Hanthana Trekking/ Hike

Hanthana Trekking with Mahaweli Tours

There are many interesting things about Sri Lanka. Tourism and Sri Lanka are connected in a huge way to country’s sustenance. The main reason this country has become a famous tourist spot is its immense natural beauty. Sri Lanka is full of nature in every corner of the island. Even in the most cosmopolitan areas, the country still has natural beauties to behold. One of the most interesting tourist activities is trekking and hiking. Sri Lanka has a lot of mountains and plains that have attracted trekkers in a huge manner.

This tour is specifically designed to take you to one of the mountain ranges that is situated in the central part of the island called Hanthana. This range is naturally a very opulent mountain range with amazing views. We will provide you with a guide who is fluent in English as well as local knowledge. If you need language specific guides, they can be arranged upon special request too.

 

The scenic beauty of Hanthana

Since the beginning of time, Hanthana Mountain range has been popular for its picturesque sceneries from the top. A lot of Sri Lankan songs are also written based on the breathtaking view from Hanthana. This is one of the main reasons why local and international trekkers have taken interest in this mountain range. It is consisted of seven peaks and gives a beautiful view of nature at its best.

Hanthana is protected by Wildlife Conservation because it is full of birds, wild boards, leopards, foxes, and monkeys. One of the most interesting things to do while hiking this range is to visit Hanthana Viharaya which dates back to Kingdom of Kandy. It has become popular amongst trekkers because it is easier to explore compared to other places. Just below the slopes of the range lies one of the biggest universities in Sri Lanka, Peradeniya University. Because of this, the mountain is equally loved and visited by foreigners and locals.

 

Hanthana Trekking 

With our guides, you will be taken to Hanthana via Kandy and you will go through breathtaking tea plantation estates and roads full of mist. Because of the weather in the city, Hanthana is considered to be one of the most loved mountains. It even has a peak called ‘mountain of love’ which is covered by mist. The scenery is utterly breathtaking. You will meet local villagers on the way to the mountain who can guide you and give you more information regarding the local markets and the hills.

 

The magnificent peaks in Kandy

If you visit Kandy in Sri Lanka, Hanthana Trekking/Hiking should be on top of your to-do list because of its breathtaking view from the top. November to April is the best season to hike the range. From the beautiful tea plantations to the friendly villagers, you will get an unforgettable experience in hiking.

 

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(Hanthana Mountain Range Cover Image Source: Destination & More )

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple Infront

Dambulla Cave Temple, or something called ‘Dambulu Temple,” is a sacred pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. This is situated in the Dambulla area of the Matale District. It is considered the best preserved and largest cave temple complex in the country. The site was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991.

Dambulla is a historical and economically valuable city in the country. The distance to Dambulla from Colombo is 148km and from Kandy is 72km. You will pass through this city once you travel to Anuradhapura or Seegiriya. Both places are not far from here.

Cave Temple and History

Dambulla Cave Temple consists of five major caves. But the fifth cave has no historical value and was built in the last century. The other four caves are called

Cave Number 1: ‘Deva Raja Viharaya’

Cave Number 2: ‘Maha Raja Viharaya’

Cave Number 3: ‘Maha Alut Viharaya’

Cave Number 4: ‘Paschima Viharaya’

The largest cave among those is the “Maharaja Vihara Lena”. Many strata can be seen in those caves. These strata represent Lord Buddha, the Gods in Hinduism, and the ancient Kings of the country. Apart from the stratues, you can see around 150 ancient paintings in these caves. These paintings have covered 2100 square meters. Ancient Brahmi characters can be seen just below the drip-legde of the central cave. This evidence shows that Dambulla Cave Temple has a long history.

King Walagamba was a great king in Sri Lankan history. He escaped here when the South Indians attacked the Anurahapura Kingdom in the 1st century BC. He later developed this cave temple, and you can still see a stratue of King Walagamba here today. Ibbbankatuwa is a nearby place to Dambulla, which was an important place in the pre-historical period of Sri Lanka. Evidence has found that people lived in the surrounded areas in the 7th century BC.

Dambulla Golden Temple is a modern architectural temple that is situated near the ancient Cave Temple. You can come to both while you are traveling in central Sri Lanka. We should say it is a best place that you should not miss as a traveler.

Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours

Looking for an Ella City tour? If so, you are in the right place. Before we get started, let us give you a quick overview of Ella and its tourism.

 

Visit Ella-Sri Lanka!

With many natural treasures and beauties, Sri Lanka is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. For all kinds of tourists, there are things to see and do. This tour is specially designed to entertain nature lovers and tourists who love to explore. This tour includes a guide with excellent knowledge of the city and local aspirations. With its opulent nature, Ella is filled with many sightseeing spots. It is named as one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Ella is a small town located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka and is rich in diversity. It belongs to the Badulla District, and it is 225km away from Colombo. Ella is a major railway station between Colombo and Badulla on the train route. The Kandy to Ella train ride is a nice experience to take in Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the best train rides in the world. The January to March time period is considered the perfect time to visit Ella.

Our guides will take you through the Ella City Tour, providing you with valuable and informative knowledge of the city and of the country. They are proficient and fluent in English, and upon special request, language-specific guides can be arranged too.

 

What is included in the Ella City Tour?

Once you are in Ella, there are things that come under “absolute-must-see” and let us see what places you can visit and enjoy.

Little Adam’s Peak

It is an opportunity to see the valleys down below with fresh air. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top of the peak. During the climb to the Little Adams Peak, you will come across breathtaking views of tea plantations and local villages.

 

Nine Arch Bridge,

This is a world-renowned architectural piece that is hidden among the lush green plantations in Ella. It is located just outside the town, and for all who go on the city tour, this is a must. It is a beautifully constructed bridge that stands mightily among the greenery of the island. This is a must-visit place on your Ella city tour.

Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is a miracle of nature to see, especially if you are seeing it from the top. It has scattered ponds and pools on the way down, and you can even have a swim in one of them.

Ella Spice Garden

Are you a foodie? Do you like experimenting with spices? This is the place for you to experience authentic Sri Lankan food and learn about the secret ingredients that make food smell so good and yummy.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Waterfall has become a popular stop for all tourists, both local and foreigners. A quick dip in it can rejuvenate you for the rest of the adventurous tour. The waterfall will meet you when you travel to Wellawaya from Ella.

Ella Rock

If you are up to hiking, Ella Rock will just do the job right. It is approximately a two-hour hike, and you will experience the majestic beauty of the entire city from the top.

 

For all of you who love nature, this tour will satisfy your travel desires. It is a complete meal for all nature lovers. Starting from the little Adam’s Peak, Ella gives you a treat that is matchless. Come and enjoy the spectacular flora and fauna of the city with the informative knowledge provided by our guides. Make sure to breathe in as much fresh air as you can and take as many pictures as you can. Do not pass up this one-of-a-kind city of beauty!

Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

A tour to visit the most important places in Ella

Possible starting/pick-up locations include Ella, Badulla, Bandarawela, Haputhale, and Nuwaraeliya (please let us know your exact location so that we can check and confirm the possibility).

duration of 3–4 hours on average.

Tour Type: Our Ella City tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you / your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or mini coach.

So, if you are happy with our Ella city tour guide, then don’t hesitate twice to contact us. For more information, please contact +94777 111 553 or info@mahaweli.lk.

 

(Feautured Image Credit: 𝐋𝐢𝐮𝐛𝐨𝐯 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐚 from Instagram)

Lakshapana Waterfall in Nuwara Eliya District

Lakshapana Waterfall in Sri Lanka

Lakshapana Waterfall is one of the top 10 highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is the 8th highest waterfall in the country, with a height of 126m. This is further considered the 625th tallest waterfall in the world. Norton-Bridge is the nearest town to the place, which belongs to the Nuwara Eliya district.

The Lakshapana Waterfall is fed by the Maskeliya Oya, which is a tributary of the Kelani River. Both Maskeliya Oya and Kehelgamuwa Oya join together in the latter parts to form the famous Kelani River. If you need to visit Lakshapana Ella via Colombo, you will need to drive about 117km. Kiriwan Oya is the village where you should stay, and the location can be easily found with Google Maps. Most people visit this place during their trip to Sri Pada.

The waterfall is absolutely beautiful to watch. You can go either to the top or the bottom of the waterfall. But you should view it from the bottom to see its actual beauty. You can take enough photographs from different angles. Don’t try to bathe in the front pool; it’s extremely dangerous. As well, you must be careful when you are trying to go on top of the fall.

The elevation of the place is 660m above sea level, and the surrounding areas receive around 5000mm of annual rainfall. The May–September period is heavy in rainfall, and the November–February time period is the dry season for the entire area. Seven Virgin Mountain is another popular place that is not far from here.

People believe Lord Buddha visited Lakshapana Waterfall during his visit to Sri Pada Mountain (Adams Peak). Budhdha has mended his saffron robe here. There are some folks and tales around the name of ‘Lakshapana’.

You can visit to see this beautiful waterfall during your tour of Adam’s Peak.

Read more;

Aberdeen Waterfall

(Cover Image Source: Priyadarshani Kumari from Facebook)

Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawa

Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home

Sri Lanka is blessed with so many natural resources. It is also home for so many animals. This visit is for you to experience one of the major steps taken by Wildlife Conservation in considering the wellbeing of orphaned baby elephants. This establishment is called “Ath Athuru Sevana” or Elephant Transit Home and is situated in Udawalawa.

 

Ath Athuru Sevana – the home for the orphaned elephants

This great step was taken in 1995 at the Udawalawe National Park since a lot of big herds of elephants are gathered in the area. The birth of this establishment had many hindrances as many assumed this would be a failure, considering the feasibility of the objective. But a brave and determined officer Dr. Nandana Atapaththu worked tirelessly with minimum resources to bring “Ath Athuru Sevana” to life. The Elephant Transit Home’s objective is to care for baby elephants until they are big and independent enough to be released to the wilderness. The home does not have boundaries and baby elephants get to freely wander about. In a short span of time, it succeeded so much and now it is considered as of the best wild animal rehabilitation centers in the entire world.

 

The first member of The Elephant Transit Home

An orphaned baby elephant was found in a forest in Anuradhapura district. It was one year old females and was brought and registered as the first resident. This baby elephant was given the name “komali” and was reintroduced to the wilderness at the age of five. Till date, more than 250 orphaned elephants have been under the care of the Home.

 

A memorable visit to Ath Athuru Sevana

What an amazing place is this rehabilitation center! It takes a lot of patience and courage to maintain the place. The regular milk feedings, taking care of the sick ones, post-illness treatments, etc. takes a lot of time and endurance. That is why it is considered as one of the most admired places in Sri Lanka. With baby elephants, it is never a dull place.

All nature lovers and animal lovers from all across the globe pay a visit to Elephant Transit Home when they come to Udawalawa. They never miss out on the chance of seeing young elephants being rehabilitated. With our subject specific guides, you can enjoy a nostalgic visit by spending time seeing baby elephants being taken care.

It is one of the most admirable services rendered to the wildlife and mammals in general, thus making it a top-notch establishment. Come with us to experience a refreshing happiness by seeing this conservation done at a large scale. Assuredly, this will be in red letters in your journey.

 

Visit Udawalawa with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

You will be given a guide throughout the visitation who is capable in communicating with you in English as well as share a lot of local knowledge. We will make sure your visit is worthwhile as it is considered one of the major establishments in the department of Wildlife Conservation.

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Ella, Udawalawa, Thissamarama, Rathnapura, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Katharagama, Yala (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach.

 

(Cover Image Source and Credit Goes to: @natalinipon from Instagram) 

Aberdeen Waterfall in Sri Lanka

Aberdeen Waterfall in Sri Lanka

Aberdeen Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that is situated in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. The nearest town is Ginigathhena, and it’s about 20km away from the famous Kithulgala. The height of the waterfall is 98m. This is considered the 18th highest waterfall on the island.

Aberdeen Waterfall is formed by Kehelgamuwa Oya. It is a branch of the Kelani River. The waterfall received this name because of a British planter. He managed tea estates near the waterfall, and he was from the city of Aberdeen in Scotland. Then people called the waterfall “Aberdeen’. The total width of the waterfall is 8 m.

Starting from Ginigathhena town, you need to go along the Ambatale road. You need to stop your vehicle in the park near the Buddha stratum. Then you need to walk about 1200m to reach the Waterfall.

There is a nice stage where you can view the beauty of the waterfall clearly. Anyhow, you can walk close to the waterfall. But don’t try to bathe or swim in the front pool. It’s deep and dangerous for all. You can see a small cave behind the waterfall. October to December is the best time to visit here. The May–September period is the rainy season for the surrounding area, and January–March is the dry season.

You also come to see Aberdeen Waterfall during your Adams Peak Tour. It is not far from there.

(Cover Image Credit: Thilina Kaluthotage Photography) 

Thalpe Beach in the Southern Province

Thalpe Beach in Sri Lanka

Thalpe Beach is a newly famous beach which is situated in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is widely popular among local and international tourists because of its rock pools. The distance to Thalpe from Galle City is about 11km.

Thalpe Beach is a clean and calm place. You can bathe and enjoy it like other beaches in the southern coastal areas. But the place has a completely different experience and beauty. Man-made rock pools are the major attraction of the Thalpe. These rock pools were carved out of coral 50 years ago. People have used these rock pools to soak coconut husks. Then they separate the coconut coir.

Today, the rock pools are not used by anyone. So, the travelers use them for baths and other relaxing activities. It’s around 1.2m deep. Thalpe is the only beach where you can see such rock pools. Early mornings in March and April are ideal for a visit here. The pools are filled with sand in other months of the year.

Anyhow, you need to be careful of sea urchins, which are prevalent in these areas. They are harmful to the body and give pain. You can see many fishermen surrounded by areas, including stilt fishermen. There is a lack of luxury hotels in recent areas. But there are many beach villas available for tourists.

Don’t forget to visit Thalpe Beach and enjoy your vacation in Sri Lanka.

Read more from our blog;

 

(Featured Image Credit Goes to: Ayale Travel from Facebook) 

Day Tour at Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Mahaweli.lk

Polonnaruwa Day Tour-Great Opportunity to Explore Sri Lankan History & Culture

Are you up to seeing one of the most beautiful and rich cities in Sri Lanka? Are you up for a great day with history? The Polonnaruwa Day Tour is an ideal option for that. Sri Lanka has a strong history of kingdoms and is very rich in culture. This island has so much to see for its locals as well as its tourists. People who come to this country are never disappointed by the beauty, culture, and history of this place.

Our Polonnaruwa Day Tour is designed to give you a historical perspective of one of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. We will provide a guide for you who is able to communicate with you in English. We ensure that the guides are thorough with local knowledge and historic information. If you require language-specific guides, it can be arranged through a special request as well.

This day tour is conducted during the day because it is a cultural tour and a lot of visits to ancient ruins are included.

The Royal City of Polonnaruwa

The Sri Lanka Cultural Traingle connects the three cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. This cultural triangle contains many historical and ancient sites. Polonnaruwa is an ancient city considered as one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka. This is the place you should definitely visit if you love to explore Sri Lanka’s history.

It is declared as the second ancient city in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa was one of the kingdoms in Sri Lankan history and was ruled and reigned over by many kings at the time. The main difference between these two kingdoms is that, unlike the Anuradhapura kingdom, Polonnaruwa had a lot of influence from Hinduism and was even ruled by some Tamil kings. This cultural city has a lot of Hindu kovils apart from the Buddhist temples. It is also a city that has been famous for its agriculture. There are a lot of farmers out there.

Must-see places in Polonnaruwa

One of the significant places in Polonnaruwa is the ancient ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu. Even though you can only see ruins, they are evidence of great architecture and design. Another main attraction is “Gal Viharaya’ which consists of many beautiful images and statues of Buddha. It is a symbol of excellence in carving. Apart from that, there are temples, stupas, and dagobas that are quite significant in the city, such as Lankathilaka Temple, Rankot Vehera, Thuparama gedige, and Potgul Viharaya.

The ruins in Polonnaruwa are so much more than what is described above. Apart from those temples and stupas, the city also has many Hindu temples and kovils due to the influence of Hinduism. There are several temples dedicated to the god Shiva and the god Vishnu in Polonnaruwa, all considered as historical ruins.

Beautiful Sri Lanka, beautiful Polonnaruwa.

Our Polonnaruwa day tour is considered very informative and educational. During this day-tour, you will learn about the many influences Polonnaruwa had as a kingdom, the names of kings that ruled, and the agricultural influence. It is an ideal day trip for everyone that loves experiencing new cultures and discovering history. Sri Lanka in general has a very rich history in terms of kingdoms, agriculture, and civilization.

Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Come and join the tour to enjoy this magnificent ancient kingdom with great history. Our guides will guide you throughout the tour to give you the most exhilarating tour experience. Don’t forget to bring your smart phones and cameras to capture these mighty sights.

Possible Starting/Pick-up Locations:
Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Pasikudha, Trincomalee, Nilaegombo (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It takes around 3 hours to complete the visit of the Polonnaruwa ancient city. You can walk or we can arrange some bicycles if you prefer some cycling.

Tour Type : Our Polonnaruwa Day Tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you and your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or mini coach.

If you are a person with a cultural interest, then you should definitely explore places in Sri Lankan cultural-traingle. You can also plan your Anuradhapura city tour with us too! Call +94777 111553, email: info@mahaweli.lk, or contact us for more information on any of these issues!

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(Polonnaruwa Image Credit: PT Palace from Pinterest) 

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka

Galle is one of the major cities located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is also a favorite travel destination for both local and foreign visitors. The Galle Fort is a symbol of pride for the Galle City. It is an ancient construction that was built by the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th and 18th centuries. UNESCO designated this historical fort as a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Galle Fort is a good example to illustrate the European influence in Sri Lanka in the 16th and 19th centuries. The Portuguese were the first European nation that landed in Galle and also in Sri Lanka in 1505. The Portuguese then ruled most of the coastal areas of the island, including Galle, Matara, and Colombo. The Portuguese built the Fort in the late 16th century for their military purposes and to defend the Galle from local and foreign attacks. Their first construction was very basic and included three bastions and a single rampart. The Portuguese then used the Galle fort as a prison camp in later years.

The Dutch army captured the fort in 1640 with a 2500-strong force. They received the support of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe and the local people. The battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese later became popular and was called ‘siege of Galle” in 1640. Dutch rulers then modified the Portuguese fort into a huge structure, thus expanding its military strength. In the 19th century, there were Protestant churches, gun houses, residences of commanders, public administration buildings, warehouses, residential quarters, and trade buildings. Mud, granite stones, and coral were used as materials for the fort. A British army captured the galle and the fort in 1796. They paid less attention to the Galle fort, and the fort’s importance shifted to Colombo.

Today, the fort is controlled by the Sri Lankan government. It has two major gates to enter. If you visit this amazing construction, you will see many hotels, shops, and government buildings. Galle lighthouse is a recent addition to the fort and was built in 1938. The Galle clock tower is another major construction which can be seen in the fort. It is another recent addition, built in 1883 by the British government. Furthermore, it is considered one of the oldest clock towers in Sri Lanka. The Archeological Department of Sri Lanka reconstructed some parts of the fort recently.

The Galle Fort is a nice place for any traveler where they can view the beauty of the Galle Sea and its beautiful sunset. There are many hotels and restaurants in the fort for travelers. It’s a must visit place for any traveler if he or she visits the southern part of Sri Lanka.

(Featured Image Source: Awesome Sri Lanka)

Bopath Ella Waterfall in Rathnapura

Bopath Ella Waterfall in Rathnapura

Bopath Ella Waterfall is one of the attractive travel destinations in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful waterfall that is situated in the Rathnapura District. The height of the waterfall is 30 m (98 ft). This is formed by the Kuruganga River, and it is a branch of the famous Kaluganga River. The place is widely popular among local travelers.

Bopath Ella Waterfall is located 95 km away from Colombo. It takes 2.5 hours to get there from the capital. But the distance from Rathanpuara City is about 5km. You can easily find the location on Google Maps. The name of the surrounded village is “Agalawatta” and it belongs to the Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat area.

The shape of the waterfall is really amazing to watch. It looks like a “Bo” tree (Ficus religiosa), which has gained this name. The average annual rainfall of the surrounding area is 5000 mm, and the average temperature is around 27 Celsius.

There are parking facilities available for local and international visitors. But you need to walk a few meters to reach the waterfall. Many shops, hotels, and vendors are available along the foot path. Anyhow, you should buy a ticket to enter the place.

You can get very close to the Bopath Ella waterfall. But don’t try to bathe near the waterfall. There are so many places available to bathe safely in the latter parts. Evenings and mornings are the ideal times to see the actual beauty of the waterfall.

(Bopath Ella Cover Image Credit: Ceylon Travel Fb Page)

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