A new way to up-country hills - Sri Lanka

Up-country hills - Sri Lanka via Fool's Bridge Ulapane, Kothmale, Raja Pihilla, Pundaluoya, Dunsinane Falls and Talawakelle.

In this article, we mention two alternative vehicle routes to upcountry hills via Karawanella, Kothmale, and Pundaluoya, starting from Colombo, rather than the traditional Nuwara-Eliya route via Kandy or Ella.

Route Number 01
1. Colombo
2. Awissawella
3. Dehiowita
4. Karawanella
5. Kithulgala Water rafting

There are several water rafting spots in Kitulgala. You can have a better water rafting experience from the experienced experts here, who conduct rafting on this Kelani River.

6. Laxapana Waterfall

This is one of the stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka. There are two ways to reach it.

1.       From Diyagala junction        

      Diyagala Junction is located in Watawala area on Colombo-Ginigathhena-Hatton main road. At Diyagala Junction, turn towards Norton Bridge Road. Along this road, you will encounter Dehigastenne, Norton Bridge, Kiriwaneliya and the 04th Mile Post Junction. Turn right at the 04th Mile Post Junction towards Laxapana Waterfall, and continue for approximately 2.2 kilometers to reach your destination. Between Norton Bridge and Kiriwaneliya, you can find a unique and remarkable landmark known as the 0’s milepost. It is the only 0’s milepost tower in Sri Lanka. The journey consists of nearly 17 kilometers from Diyagala junction to the waterfall.

2.       Kalugala junction

This junction is located between the towns of Yatiyanthota and Ginigathhena on Colombo-Hatton main road. Turn towards Polpitiya road at Kalugala junction. Continue along the road and turn right at Bodigara junction in Polpitiya. The road is much more challenging. It's nearly 18 kilometers to the destination from Kalugala junction.

Kelani River flows through Laxapana waterfall, originating from Samanala Mountain also known as Sri Pada mountain. Laxapana waterfall is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, standing at 126 meters in height.

7. Ginigathhena Town

Ginigathhena is one of the most stunning towns in Sri Lanka.

8. Nawalapitiya

9. Ulapane Fool’s bridge

This is one of the most valuable bridges in Sri Lanka, built-in or around 1904. 

Why is this bridge so special? It features a rare upside-down design, making it unique in the world. However, some people believe that the uncommon bridge structure presents a problem, leading to its nickname, "fool’s bridge". Mahaweli River is flowing under the bridge. No one is crossing the bridge, it has become difficult to even enter. 

10. Kothmale Dam & Information Centre

You can view the dam from both Thispane and Kadadora mountains. However, in this article, we will focus on the information from Kadadora viewpoint, located on the road towards Ranamune and Pundaluoya from Ulapane junction.

The dam, which spans 600 meters and connects Kadadora and Thispane mountains across Kothmala Oya, is a remarkable feature of this route. At the midpoint of the dam, you can see Ramboda waterfall and Karnagala mountain peak point which is a very popular camping spot.

Kothmale Dam information center is located approximately 600 meters away from the dam towards Ranamune on Ulapane - Pundaluoya main road. All the information about the project is available at the center.

11. Dehadukadulla Historical Point

This is a historical place, further, a historical gate. When Prince Dutugemunu entered Kothmale village through this gate as a single person, it is said that he hid his sword at this gate. The gate is situated nearly 200 meters away from the information center towards Ranamune.

12. Ranamune Raja Pihilla

What a beautiful place!

This location holds historical significance in Sri Lankan history. It is where Prince Dutugemunu bathed during the time he lived here. Located approximately 07 kilometers away from Dehadukadulla historical point, towards Pundaluoya. Raja Pihilla (bathing point) is situated 200 meters away from the main road, and it is visible from the road.

Visitors are also allowed to bathe there.

13. Dunsinane Falls

This waterfall is one of the most stunning and attractive waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It is located in Pundaluoya village, just 3 kilometers away from Pundaluoya-Kothmale main road. The waterfall is formed by Pundaluoya River, which is a tributary of the Kotmale Oya.

 

14. Upper Kothmale Dam

This hydroelectric power station is the third largest in the county, with a capacity of 150MW generated by two 75MW turbines. The water released from the Upper Kothmale reservoir flows directly into the Kothmale reservoir. The dam was opened in 2012.

15. St.Clair Falls viewpoint

The St. Clair waterfall is one of the stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located a short distance from Thalawakelle town towards Hatton. Following the Upper Kothmale Dam’s completion, the waterfall’s water level dropped. However, it currently releases a single water outlet to function the waterfall. 

 

16. Nanu-Oya Waterfall

What a beautiful scenery!

Situated in Nanuoya village. Nearly 1.3 kilometers away from Nuwara-Eliya – Hatton main road. You can see the railway track above the waterfall.

 

17. Glassaugh falls

Just a few away from Nanu-Oya waterfall. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some breathtaking spots that you can see along the road.

(Between Ranamune and Upper Kotmale)

(between Thalawakelle and Nuwara Eliya)

(between Thalawakelle and Nuwara Eliya)

(Night view of Nuwara Eliya Town)

(Gregory Park Nuwara-Eliya)

(Gregory Park Nuwara-Eliya)

(Seetha Amman Kovil Nuwara-Eliya)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Route Number 02

How does this route differ from the 01st route?

This route has an amazing waterfall path between Karawanella and Nawalapitiya towns, but is otherwise the same as the first one.

In the first route, we headed to Kitulgala from Karawanella junction. But on this route, we are heading to Bulathkohupitiya from Karawanella junction. Turn onto Dedugala road at Bulathkohupitiya junction and you'll encounter one of the most wonderful roads in Sri Lanka, adorned with numerous waterfalls.

1.       Weladha Ella waterfall

2.       Rikili Ella waterfall

3.       Nalagana Ella waterfall

4.       Rukmal Ella waterfall

5.       Dedugala town

6.       Diyagiri Ella waterfall

7.       Palampitiya Viewpoint

8.       Windsor forest waterfall

9.       Dolosbage town

10.   Dethiri Ella waterfall,

then,

11.   Nawalapitiya town

In this route also we pass through Nawalapitiya once again, just like on the first route.

 

--------------------- The End --------------------- 

The Best Tourism Routes in Sri Lanka via Kandy, Ella, Udawalawa , Yala , Madunagala hot water springs, Hiriketiya, Mirissa and Unawatuna

1.       Colombo and surrounding area

2.       Pinnawala elephant orphanage

3.       Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy and the surrounding area

4.       Ella and the surrounding area

5.       Udawalawe National Park

6.       Sacred city of Kataragama

7.       Yala National Park

8.       Madunagala hot water springs

9.       Muruthawela canal bathing point / sliding point

10.   Dikwella and surrounding area

11.   Mirissa and the surrounding area

12.   Surfing Point Weligama

13.   Unawatuna beach cafes and restaurants

14.   Galle fort

15.   Hikkaduwa corals

16.   Again Colombo

Below pictures will show you the route starting from Colombo-Pettah market to Yala National Park via Pinnawala, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park and Kataragama. 

Here is the route again to Colombo starting from Yala National Park via Madunagala hot water springs, Muruthawela canal sliding point, southern and south-west sea beach area.

Colombo and Surrounding Area

Modern Colombo - You have plenty of opportunities to explore the city, with numerous star-rated hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The area boasts sunny weather, and tourists particularly enjoy strolling through the streets in the evenings, especially near Galle Face Ground.

Galle Face ground – In the evening, both locals and foreigners can be seen walking around the area, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the sunset and indulging in local street foods. Occasionally, locals gather here to celebrate kite festivals. The walkway near the beach extends towards Port City. Port City is a newly constructed city in the sea adjacent to Galle Face ground. In Port City, visitors can enjoy walking along the path, go-cart driving, and breathtaking views during the early morning and evening hours.

Pettah market – Sri Lanka’s largest market ever. You can buy anything you want such as plastic items, electronic items, electrical items, computer accessories, mobile phones and accessories, dressing items, household items, shoes, clothes, food items, vegetables, fruits, lighting items, types of decorations, bags, etc. There are sets of streets in Pettah market famous for particular items. However, there is an issue of sustainability of some sensitive items in there. 

The below list will show the streets in Pettah and what they are famous for. 

·         Prince Street – Dutch museum. The only remaining Dutch building in Pettah

·         Bodhiraja Street – Clothes, food stores, various kinds of spicy food and so on

·         Dam Street – Stainless steel items, plastic items, cake tools

·         Wolfendhal Street – Electronic or non-electronic scales, kind of oils

·         Sea Street / Hetti Weediya – Jewelleries

·         Main Street – Sarees, cloth stores, all government and private banks, especially the world-famous Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque aka Red Mosque is situated there.

·         China Street – Chemicals, party items, plastic items, polythene items

·         St. John Street – Cashew stores

·         1^st Cross Street – Mobile phones and accessories, electric items, computer items

·         2^nd Cross Street and Keyzer Street – Shoes, bags, cloths, carpet, curtains

·         3^rd Cross Street – Industrial items such as screws, scales, and so on

·         4^th Cross Street (the busiest street) – Food items

·         5^th Cross Street – Vegetable stores, rice mills

·         Maliban Street – Stationery items, paper decorations and items made by papers

·         Malwatta Street – Bags and related items, shoes, watches, DVDs

·         Prince Street – Toy stores, mirror stores, glass stores

·         Bankshall Street – Handy crafts materials

Pettah floating market – This market is on the water. There is a small lake near Pettah bus station and this market is built on that lake. Snack bars, cafes, restaurants, dining areas and lavatory facilities are available there.   

Aluthkade street food - You can taste famous street food till midnight in Aluthkade area. Various kinds of food and beverages in there.   

Make sure to visit the Hindu Kathiresan Temple on Sea Street.

 

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

One and only elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka situated very close to Rambukkana town.

Pinnawala Zoo – Situated closer to the elephant orphanage.

 

 

The Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy and the suburbs

Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy – This is the most treasured tooth relic that belongs to the Buddhists. Hundreds of locals and foreign visitors come to visit every day and they feel the serene atmosphere. Additionally, the Kandy Esala Perahera, aka a grand procession is one of the most ceremonial festivals in Sri Lanka that takes place every July.

Lake round and streets – You can walk along the streets in Kandy especially the lake round enjoying beautiful scenery even in the afternoon since it has calm and cold weather in the daytime there. There are plenty of star-rated hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping malls within the city.

Make sure to visit Kandy's city viewpoint on Rajapihilla Street.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden – Beautiful walkways, benches and Sri Lanka’s indigenous plants can be seen here. Sri Lanka’s largest river, river Mahaweli is the boundary of the garden. Calm weather and calm environment.

 

Ella and the Surrounding Area

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and one of the places where you can breathe pure oxygen in the world. Ella town, Ravana Falls, Nine-Arch Bridge and Demodara railway loop (Rail bend) have become the main reasons for attracting local and foreign people. Basically, the weather is very calm without much more heavy showers or even sunny.

Ella-Rock Hike, which is very much loved by people who go hiking and camping in Sri Lanka.

·         Nine arch bridge – Click Here

·         Demodara railway loop - Click Here

·         Ella Rock Hike – One of the most famous hiking ranges in the world. Click Here

 

Udawalawe National Park

The park is especially for seeing the elephants. Early morning and the evening are the best for safari and scenery. One side of the park is completely covered by Udawalawe reservoir. You can complete the safari within half a day. 

Kataragama Stupa aka Kirivehera

Stupa and the God of Kataragama - Kataragama Kiriwehera aka Kataragama Stupa is the only stupa in the world built during the lifetime of Lord Buddha. Manik river is a partial boundary of the sacred city. Thousands of locals come to Kataragama to worship every day. Kataragama procession continues for 15 days in July every year. Click here to read more:

Yala National Park

This Park boasts the world’s highest leopard population density. The park's boundaries are home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, etc.

Lots of locals and foreign people come here to see the elephants, leopards, deer, and kind of birds and more. There are several entrances to the park, especially the four-wheel drive safari vehicles available at the entrances. You can complete the whole journey within half a day. Better if you could visit early in the morning or afternoon till the evening. Click here to visit:

 

Tissamaharama Ancient Temple and Stupa

Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya and Stupa – This belongs to the kingship era in past Sri Lanka. Why this is important? The Stupa was built by King Kawanthissa in the second century BC. This area became the old capital of Ruhunu division in the kingship era in the third century of AD. Lots of people make sure to worship this temple and the Stupa during their travels to Kataragama.  

Tissamaharama lake – This lake’s early morning and evening sceneries must be one of the best sceneries presented by nature to the people in the world. The way from Hambantota to Kataragama via Tissamaharama is going through the dam of this lake. Vehicle parking slots are available within the way on the dam. 

Madunagala Hot Water Springs

This location is situated in a village called Madunagala in Hambantota district closer to Padalangala – Sooriyawewa main road. There are several hot water springs in the location and they have kind of different temperatures. The location’s surrounding area is very sunny probably the whole year. You can feel the nature of a real Sri Lankan village there.

Muruthawela Canal bathing point/water sliding point

This is an uncommon hidden place situated in a village called Muruthawela in Hambantota district. The nearest city is Walasmulla.

These two canals are the outlet of Muruthawela reservoir which always carries water to the farming in the suburbs. You can bathe or slide in the canals in there. 

 

Dikwella and the Surrounding Area

Hummanaya Blowhole – Click here to visit:

Blue Beach Island – This is a private camping island that is connected to the mainland by a sandway. There are several camping sites in there. To reserve the campsite, you can inquire with the owner of the island.

Nilwella beach – Ideal place to feel the sunset. Less crowded and one of the best places to go snorkeling and swimming. But make sure to get a guide.   

Hiriketiya beach – This is also an ideal place for mind relaxing. Hiriketiya Bay is a trendy surf area. Several surf schools there. Surfboards are available for rent. The location is safe but make sure to get a guide.

 

Mirissa and the Surrounding Area

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa - One of the most famous and unique destinations in down-south Sri Lanka. Thousands of locals and foreign people come here to see the scenery combined with the red floor.

Mirissa whale watching – There are plenty of clubs that offer whale-watching packages in there. You can contact any club and they will organize a journey for you. The journey will start early in the morning and most probably you will have your breakfast on the boat. It takes 05 or 06 hours to complete the trip.

 

Surfing Point Weligama

Weligama bay is the ideal place for beginners who are willing to learn surfing. Hundreds of locals and foreigners are daily arriving here to experience the sport. Beach and the sea waves are small and continuously occur which is perfectly fitted for beginners to their surfing career.

Unawatuna Beach cafes and restaurants

Stunning beach. Ideal location for snorkeling and swimming. There are plenty of eateries, cafes, and villas facing the beach. Unfortunately, from the main road to the beach, the road's approach is constrained. Therefore the available parking spaces are low. Your car can be parked on either side of the street if you are only enjoying the beach without booking a villa there.

Dewata - Surfing and bathing area

Unawatuna Jungle Beach – bathing point

Galle Fort

The best location for relaxation and sunset viewing. There are a number of star-rated hotels, villas, eateries, pubs and retail establishments there, particularly jewelry and gem stores. Parking slots and areas are available. The city inside the fort is almost entirely made up of Colonial architecture. Read the history of Galle Fort:

Galle Fort at night

Hikkaduwa Corals

Things to do in Hikkaduwa: Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, Hikkaduwa corals & Hikkaduwa diving. Visit here:

Conch Ship | What is this? - The ship was built in the United Kingdom in 1892. The ship struck the coral by accident on the 02nd of June in 1903 while traveling to Madurai. The location is 08 kilometers North of Hikkaduwa beach and 02 kilometers from the sea at Akurala point. ReadMore:

                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination, and the route from Colombo to again Colombo via Kandy, Ella, Tissamaharama, Dikwella, Unawatuna and Galle is one of the best. 

In this article, we highlighted some of the most eye-catching and ideal places to see along this route.

The Most Scenic Train Ride in Sri Lanka Colombo Kandy Ella Badulla Night Mail | Breathtaking Views

Badulla Night Mail Train

Colombo to Badulla

Start Station: Colombo Fort Railway Station

Departure from Colombo Fort: 08:30 pm

End Station: Badulla Railway Station

Arrival to Badulla: 07:37 am

Run By: Daily

 

Badulla to Colombo

Start Station: Badulla Railway Station

Departure from Badulla: 05:50 pm

End Station: Colombo Fort Railway Station

Arrival to Colombo Fort: 05:16 am

Run By: Daily

Badulla Night Mail is a passenger and mail transport train service which is going from Colombo to Badulla. It runs from the main railway line through the hill country of Sri Lanka. Night Mail begins its journey from Colombo fort railway station at 08.30 pm every day. The train stops only at Ragama, Gampaha, Veyangoda and Polgahawela railway stations before Rambukkana. Polgahawela is a railway junction where the Northern railway line begins apart from main railway line.

Train continues its journey from main railway line to hill country from Polgahawela. At 10.11 pm, Night Mail reaches Rambukkana Railway Station. Rambukkana is the last railway station of main line where the double railway lines end.

The train starts to climb upcountry hills from Rambukkana railway station. Therefore, they connect another engine compartment to the rear end of the train at Rambukkana railway station. The train continues its journey to the next stop, Kadugannawa with the power of two engines. At Kadugannawa railway station, they disconnect rear engine and train continues for the next stop, Peradeniya junction railway station.

Rear mail carriage is disconnect from the train at Peradeniya junction railway station and it attached to another train, which is head to Kandy railway station.

Night mail train is not head for Kandy Railway Station, instead it heads Gampola from Peradeniya Junction.

Night mail heads to Gampola from Peradeniya junction at 11.30 pm. From Gampola railway station, they connect another engine compartment to the rear end of the train and the double engine compartments continue for Pattipola Railway Station.

Engine drivers change at Nawalapitiya Railway Station.

Night mail train which runs from Badulla to Colombo fort scheduled to meet this night mail train in Inguru Oya railway Station at 00:56. However, occasionally the trains arrive at their destinations after being delayed by at least an hour or an hour and a half instead of the schedule.

 

At 04:25 scheduled time, night mail reaches the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola Railway Station, passing Hatton, Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya) and Ambewela Railway Stations in the early morning.

In here, the rear engine compartment is disconnected from there and re-connected to the front. Then the two front engine compartments running to power the train.  

Between Pattipola and Ohiya Railway Stations, head to Badulla, there is a location known as ‘Summit Level’ which is the highest point of Sri Lankan rail roads.

Next Idalgashinna railway station, which is one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning stations. The route that leads to Idalgashinna camping site area is starting from here.  

While traveling from Nanuoya to Bandarawela railway stations, there are number of charming, agricultural and well-cultivated villages and farmlands indeed. Bandarawela is a well-developed city.

Then the night mail reaches Ella Railway Station at 06:35. Nearly 500 meters to Ella town from the railway station. Ella is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Thousands of foreign people and locals are travelled through Ella. Ella Rock hike, Ravana falls and Nine-arch Bridge are stunning.

Visit More Ella : Click Here 

The next key place is Demodara railway loop. Mr. D.J.Wimalasurendra who was the greatest Sri Lankan engineer, introduced the idea for this railway loop construction to achieve the level difference. The railway path from Ella to Demodara railway station is higher than Demodara to Badulla railway path. Therefore the purpose to maintain the level difference of 1:44, which is the maximum allowable gradient in Sri Lankan railways, introduced this railway loop. 

More information about Demodara Railway Loop Click Here : 

Night Mail reaches Badulla, scheduled time 07:37 in the morning.   

These train stations are part of the journey.

• Colombo Fort
• Gampaha
• Polgahawela
• Rambukkana
• Balana
• Kadugannawa
• Peradeniya
• Gelioya
• Gampola
• Ulapane
• Nawalapitiya
• Galboda
• Watawala
• Rozella
• Hatton
• Kotagala
• Thalawakele
• Great Western
• Radella
• Nanuoya
• Ambewela
• Pattipola - Summit-Level Point Pattipola
• Ohiya
• Idalgashinna
• Haputale
• Diyathalawa
• Bandarawela
• Kithal Ella
• Ella - Nine Arch Bridge
• Demodara
• Uduwara
• Hali-ela
• Badulla