Information
City: BadullaCountry: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Badulla, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Badulla, the gateway to Sri Lanka’s hill country, sits in the Uva Province, wrapped in green tea fields, veiled waterfalls, and mountains that vanish into morning mist.Badulla, with its misty green hills and refreshingly cool air, makes a perfect starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country.With its colonial past, striking landmarks, and lush scenery, it draws travelers looking for both quiet cobblestone streets and a dash of adventure.Badulla sits about 230 kilometers east of Colombo and 22 kilometers southeast of Ella, resting at 680 meters above sea level where cool, temperate air keeps temperatures between 16°C and 25°C. March to May is the sweetest time to visit, when the days feel crisp and the hills invite long walks.Once a frontier town of the Kandyan Kingdom, it later thrived under British rule, its tea estates, old railway lines, and weathered colonial buildings still telling that story.Just 5 km from Badulla, Dunhinda Falls plunges 64 meters into a rocky basin, sending a fine mist into the air-exactly what its name, “spraying mist,” describes.A 1 km walk through forested trails leads you there.Nearby, the ancient Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, said to have been visited by the Buddha, offers gleaming stupas, delicate carvings, and peaceful gardens.Thirteen kilometers away, the Bogoda Wooden Bridge, built entirely of jackwood over 400 years ago, arches above a quiet stream beneath its distinctive roof.At Dowa Rock Temple, carved into a cliff about 6 km from town, you’ll see a towering 38‑foot unfinished Buddha and vivid cave paintings dating back to King Walagamba’s reign in the 1st century BCE.In the heart of Badulla, the Old Welekade Market-built in 1889-buzzes with stalls selling spices, produce, and handmade goods.A short drive brings you to Halpewatte Tea Factory, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest, where you can watch fresh leaves move from plucking to packaging, then sip a hot cup overlooking emerald hills.The Kataragama Devalaya, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, reflects the area’s rich cultural blend.For sweeping views and a challenge, climb Namunukula Mountain, the district’s highest peak at 2,036 meters.Here, you can trek to waterfalls and summits, visit centuries‑old temples, tour tea estates, photograph mist‑covered valleys, or wander the lively market.Badulla marks the end of the famously scenic Colombo–Badulla railway line, making the journey there as memorable as the destination.The journey winds past famous sights like the Nine Arches Bridge and the twisting Demodara Loop, and you can reach Badulla by car along the A5 from Nuwara Eliya or the A16 from Ella, or hop on a regular bus from Colombo, Kandy, or nearby towns.Once there, tuk-tuks make getting around easy, though you can rent a motorbike or car to explore farther afield.Food ranges from fragrant rice and curry with spicy vegetables or tender fish, to sweet kithul jaggery, crisp samosas, warm roti, and fresh tropical fruit, all best enjoyed with a cup of locally grown Ceylon tea.You’ll find lodging for every budget-luxury eco-lodges with sweeping views, mid-range guesthouses with modern comforts, and friendly homestays for travelers on a shoestring.Time your visit for Poson Poya in June or the lively peraheras with dancers, drummers, and elephants.Nearby, Ella charms with Little Adam’s Peak, Haputale offers tea fields and Lipton’s Seat, Bandarawela is rich with colonial charm, and Mahiyanganaya reveals ancient temples and the indigenous Vedda community.Known for its breathtaking train ride, deep Buddhist roots, and thriving tea and produce industry, Badulla does face challenges like patchy transport to remote spots and heavy monsoon rains, yet its lush scenery, cultural depth, and quiet beauty make it a truly memorable stop.You might hike past misty waterfalls, climb rugged mountain trails, or join in a village festival-and in Badulla, every step draws you deeper into the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Landmarks in badulla
