Places to See

On the Wellawaya-Ella Road (Northern road)

Ella Wala Waterfall (5 km / 15 minutes): The beautiful Ella Wala Waterfall in the jungle involves part travel by vehicle and an exciting trek of about ½ km through a mountainous jungle foot path.

Ravana Caves (25 km / 24 minutes): Ravana Caves, which were made famous by the “Ramayana”, one of the great epics of India written by the Hindu Sage Valmiki in the 5th or 4th century BC, is said to be the site where King Ravana of Sri Lanka initially kept Rama’s wife Sita after kidnapping her, to take revenge on Rama and his brother Lakshmana for having cut off the nose of his sister Surpanakha. Thereafter, Sita was taken through a tunnel in the cave to another far-away location, which is now known as Sita Eliya.

The Ramayana depicts Ravana as an evil demon-king, while in Sri Lankan mythology, he is considered as a great ruler and a great scholar, who is well-versed in the six Shastras and the four Vedas of the Hindu religion. Ravana is also considered to be the most revered devotee of the Hindu god Shiva. According to Hinduism, Rama is the seventh Avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and a king of Ayodhya in India.

Nine Arches Bridge (39 km / 38 minutes): Located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations, this viaduct bridge was built during the colonial-era of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). The bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides, including Tea, is an awesome sight to behold.

Devil’s Staircase (70 km / 1 hour): The Devil’s Staircase is a 13 km hike in Ohiya, through several tea estates and spectacular green mountains of Sri Lanka. It could be started from either the Bambarakanda Waterfalls – Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall and the 299th highest in the world – or from Ohiya in Horton Plains.

As the name suggests, it is an arduous hike. Travelling by 4WD is by no means easy either, as one has to be a skilled off-road driver. A popular point along the way is the “V Cut”, a road cut through the hill.

The whole trek takes four hours.

On the Wellawaya-Moneragala Road (Eastern road)

Yudaganawa Chaitya (17 km / 15 minutes): Yudaganawa is said to be the site where the armies of Dutugemunu and Tissa fought for the throne, the sons of King Kavantissa and Queen Viharamahadevi. Upon Kavantissa’s death, Dutugemunu ascended the throne, but soon had to defend his crown against his younger brother Tissa. The chaitya was built by the two brothers to commemorate their reconciliation. The dagoba – built around 2nd B.C. – is by far the biggest ancient monument found in the Uva Province. Later, Tissa became one of Dutugemunu’s foremost generals and the heir to the Sri Lankan throne upon Dutugemunu’s death.

Dematamal Vihare (37 km / 40 minutes): It is said that when Prince Tissa realized that he was losing the battle for the throne with his elder brother King Dutugemunu in Yudaganawa, he ran away from the battlefield and sought refuge in the Dematamal Vihare in nearby Okkampitiya. Dutugemunu went in pursuit.

Meanwhile, Tissa had run into the Kutiya, or the cell, of the Maha Thera (chief monk) and hid under his bed. The Maha Thera, seeing Dutugemunu approaching, had then spread a cloak over the bed to hide Tissa.

When Dutugemunu entered the Kutiya and asked the Maha Thera where his brother is, he was told that his brother is not on the bed. Realizing that Tissa is hiding under the bed, Dutugemunu, paid respects to the Maha Thera and walked away. However, he had the vihare surrounded by his army, and waited until his brother was brought out of its premises. After being cut off from the outside world, and running short of the food, it was decided to smuggle Tissa out of the Vihare, wrapped in cloth and disguised as a dead body. Dutugemunu approached the priests who were carrying the alleged dead body on their shoulder, and realizing that it was his brother who is being carried out, had said “Younger brother, aren’t you ashamed to be carried on the backs of these priests?"

Thereafter, Dutugemunu withdrew his army and went back to his palace in Magama.

Maligawila (35 km / 32 minutes): Stone statues of Lord Buddha and Alavokitheswara at Maligawila, the former is said to be the tallest free-standing statue in the world. It is said to have been commissioned in the 7th Century by Prince Agghabodhi.

Galabedda Ancient Pond (45 km / 41 minutes): An archaeological Site in Moneragala, in this site are found the remains of a palace said to have been built for a Princess named Sugala Devi, a bathing pond, a sluice gate, a moat and ramparts of the palace compound. Built in the 12th Century AD, the bathing pond is one of the masterpieces of ancient Sinhala architecture.

Inginiyagala and Gal Oya National Park (110 km / 2 hours): The home of the Wannila Eththo or Veddhas, who are the aboriginal people of Sri Lanka. The original Veddhas dwelt in caves and were hunter-gatherers. Now, almost all of them are civilized, but they still retain their culture and traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation. In close proximity to the Gal Oya Reservoir/Senanayake Samudra is the Gal Oya National Park. The Park has a variety of animals, including Elephants, Bears and Leopards.

Lahugala National Park (85 km / 1 hour, 15 minutes): Where large herds of majestic Marshy Elephants could be seen roaming the jungles and feeding in the marshy Lahugala Tank. A variety of animals could be found within this Park.

Magul Maha Vihare in Lahugala (91 km / 1½ hours): King Kavantissa and Queen Vihara Maha Devi (parents of Dutugemunu and Tissa) were married here. The remains of the Magul Poruwa – made of stone – of the king and queen are still to be seen here. The ancient ruins are spectacular, with the moonstone found here being very unique from the others found in Sri Lanka.

Muhudu Maha Vihare (104 km / 2 hours): It is said that Princess Vihara Maha Devi was set afloat by her father King Kelani Tissa of Kelaniya in the west coast in a beautifully decorated boat, with an engraving stating "the daughter of a king", as a sacrifice to the ocean to appease the gods for putting to death an innocent Buddhist monk. Miraculously, the boat and its retinue had landed on the beaches of Pottuvil on the east coast.

Ruins of an ancient temple erected on the beach – named Muhudu Maha Vihare – could be seen, and is said to be the location where the Princess alighted from the boat.

Arugam Bay (106 km / 2 hours): Arugam Bay is the most popular surfing spot and the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. Rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world, it has also hosted most of the international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004. Traditionally a fishing village, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years. Besides surfing, tourists are attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby Kumana National Park.

Kumana National Park (155 km / 2 hours, 25 minutes): Kumana National Park is one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in this park. Rare species, who are breeding inhabitants, include Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill and Great Thick-Knee. Among the rare birds that migrate are Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon, Red-faced Malkoha and the Sirkeer Malkoha.

Mugger Crocodile, Indian Flap-shelled Turtle and Indian Black Turtle are the common reptiles inhabiting the park. Mammals found in the park include Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Sri Lankan Elephant, European Otter and Fishing Cat.

Evidence of ancient civilizations, dating back to the 3rd century BC, together with rock inscriptions belonging to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, are found in Kumana. The Kumana National Park lies on the route of the traditional annual foot Pilgrimage to the holy city of Kataragama.

On the Wellawaya-Thanamalwila Road (Southern road)

Buduruwagala (5 km / 15 minutes): Buduruwagala has the largest Buddha statue in the world carved into the rock. This came to be, after the Bamiyan Statues in Afghanistan were destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001.

Next to this statue, and carved into the same rock, are the statues of the Bodhisattva Alavokitheswara, Vajirapani (also known as God Sakra) and Aryathara (Tara Devi).

Uda Walawe National Park (67 km / 1 hour): Uda Walawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan Elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country. The nearby Uda Walawe Elephant Transit Home was established in 1995 to look after abandoned elephant calves found within the park and around Sri Lanka. The calves are looked after with minimum of human contact. A total of 17 calves have been released back into the park when old enough to fend for themselves.

Other mammals found in the park include Rusty-spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopard, Sambhur Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Indian Muntjac, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Golden Jackal and Asian Palm Civet.

Lunugamvehera National Park (48 km / 40 minutes): The Lunugamvehera reservoir and its surrounding catchment area was declared a national park in 1995.

The catchment area of the park plays an important role in maintaining the water levels of five tanks down-stream of Kirindi Oya. It is also an important corridor for Elephants migrating between Yala and Uda Walawe national parks.

The park is abundant with wildlife, and among its inhabitants are Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Painted Stork, Mugger Crocodiles, Wild Buffalo, Sambhur Deer, Axis Deer, Wild Boar, Asian Palm Civet and Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain.

Bundala National Park (80 km / 1 hour, 15 minutes): Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. In 1991, Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, and was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2005, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka.

Greater Flamingo migrate in large flocks of over 1,000 individuals into Bundala. Some of the rare birds inhabiting the park are Black-necked Stork, Eurasian Coot and Lesser Adjutant.

Also found in the park are Black-naped Hare, Indian Pangolin, Mongoose, Mouse Deer and Porcupine. Some of the reptiles found are Estuarine Crocodile, Mugger Crocodile, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise, Cat Snake, Flying Snake (endemic to Sri Lanka), Python, Rat Snake and Whip Snake.

Bordering Bundala is the Indian Ocean, and some of the turtles that beach to lay eggs are the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley.

Situlpahuwa (80 km / 2 hours): Surrounded by a rocky outcrop, Situlpahuwa is an archaeological site located within the Yala National Park. An ancient monastic compound, consisting of buildings, cave temples and stupas, it is said to have housed 1,200 monks, including Arahats (Enlightened Beings) in ancient times.

The site has been renovated and is still in use. It is said to be the most attractive archaeological site in the south of Sri Lanka.

Influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, several Buddhist statues and inscriptions found there date back to the pre-Christian Anuradhapura period.

Kataragama (52 km / 45 minutes): Kataragama is a sacred town to Buddhists, Hindus and the indigenous Veddha people of Sri Lanka. Beside it being a pilgrimage site, the area surrounding Kataragama has yielded evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic human habitation, dating back to 125,000 years.

The ancient Kiri Vehera, believed to have been built by the regional King Mahasena in the 6th century BC, is said to be the exact spot where he met and listened to a sermon delivered by Lord Buddha on his third and last visit to Sri Lanka.

The Bo tree behind the Kataragama temple is one of the eight saplings of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradapura. It has been planted in the 3rd century BC. Hindus in Sri Lanka and South India refer to the place as Katirkamam. Lord Katirkaman is associated with Skanda-Murukan. Saivite Hindus of South India call him Subrahmanya as well.

In nearby Sella Kataragama, or Sella Katirkamam, is a shrine dedicated to the beloved elephant-faced God Ganesha, who is known as Lord Murugan's elder brother. The deity at Kataragama is said to reside on top of the mountain called Waedihiti Kanda, just outside the Kataragama town.

According to some legends, Kataragama Deviyo originally lived in Mount Kailash in the Himalayas and had a divine consort by the name of Thevani, before moving to Kataragama in Sri Lanka. After settling down in Kataragama, he had fallen in love with Valli, a beautiful maiden princess who had been raised by the indigenous Veddha people. Later, Valli became the second consort of Kataragama Deviyo.

To date, the indigenous Veddha people come to venerate at the temple complex, to celebrate the deity’s courtship and marriage to Valli, at the annual Esala festival held from July to August.

Manik Ganga (River of Gems), one of Sri Lanka’s major rivers which runs through Kataragama, is a place of ablution, where a sacred bath is taken to purify oneself before entering the three places of worship mentioned above. It is said that the water of the river has healing powers due to its high content of gems and the medicinal properties of the roots of trees that line the river through the jungle.

Tissamaharama (62 km / 55 minutes): Tissamaharama serves as the starting point for visits to Yala National Park and Kataragama.

However, it has its own place in history, with archaeological excavations finding the earliest urban phase in the 4th century BC where fired bricks have been used for construction for the first time, Buddhist saddle querns dating back to 3rd century BC, a potsherd with triangular sail on stylistic grounds assigned to 3rd century BC, but excavated from the layer of 1st century BC, a hospital built between 1st and 2nd century AD, which is the earliest in all of South Asia, stone paved streets with drains and water channels dating before the common era, roof tiles, houses with plastered exterior etc.

Some of its other important sites are the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara and Yatala Vehera.

The site of the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara was consecrated by Lord Buddha himself, who spent some time in meditation there with 500 Arahats (individuals who have reached enlightenment), during his third visit to the island.

After the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya was built in the 2nd century BC as Silapassa Pirivena, by King Kavantissa (186-161 B.C.). During the reign of King Ilanaga (38-44 A.D.), the temple had been expanded and renovated. But according to some historians, the temple was initially built by King Mahanaga in the 3rd century BC, and later expanded as a major temple by his grand-son, King Kavantissa.

Its monastery had been recognized as a pre-eminent Buddhist educational center from the 3rd century B.C. to the 11th century A.D.

Yatala Vehera is an ancient Buddhist stupa dating back to the 3rd Century B.C. It is said to have been built by King Yatala Tissa to commemorate the place where he was born, the stupa is built on a stage made of large flat granite stones, surrounded by a wall of sculpted elephant heads, a moat and a large moonstone. However, some believe that the stupa was built by King Mahanaga, father of Yatala Tissa, to mark the birth of his son.

Also noteworthy is a part of the ancient sophisticated irrigation system, which includes an artificial lake named Tissa Wewa, together with Yoda Wewa, Weerawila Wewa, Pannegamuwa Wewa and Debarawewa Wewa, which are in use to this day to irrigate agricultural fields.

Yala National Park (100 km / 2 hours): Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the park consists of five blocks, of which only two are open to the public. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka.

The park is best known for its variety of wild animals, with the density of leopards being one of the highest in the world. The number of Elephants are between 300 and 350, as their population changes seasonally. Among the endangered species found in Yala are the Sri Lankan sloth bear and Wild Water Buffalo.

Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Purple Heron, Night Herons, Egrets, Purple Swamp Hen and Oriental darter are many of the rare birds that have been sighted. Migrant Great White Pelicans and resident Spot-billed Pelicans have also been spotted in many of the park’s lagoons.

Reptiles found include Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Sri Lankan Krait, Boulenger's Keelback, Sri Lankan Flying Snake (endemic to Sri Lanka), Painted-lip Lizard, Wiegmann's Agama and Bahir's Fan-throated Lizard. The two crocodile species – Mugger and Saltwater – also inhabit the park.

The park’s coastal line is visited by all five of the globally endangered sea turtles – Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley.

Yala also has been a center of past civilizations. It is said that King Ravana, the mythical Hindu anti-hero in the “Ramayana”, is believed to have established his kingdom – Ravana Kotte – here, which has been submerged by the sea. Situated in their trading route, seafaring traders brought the Indo-Aryan civilization with them to Yala. Evidence of a rich hydraulic and agricultural civilization, dating back to 5th century B.C., could be seen by the large number of ancient but dis-repaired tanks in the area.

On the Wellawaya-Beragala Road (Western road)

Pilkington Point and Millennium Point (30 km / 1 hour): The road to Pilkington Point takes you through the Poonagala Tea Estate via Koslanda. The more grueling ascent to the summit, which is known as “Millennium Point”, could be reached either on foot or by a 4 wheel drive vehicle through rough terrain. From “Millennium Point”, you will have a panoramic view of Sri Lanka’s Southern coast and Eastern plains. Sometimes you see wild elephants gracing in this area as well, so it is advisable to ensure that it is safe to travel in the area.

Adisham Bungalow (50 km / 1 hour, 15 minutes): Built by Sir Thomas Williers during British Colonial Ceylon, Adisham Bungalow in Haputale was occupied by Lord Mountbatten during the Second World War. It is now a Monastery for Catholic priests. The bungalow is in perfect condition and even has some of the original furniture, fittings, pictures, library of books, etc.

Horton Plains National Park (80 km / 1 hour, 25 minutes): Located in a plateau in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, the park's elevation ranges from 2,100m to 2,300m. Kirigalpoththa (2,389m) and Thotupola Kanda (2,357m), the second and third highest mountains of Sri Lanka respectively, are located the Plains.

Among its other attractions are “World's End”, with a sheer precipice of 870m, the 20m tall Baker's Falls and Slab Rock Falls.

Due to its high elevation, the temperature ranges between 27° C (81° F) during daytime and 5° C (41° F) at night. Mist, fog and clouds formed in these conditions create a high content of moisture, resulting in many water pools, and making the Plains the most important watershed in Sri Lanka. Three of Sri Lanka’s major rivers, Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe, have their beginnings or headwaters here as springs.

Many species of fauna and flora found here are endemic to the region. The largest and most commonly seen mammal is the Sambhur, a large Deer. Others include Sri Lankan Leopards, Fishing Cats, Rusty-spotted Cats, Wild Boars, Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotains, Indian Muntjacs, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Grizzled Giant Squirrels, European Otters and Kelaart's Long-clawed Shrews. The Horton Plains Slender Loris is found only in highlands of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the world's most endangered primates. In July 2010, a group of researchers from the Zoological Society of London were able to photograph the mammal for the first time.

Stone tools, dating back to 37,000 years, during the time of the pre-historic Balangoda culture (Mesolithic Culture) have also been found here.

The park is accessed by the Haputale-Boralanda Road. However, the trip to Horton Plains requires a stay overnight, as a lot of time is needed to explore the places of interest mentioned above.