What Is Badulla Famous For? What Are The Best Places To Visit In Badulla In 2026? 

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Tranquility, raw energy of nature, and the thrill of standing on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka!  You get all of these when you are at Tangalle Beach. Also, with serenity and relaxation being two essential experiences here, you will get ample time to photograph the picture-perfect shoreline.  So, if you want to explore pristine beaches, have some fun spotting the turtles, and try some amazing local food, you must include a visit to Tangalle Beach in your Sri Lankan itinerary.  Why I Loved Tangalle Beach?  The quaint Tangalle Beach immediately impressed me with its stretches of golden beaches. Also, from the traditional fishing town of Ahangama to this small fishing village, it has been a lifetime experience for me to see how people here live in coexistence with nature.  Furthermore, the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project was the biggest highlight of my Tangalle Beach visit.  Also, I could soak in the paradisiacal feel of this coastal town, unlike more prominent places such as the Hiriketiya Beach or the Kandy to Ella train, the crowd was way fewer.  That undertourism is a blessing in disguise, as in this way, the nature and wildlife of Tangalle Beach remain untouched.  Furthermore, I found a small but warm homestay on the east side. On the west, there are more high-end accommodations.  So, from backpackers to luxury travelers, everyone will enjoy Tangalle Beach, and you just need to place your feet on warm and golden sand. What Are The Things To Do In Tangalle Beach? Tangalle Beach offers a Bali vibe. As I have mentioned, it is the ultimate place to relax, and along with that, you can indulge in various adventure activities here.  You can even have a delightful wildlife experience here.  A Visit To The Udawalawe National Park At a distance of around 71 km from Tangalle Beach, the Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit.  Furthermore, as a home to around 400 elephants, it is one of the top attractions near Ella.  I loved the jeep safari here, and unlike many other national parks, spotting an elephant here on a jungle safari is almost guaranteed.  The entry fee to the national park is LKR 13,420, and the jeep safari charged me LKR 10000 during the last visit.  I was impressed with the entire conversation process, and it operated around the Elephant Transit Home (ETH).  The Department of Wildlife Conservation established it in 1995, and it runs on a strict 3-tier process.  Rescue Rehabilitate Release  This process ensures very little human interaction, and it works for the release of the orphaned elephants back into the wild.  Also, the conservation job does not end with the release of the elephants. The conservationalists keep monitoring the movement of the reintroduced elephants in the wild.  Watching Turtles At Tangalle Beach  Like Dalawella Beach, Mirissa Beach, and Mount Lavinia Beach, Tangalle is also a wonderful place for spotting endangered turtles.  The types of turtles you can see here are: Loggerheads Leatherbacks Hawksbills These turtles visit the beach when they want to lay eggs. Now, this is a huge advantage Tangalle enjoys as it is free from the impact of overtourism.  A Visit To The Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project Now, many tourists claim that if you visit the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project between April and July, you can see the turtles hatching eggs.  However, this is not entirely true. There is no guarantee that you will see a turtle laying eggs or hatching.  There is an official announcement from the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project. They have mentioned that there are high chances of seeing a turtle laying her eggs between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM.  Furthermore, the conservation center offers a guided tour to the beach for spotting turtles between 7 PM and 6 AM.  Moreover, you cannot use flashlights or flash photography at this conservation center.  Whale Watching At Tangalle  During my stay in Tangalle, I booked an early morning tour that took me west to Mirissa Harbour.  We set sail at 6:30 AM into the calm Indian Ocean. About an hour out, the captain cut the engine.  Suddenly, a massive blue whale breached just seventy meters away, spraying a giant plume of water before diving and flashing its enormous tail flukes. It was breathtaking. While Tangalle itself lacks a major boat harbor, it serves as an excellent base. Most local operators provide seamless hotel pickups for the 60-to-90-minute drive to the boats. December to April is the best time for spotting whales and spinner dolphins at Tangalle Beach.  Also, if you are planning a whale watching tour, you must take sea-sickness pills before boarding.  A Visit To The Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara  Sri Lanka is the place where you will find the gems associated with Buddhism in every nook. The Mulgirigala or Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara is one such place.  It is an ancient Buddhist rock temple complex, and if you have loved the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, you will also cherish this.  At a height of 205 meters, it also has the nickname of Little Sigiriya Rock or Punch Sigiriya.  Furthermore, this ancient rock temple complex is revered as an archaeological site. It harbors a religious history of around 2000 years.  King Saddhatissa of Anuradhapura built this Maha Vihara in the 3rd century BCE, and King Kawantissa and King Valagamba expanded it later.  Moreover, it is one of the designated temples in Anuradhapura to receive the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling.  After years of abandonment, it was finally reconstructed by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe in the 18th century.  Why I Loved Mulkiligara Raja Maha Vihara The temple complex spans across five different cave levels, and there are seven cave shrines.  The caves are home to brilliant frescoes, murals, and paintings depicting the stories of the Jataka, Lord Buddha, and other Hindu deities.  What is interesting here is that some of the artwork shows a prominent influence of the Dutch style.  Furthermore, after climbing 533 peaks, I reached the summit of the Stupa. At the summit, there is a small pagoda that houses sacred relics of Lord Buddha.  In addition, the unmarked dirt train behind the courtyard took me to a cliff ledge from where I enjoyed amazing views of the surrounding jungles and palm trees. 

BY  Sibashree Apr 21, 2026

Anuradhapura is a part of the Golden Triangle of Sri Lanka along with the Dambulla Royal Cave Enclave, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  Furthermore, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built from the “cutting of a Bodhi Tree” or the “Tree of Enlightenment.”  Before 993, when it was abandoned due to an invasion, it was the political and religious capital of Ceylon, the previous name for Sri Lanka.  Also, if Jaffna attracted me with its Tamil Culture and Hindu Temples, Anuradhapura was a great calling because it was the first place to adopt Buddhism outside India, the country I belong to.  Moreover, Jetavanaramaya, the early 4th-century BCE Stupa, was once the “third-largest man-made building in the world,” with an original height of 122 meters.  However, while the Jetavanaramaya Stupa continues to evoke awe with its grandeur and mystery, the other ruins and remains of Anuradhapura also wait to tell you the history and cultural richness of the region.  So, here is a brief discussion on the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  What Are The Places To Visit In Anuradhapura?  I was staying in a guest house near the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. I rented a bicycle from my guest house for LKR 500, and I took the back route as the staff in the guesthouse guided me.  Off the main road, the cycling experience was beautiful, and I loved spotting the roaming peacocks and little children waving at me.  Beyond the charming views and ambiance, I noticed one more thing. In Anuradhapura, the past and the present walk side by side.  There have been no evictions of the locals in the name of preserving or promoting the ancient ruins and remains in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nevertheless, after talking to the local children for a while, I reached the entrance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The entry fee was around 9500 LKR or INR 2800.  However, remember that the ticket includes archaeological sites such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, Ruwanwelisaya, and Thuparamaya. So, if you want to explore other sites such as the Isurumuniya Viharaya, you will need to pay separate fees.  Nevertheless, these are the places I visited in Anuradhapura.  “This sacred city was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.  Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993.  Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries, and monuments, is now accessible once again.” - UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  1. Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex The Abhayagiri Vihara Gargantuan Stupa is magnificent, and the brick stupa creates a contrast against the bright blue sky and the lush greenery of Anuradhapura.  King Vattagamani Abhaya or Valagamba founded this Stupa in the first century BCE. This prominent center of Mahayana Buddhism remains an active place of worship.  Also known as the Northern Monastery or Uttara Vihara, it changed the course of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by deviating from the monolithic tradition of Theravada Buddhism.  Moreover, the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa is the first Stupa in Sri Lanka to house the tooth relic of Buddha.  Also, the Abhayagiri Dagoba or Stupa at the epicenter of the Abhayagiri Vihara Complex is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.  The Structure And Architecture Of The Abhayagiri Vihara Apart from the Stupa or Dagoba, most parts of the Abhayagiri Vihara are in ruins. There were living houses for the monks and students, libraries, dinner halls, and meeting halls surrounding the Stupa.  Here is a detailed overview of the structures as I saw them. However, the heat will be scorching, and you will find langur monkeys roaming around.  So, try to be there by 6 AM, when the gates open, or after 4 PM. The Sacred City remains open till 8 PM. However, it will take you around an entire day if you want to explore the major ruins of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. The Dagoba Or The Stupa  The Stupa or Dagoba in the Abhayagiri Vihara is in a well-preserved condition. The massive bell-shaped structure of the stupa has a height of around 120 meters, and at its widest, the circumference is close to 350 meters.  The dome, made of brick and lime mortar, has four entrances, and you will find a Devatakotuva or a cylindrical spire and Hataraskotuva or a square-shaped structure as the crowns of the Stupa.  Image Houses, Refectories, And Sub Shrines  I saw the remains of various refectories, image houses, living complexes, and sub-shrines around the stupa.  Among the smaller stupas, the Indikatu Seya and Silasobbhakandaka Cetiya are the most common.  Meeting Halls The remains of the meeting halls or Uposathagharas have been found in the complex.  These Uposathagharas were multi-storied, and Ratnaprasadaya or the jewel mansion was most prominent among them.  Congregation Hall The Sannipatasala, or the congregation hall near the southern entrance of the stupa, is the largest hall in the complex.  The image of Nagaraja, or the king of snakes, or Virupaksha, the protector of the Western Direction, was found in this congregation hall, which is now in ruins.  You can see this image at the Abhayagiri Museum.  Abhisheka Mandapa Or Anointing Pavilion The Abhisheka Mandapa had a stepped entrance, and people believe it to be the place where the statues of Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas were consecrated.  Some even consider this the bathing house or Snanghara.  Stone Slabs  Many stone slabs with inscriptions in Nagari Script have been found in this site.  Again, there are two moon stones in Anuradhapura, and one was found at the Queen’s Pavilion and the other at Mahasena’s Palace.  These moon stones are significant features of Buddhist stupas or shrines, as these semi-circular stone structures depict the Buddhist Samasara.  The Dining Room The dining room or hall of the Abhayagiri Vihara has a stone-clad trough, and it is ideal for storing or serving rice that could feed 5000 monks.  Furthermore, there was a dining area, hearths, underground channels, grinding stones, and a sundial in the site Faxian or Fa-Hien described as the dining hall.  The dining hall also has two courtyards.  The Bodhi Tree Shrine The Bodhi Tree Shrine, or the Bodhighara is a subsidiary shrine of the Abhayagiri Stupa. As a token of Buddha’s enlightenment, Sanghamitta, a Buddhist nun from India, brought saplings of the Bodhi Tree.  She planted the saplings in Abhayagiri, and many patrons built small aediculae-like shrines around these trees.  These sub-shrines had images of Lord Buddha in a meditative or Samadhi posture and his footprints.  Moreover, excavation of Buddha statues took place in the Bodhighara sites, and one of them is from the 3rd century BCE, and these resemble the sculptures of the great Gupta dynasty in India.  You can visit the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum if you want to see these Buddha statues. The Ponds  The tanks and reservoirs near the living quarters were the main sources of water for the complex.  However, water in these reservoirs or tanks came from the Kuttam Pokana or Twin Ponds to the far east of the Stupa.  Moreover, these rectangular ponds were built by Aggabodhi I in the 6th or 7th century CE, and they have shallow ridges, and the inner walls are made of polished stone.  However, for me, the most fascinating thing was the stone slab with the motif of a hooded cobra.  Also, this hooded cobra or Naga establishes a deep connection with India, as Nagas and water have deep connections in Indian mythology.  As I walked further, I came across the Elephant Pond or Eth Pokuna. It is the largest artificial tank in Sri Lanka, and it is the main water supply for all the tanks and reservoirs in the Vihara Complex.  Here also, I noticed a depiction of a hooded cobra on a stone slab.  At the end of exploring the Abhayagiri Vihara Stupa Complex, I must tell you that you must read a little about the place before a visit.  Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to catch up when the guide shares the details.  2. Jethawanaramaya Stupa You will also find the Jetavanaramaya Stupa in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. It was one of the largest man-made structures in the world, and it ranked only after the Great Pyramids of Giza.  The original height of this structure was 122 meters, and after restoration, the height is now 71 meters.  The stupa, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD, is a part of a large Jetavana Vihara complex that used to house around 200 monks. Also, like the Abhayagiri Vihara, it has a brick architecture.  This once again indicates how ancient Anuradhapura was a hub of brick production. In fact, Ruwanwelisaya, the most sacred stupa of the country inside the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex, also had a brick architecture.  However, for the recent restoration, they used cement in the outer layer of the stupa.  Moreover, massive excavation works have taken place in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, and the gold panels showing the imagery of the Bodhisattva and the partial inscriptions of the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra.  Now, Prajñāpāramitā Sutra is the foundational text of Mahayana Buddhism. This shows how the Jethawanaramaya Stupa was the hub of different Buddhist thoughts and schools. However, you can see these gold panels now at the Colombo Museum.  Also, I came to know about another fascinating thing from a monk here, that the stupa used to have a diamond in the crown. It used to turn aside lightning during the monsoon season.  3. The Gleaming White Ruwanwelisaya Stupa  The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is most famous among the locals and followers of Buddhism.  Now, unlike the Ritigala Forest Monastery, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa or the other stupas in the complex are live hubs of Buddhist practices.  Also, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa is especially famous for housing the remains of Lord Buddha.  Originally, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa was much smaller than the Jethawanaramaya Stupa. However, thanks to continuous maintenance, it now stands at a height of 100 meters.  Now, this was my experience in the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura. If you want to explore more, you can visit the Kaudulla National Park, at a distance of less than 2 hours, and the Hurulu Eco Park, at a distance of 1 hour and 50 minutes.   Location And How To Reach Anuradhapura?  Anuradhapura City is located on the banks of the Malwathu Oya. It is the capital of the central-west region of Sri Lanka and the district of Anuradhapura.  Anuradhapura is a 4-hour journey from Colombo and Kandy.  Once I explored the top attractions in Kandy, I took a minivan, which cost me LKR 1600. Now, you will also get private and public buses.  However, I had luggage and wanted to keep the schedule flexible. So, I chose the minivan.  Things To Remember For A Trip To Anuradhapura The Sun is merciless in Anuradhapura, even if you visit the Sacred City in winter. It becomes unbearable past 11 AM.  So, you have to really start early.  Also, carry water and wear full-sleeve clothes to maintain the dignity of the place and protect your skin from the Sun.  Moreover, as I have mentioned, visiting a place like Anuradhapura demands preparation. So, study well and have basic ideas about these stupas beforehand. 

BY  Sibashree Jun 6, 2026

The historical Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is going to play an important role in the tourism growth of Sri Lanka in 2026.  Its colonial-era landmarks, such as the Groote Kerk, the Dutch reformed church or the Galle Clock Tower, the living heritage, and the rich maritime history make Galle Fort such a prominent landmark in the landscape of cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.  It is also easily accessible from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, at a distance of around 153 km.  Various bus routes between Colombo and Galle, and the train connectivity ensure a smooth journey.  Here are more details about how to get from Colombo to Galle.  How To Get From Colombo To Galle? Know The Transport Options The best way to get from Colombo to Galle is to enjoy a scenic train ride. However, if you miss the train, you can also opt for a local bus ride.  Also, if the budget is not a constraint, you can book a ride from a ride-hailing app or book a cab to travel the distance by road.  Here, I will decode the train, bus, and private transfer journeys along with details such as the travel duration, ticket pricing, and amenities.  Moreover, the journeys in buses and local trains offer distinct cultural experiences, as I have mentioned in my Kandy to Ella train journey blog.  1. How To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  To get from Colombo to Galle, you can plan a coastal train ride.  Here, the railway track runs along the palm-fringed coasts for most of the journey.  Moreover, the ocean waters here will crash just meters away from your open window.  So, overall, it is, in no way, a mundane commute experience. You are going to have an experience of a lifetime.  You can have a look at the table below to know about the train timings. (Source: Sri Lanka Railways).  Departure From Colombo FortAvailableArrival In Galle 6:17 AM Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:32 AM6:50 AMEveryday9:29 AM8:35 AMEveryday10:49 AM10:30 AMEveryday12:49 PM2:40 PMEveryday4:57 PM3:50 PMEveryday5:57 PM4:47 PMEveryday7:04 PM5:32 PMMonday to Friday (Except Holidays)8:25 PM5:31 PMSaturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 8:05 PM5:51 PMEveryday9:29 PM6:16 PMExcept Saturdays and Sundays8:40 PM7:30 PMEveryday11:10 PM The trains have second-class and third-class sections.  The ticket price for the second-class commute is LKR 500, and for the third-class commute it is LKR 240.  How To Book The Tickets To Get From Colombo To Galle By Train?  You can book the ticket from Colombo to Galle online (reserved) or offline (unreserved).  If you are traveling between December and April, it is the peak season for a trip to Sri Lanka. So, you must book the tickets at least 32 days in advance from the Sri Lanka Railways online seat reservation portal.  However, in the off-season, you will get the tickets a few days before.  In addition, you can book a train ticket from the local counter at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.   2. The Colombo To Galle Express Bus: Speed And Comfort If you want a more comfortable journey to get from Colombo to Galle without spending much money, you can try the bus routes.  Express Highway Bus (EX01) Duration: 2 hours to 2.5 hours Route The bus travels through the Southern Expressway (E01).  Moreover, if you choose this route, you will be able to bypass every coastal traffic, and you will reach faster than the coastal route buses. Traveling Experience The buses are usually fast and relatively smooth.  Additionally, the buses are very comfortable, usually air-conditioned, and have comfortable cushioned seats.  Moreover, the journey through this route is through the highway, which means that you will not be able to see any ocean views. Where To Catch The Bus From These buses depart from the Makumbura Multimodal Center or the Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.  Additionally, these buses are frequent you will be able to catch a bus every 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Coastal Route Bus (Route 02) Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours Route Buses of this route pass through the coastline, giving you an amazing coastal view.  These buses pass through some magnificent towns like Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, and Hikkaduwa, which enhance the beauty of the journey. Traveling These buses will provide you with an authentic and local Sri Lankan ride.  Sometimes the ride can also be chaotic but enjoyable. Moreover, if you choose these buses, be prepared for a bold and rapid ride.  These bus rides are often characterized by a stop-and-go rhythm because of their sudden bursts of speed.  Furthermore, these bus rides are enjoyable with loud, crowded, and vibrant locals hopping on and off, and street vendors selling snacks.  Finally, the most amazing part of this bus ride is the spectacular views of coconut palms and the Indian Ocean. You can also jump off and go around the beach towns along the way. Where To Catch The Bus From  You can catch these buses from the Central Bus Stand near the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Some Tips For Your Ride Here are some other details you need to know if you want to get from Colombo to Galle.  Ticket Prices These buses are very affordable. The ticket prices depend on whether you take a local non-AC bus or an AC highway bus. The ticket prices usually range between LKR 300 and LKR 1000. Luggage You usually won't find a cargo hold on coastal buses. In such situations, you will need to keep your backpack on your lap or squeeze it into overhead racks. Music And Noise If you have never been on a Sri Lankan bus, this is going to be a light-and-sound journey for you.  Public buses in Sri Lanka are known for their lively atmosphere, featuring Sri Lankan pop music and colorful interiors, which you can enjoy throughout the journey. Private Transfers And Taxis: Seamless Door-To-Door Service Suppose you are traveling with family or small children.  Or, if you are part of a group where everyone is carrying heavy luggage, you can choose a private transfer.  Also, a private transfer can be of two types.  Taking A Private Taxi  A private taxi will pick you up from the Bandaranaike International Airport or your hotel in Colombo and drop you off outside your accommodation inside the Galle Fort ramparts.  You will enjoy the ride through the Southern Expressway.  A private taxi ride on this route will take between 1.5 and 2 hours.  However, the charges will be really high as a standard sedan will cost between LKR 15000 and 20000.  Using Ride-Hailing Apps If you are traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time, you can avoid negotiating with unpredictable street drivers.  You can book a cab using local ride-hailing apps such as PickMe. It is the premier local Sri Lankan ride-hailing platform. Furthermore, you can also use Uber to operate reliably and extensively throughout the Colombo metropolitan area.  The price range for these cabs from Colombo Fort to Galle is between LKR 8000 and 12000.