandy for sure. Related: Hanthana Mountain Tekking with Mahaweli. Pettigala Pettigala
Looking for the best hiking places in Kandy? If yes, you are in the correct place. This post will go over the top six hiking and trekking spots in and around Kandy. According to us
Here are the best hiking places in Kandy and its surrounding areas.
Hanthana Mountain Range
Pettigala
Knuckles Five Peaks
Alagalla
Yahangala and Kehelpathdoruwa
Dothalugala
We will go into greater detail about these 06 locations from here, but if you are really interested in them, we recommend that you read more about them.
Hanthana Mountain Range
Hanthana Mountain Range is a very popular destination among hikers in Sri Lanka. It is situated very close to Kandy City. You can observe this mountain range from the city. The radio transmission towers on the mountain range will definitely catch your eye as you look towards the entire range. It’s not difficult to reach the place.
There are 4 main routes to go there;
Peradeniya-Sarasawigama Route
Mahakanda – Sarasawigama Route
Galaha – Delthota Route
Hanthana – Uduwela Route
The Hanthana-Uduwela Route is the simplest of the four. It’s a few-hour, moderately difficult hike. After reaching the first peak, you can trek long distances along the whole mountain range. Uragala is the highest point, with an elevation of 1240 m.
Katusukonda is the most attractive spot for adventure in the Hanthana Range. It is a narrow footpath on the edge of a large rock that is ideal for adventure lovers. There is a sudden change in weather on the top of the range. As a result, it is best to go on a hike after considering the weather forecast. You can observe the entire Kandy city from the Hanthana. This is certainly one of the best hiking places in Kandy for sure.
Pettigala Mountain is 20 kilometers away from Kandy. To reach there, you should first visit Digana Town via the A26 route. You’ll need to travel another 5 kilometers to get there. Before Pettigala, you are entering the Bambaragala Raja Maha Viaharaya. It is a historically important temple because of the old temple. During your hike, you can visit the Bamabragala Raja Maha Viharaya with devotion.
Hiking to Pettigala is not much of a difficult effort. It is easy, and you have to travel around 1 km to reach its top. The height of the mountain is 760 meters, and anyone can go to the top without any problem. You will meet two ancient caves called ‘Indrasala Guhawa” and “Sithuwam Lena” during this trek.
The top view is absolutely fantastic, and you can observe Victoria Reservoir from there. wonderful spot to relax and take in the scenery. You can view the Knuckles Mountain range and the surrounding mountains from there.
Knuckles Five Peaks
The Knuckles Mountain Rage has spread to Kandy and Matale districts. You can enter the Knuckles range by traveling around 30 to 40 kilometers from Kandy. Knuckles Five Peaks are the most popular hiking spot in the Knuckles Massif, with an elevation of 1863 m. It is the second-highest point in the entire range by elevation. For the travelers, it is a much more difficult hike and a much longer trek.
There are two major routes to reach the Knuckles Five Peaks. one from Wattegama-Bambarella and the other from Teldeniya-Thangappuwa. The best route to follow is the first one. The Dawatagala Nature Trail serves as the starting point for the trek. You will meet a beautiful waterfall called ‘Knuckles Falls’ during your trail. The hike is easy at the start and then gradually gets harder when the elevation goes up. You can reach the first peak within 2 hours. According to your preferences, you can cover all five peaks in a single day. Second Peak is the highest point and offers the best views. From there, you can view most of the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Alagalla
Another popular hiking destination in Kandy or Sri Lanka is Alagalla. It is a moderately difficult hike with a duration of 2–4 hours. There are two major routes to reach the mountain. One comes from Ihala Kotte Railway Station, while the other comes from Poththapitiya Village. But the most famous route is from Ihala Kotte station. You can reach the station easily via the Kandy-Colombo Railway route.
The hike starts near the Alagalla Tea Factory, and both routes join together there. You have to follow a small footpath to reach the mountain. Because of the steep slope, the later part of the hike is much more difficult. The elevation of the highest point is 1140 m. You can observe a scenic view from the top of the mountain, where you can identify most of the Kagalle and Kandy districts. It is a superb place for adventurous hikers. So, don’t miss this place if you are seeking best hiking places in Kandy or Sri Lanka.
Yahangala & Kehelpathdoruwa
Both Yahangala and Kehelpathdoruwa are the two neighboring mountains on the south-eastern side of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Those two peaks are now really popular among local hikers and trekkers. Yahangala (1220 m) is a popular place where it combines with the epic tale of Ravana. The mountain is very hard to climb and needs a proper guide to reach its top. Kehelpathdoruwa (1485 m) is not much harder to climb, and you can trek long distances to reach its top.
To get to those two mountains, you must travel about 60 kilometers to the eastern side of the Kandy district. Therefore, you should first come to Udadumbara, a small town, and then travel to Kalugala, a small village. From there, the trail will start, and it takes around 12 hours to complete the whole journey.
Dothalugala
Dothalugala is another beautiful mountain in the Knuckles Mountain range. To reach there, you should enter Knuckles Range through Hunnagiriya. The distance from Kandy is 50 kilometers. The trail will start from Deanston Village, and you will need to trek around 3 km to reach its top from there. It’s not much harder to climb, and there is a well-maintained footpath available for visitors. The place is not very popular among most travelers. Rather, describe it as a hiking destination; a nature trail is an excellent way to introduce the area.
Dothalugala is a biodiversity hotspot. Here you can identify rare flora and fauna. It is one of the two places where you can go camping in the Knuckles Mountain range. Dothalu Ella is a nice little waterfall that you will meet during your trek. So, finally, we can recommend that Dothalugala is one of the finest hiking places in Kandy district.
Final Words
Here are the six best hiking places in Kandy and its surroundings. If you are a foreigner, then you should have a local guide with you to visit these places. Apart from these six places, there are a few rare hiking spots also available around Kandy. We haven’t included them because they are best suited for experienced hikers. If this post would satisfy your requirements, then we request that you share this article with your friends on social media.
Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you an exciting and memorable experience, for sure. This guide will give you all the information regarding the tour. Introduction to Sri Lanka Tours Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean with a total area of 65610 sq km. It is a rich nation in lovely beaches, scenic landscapes, amazing wildlife, and cultural heritage. It is a worthwhile decision to visit Sri Lanka in 2022 and beyond. There is no matter whether you are a foodie traveler, an adventure lover, a beach lover, or a wildlife enthusiast. Sri Lanka is the best place for all these activities. The island is now free from COVID-19 and welcomes tourists with great hospitality. Our Village Tour in Sigiriya If you are interested in experiencing traditional Sri Lankan culture, you should definitely visit a Sri Lankan village or a remote area.Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you opportunities to listen closely to villagers and their normal lifestyle, which they have been surviving for thousands of years. You can spend a few hours with villagers to learn about their daily lives. You can enjoy sightseeing paddy fields, chena cultivation, poultry keeping, and beekeeping during your Sigiriya village tour. Activities such as bullock cart riding and traditional catamaran riding will also provide you with unforgettable experiences. The visitors will also participate in learning how to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. Here you can take part in its activities and finish up with delicious Sri Lankan dishes. Finally, you will take the buffet lunch that you worked on. Highlights of Our Sigiriya Village Tour Dates and times are available all year.Time: It is preferable to begin after 11.30 a.m.Duration: Approximately 3 hoursMeals Included: Sri Lankan Lunch Difficulty Level: Easy Dress code: Casual dresses with shoes, sunglasses, and caps
Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you an exciting and memorable experience, for sure. This guide will give you all the information regarding the tour.
Introduction to Sri Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean with a total area of 65610 sq km. It is a rich nation in lovely beaches, scenic landscapes, amazing wildlife, and cultural heritage. It is a worthwhile decision to visit Sri Lanka in 2022 and beyond. There is no matter whether you are a foodie traveler, an adventure lover, a beach lover, or a wildlife enthusiast. Sri Lanka is the best place for all these activities. The island is now free from COVID-19 and welcomes tourists with great hospitality.
Our Village Tour in Sigiriya
If you are interested in experiencing traditional Sri Lankan culture, you should definitely visit a Sri Lankan village or a remote area.Our Sigiriya Village Tour will give you opportunities to listen closely to villagers and their normal lifestyle, which they have been surviving for thousands of years.
You can spend a few hours with villagers to learn about their daily lives. You can enjoy sightseeing paddy fields, chena cultivation, poultry keeping, and beekeeping during your Sigiriya village tour. Activities such as bullock cart riding and traditional catamaran riding will also provide you with unforgettable experiences.
The visitors will also participate in learning how to cook traditional Sri Lankan food. Here you can take part in its activities and finish up with delicious Sri Lankan dishes. Finally, you will take the buffet lunch that you worked on.
Highlights of Our Sigiriya Village Tour
Dates and times are available all year. Time: It is preferable to begin after 11.30 a.m. Duration: Approximately 3 hours Meals Included: Sri Lankan Lunch Difficulty Level: Easy Dress code: Casual dresses with shoes, sunglasses, and caps and hats if required since it is an outdoor activity taking place during the middle of the day. Tour Type: Private Guided Tour: Yes. Tour guide will accompany the guests,s and there will be local guides to explain each activity.
