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BY  Sibashree Sep 14, 2026

When I reached Kataragama Temple, it was completely silent.  It was a little before dusk, and the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya was still catching the last orange light. For a few minutes, the precinct looked like it was holding its breath.  Then the Kavadi bells started ringing, and the drums started rolling.  In an instant, I understood why people describe this place less as a temple complex and more as a living current that pulls Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Vedda communities. The sandy courtyard has people who pray, taking different names of the God.  The temple is fresh off the back of the 2026 Esala Perahera. This festival, worshipping the Hindu God Skanda (Murugan), drew its usual crowd of pilgrims before wrapping up its final grand procession in late July. So, Kataragama is once again settling back into its quieter, year-round rhythm. However, if you ask me, this quieter time is actually ideal for understanding what makes this place so unusual. Kataragama Temple At A Glance DetailInformationDetailInformationAlso known asKathirkamamRuhunu Maha Kataragama DevalayaPresiding DeitySkanda/Murugan for the HindusKataragama Deviyo for the BuddhistsLocationKataragama, Moneragala District, Uva ProvinceDistance from Colombo228 km (via Tissamaharama)Nearest major townTissamaharama (18 Km)Nearest national parkYala National Park (adjoins Kataragama)Sacred riverMenik Ganga (bathing ghats)Religions representedHindu, Buddhist, Muslim, VeddaMain festivalEsala Perahera/ Kataragama Esala FestivalFestival timing 2027Around 18th JulyAnnual festival pilgrimsOver 500,000 (peak Esala season)Entry fee (temple)Free (donations accepted)Complex includesMaha DevalayaKiri Vehera DagobaValli Amman Kovil Mosque of Al-KhidrTypical visit durationHalf-day for the complexFull day with Kiri Vehera and river Festival dates follow the lunar Esala calendar and shift by a few days each year. So, always confirm current dates through Sri Lanka Tourism or the Kataragama Devalaya administration before booking travel. My First Impressions Of The Sacred City Everyone says that Kataragama is multi-religious. However, you can only understand its pluralistic nature after a physical visit.  I walked from the parking area toward the Devalaya for ten minutes.  There was a Buddhist family circling the dome of Kiri Vehera in silent reverence.  There was also a group of Hindu devotees carrying kavadi frames decorated with peacock feathers.  Again, there was a small cluster of Muslim visitors heading toward the Mosque of Al-Khidr.  The best thing is that there is no air about something really special happening here by bringing different religions together.  Everyone worships in a way that feels like this is how it is meant to be.  The monks, religious teachers, and spiritual leaders of the world only work toward achieving this inclusivity without imposing anything.  Crossing The Menik Ganga I stopped at the Menik Ganga (Gem River) before entering the temple grounds.  I got into the ankle-deep water and washed my hands and face. The cool water was rejuvenating, and it was like entering the temple with clean energy.  Some vendors were selling flowers on the riverbank. I bought some flowers, betel leaves, and fruits for offering.  If you also have plans of making an offering to the temple, carry around LKR 100-200 in cash.  The Walk To The Maha Devalaya  The walk to the Maha Devalaya passes through wide sandy paths. I came across many smaller shrines on the way.  It was a regular weekday evening, and still there was a crowd of hundreds.  This means the Devalaya is not a monument that becomes quiet beyond festivals. It is a functioning place of daily worship.  The Legend Behind The God Of Kataragama There are a lot of stories and beliefs around Skanda, the God of Kataragama.  Skanda, or Murugan, is the “Dev Senapati” or the warrior leader of the Gods in the Hindu religion.  He is also called Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.  However, the Sinhala Buddhists worship him as Kataragama Deviyo. Kataragama Deviyo is a guardian deity who protects the island. They worship him for spiritual merit and worldly well-being.  Again, Al-Khidr is a Quranic figure. He is also referred to as the Surah al-Kahf or the rightful servant of God.  Furthermore, he was someone with great mystic knowledge.  Nevertheless, the most common story about Skanda is that he arrived here after a falling-out with his consort, Devasena.  He settled on Wedahitikanda, a hill near Kataragama.  There he fell in love with Valli, a young woman raised by the indigenous Vedda community. This love resulted in the union of a celestial figure with an earthly, forest-dwelling people. Many locals point to it as the symbolic root of Kataragama's cross-community character even today. Inside The Sacred Precinct: What You Will Actually See The complex is larger and more layered than photos suggest.  It is not a single temple. It is a cluster of many shrines, each with its own rhythm, crowd, and etiquette. Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya This is the central shrine, and Lord Skanda is the presiding deity here. It has an ornate golden gateway, and it is a favorite photo spot in the temple.  Irrespective of your religious faith, you can enter the temple courtyard. However, the puja and other rituals in the inner sanctum are performed only by the priests or Kapuralas.  Evening pujas draw the thickest crowds. So, if you want space to actually look around rather than shuffle with the flow of people, an early morning visit works better. Kiri Vehera Kiri Vehera is a white dagoba, a short walk away from the main Devalaya.  It is connected to King Mahasena, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas built around the 6th century BCE. I circled it barefoot in the late afternoon. The dome looked beautiful after catching the light.  It was honestly one of the calmer moments of my visit and a useful contrast after the noise and colour of the Devalaya. Valli Amman Kovil And The Mosque The shrine dedicated to Valli, Skanda's consort, sits a little apart from the main Devalaya. During the Esala festival, the elephant procession famously travels between the two, symbolically re-enacting their union.  Nearby, the small mosque of Al-Khidr marks the site's connection to Islamic tradition. The Kataragama Esala Festival: Fire, Faith, And The Long Walk From Jaffna Esala Perahera is the main festival of the Kataragama Temple.  I did not time my own trip around that festival. However, I spoke to local shopkeepers, guesthouse owners, and priests about this event of their year. What Happens During the Festival The festival is held annually around the Esala full moon (July–August). It runs for roughly fourteen nights and draws upward of half a million pilgrims, according to festival guides tracking the event's scale.  Nightly perahera processions feature elephants and traditional dancers. Also, the drummers walk through the town after dark. The festivities then build toward two of the most intense rituals in Sri Lankan religious life. One is fire-walking across a bed of white-hot embers, and the other is the closing Water Cutting ceremony on the Menik Ganga at the festival's end. The Pada Yatra: A Two-Month Walk To Get There What struck me most was the journey some pilgrims take to reach it.  The Pada Yatra is a traditional foot pilgrimage that begins in the Jaffna Peninsula in the north. Some also start walking from Nagadipa, Vallipuram, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. This is roughly a two-month walk to reach Kataragama, and they cover a distance of around 400 kilometers in the process.  They walk along the east coast and through wildlife reserves like Kumana and parts of Yala.  Also, they sleep outdoors, are fed by villagers along the route, and stop at dozens of shrines on the way. While talking to a local, he told me that these devotees visit around 70 temples en route.  I found it very similar to the Kanwar Yatra in the month of Shravan, or July-August, to many Shiva temples in India.  The tradition nearly disappeared during the civil conflict years but has been steadily reviving since the war ended. Festival Snapshot EventTypical TimingWhat to ExpectBest ForFlag Hoisting (Kodi Etruthal)Mid-JulyCeremonial start of the festival periodWitnessing the opening ritesNightly PeraheraThroughout the 14-night festivalElephants, dancers, drummers, processions with torch-bearersEvening spectacle, photographyFire-WalkingFinal days of the festivalDevotees walk a 20-foot ember pit.Serious devotees and observers, not participantsWater CuttingEsala Poya (full moon) nightClosing ritual on the Menik GangaMarking the festival's symbolic end Getting There Kataragama is around 228 km southeast of Colombo. You can travel to Kataragama via Tissamaharama.  Again, a visit to Kataragama and Yala Safari is the most natural combination you can think of.  Private car hire from Colombo takes around 4.5–5 hours. However, if you are traveling on a budget, you can take a bus to Tissamaharama or Wellawaya with a connecting local bus or tuk-tuk into Kataragama town. The bus ride from Colombo to Tissamaharama takes around 4.5 hours, and the ticket price is around LKR 750.  Furthermore, from Tissamaharama, a tuk-tuk ride to Kataragama will cost around LKR1800-1900.  When To Visit The Kataragama Temple?  If you want to experience the festival atmosphere, you can plan a visit around the Esala Perahera festival in July-August.  However, there will be a huge crowd and extreme heat. Also, the festivities and noise reach well into the night.  Again, you need to make bookings well in advance because the accommodations get filled during the festival.  For a quieter, contemplative visit, choose any other month. The November to April dry season offers the most comfortable weather for walking around the open, sun-exposed courtyard. A Simple One-Day Plan Around Kataragama TimeActivityNotesDuration7:00 AMArrive and take a ritual bath at Menik Ganga.Cooler hours, fewer crowds30 to 45 Minutes8:00 AMVisit Maha Devalaya courtyardMorning pujas draw smaller crowds than evening.45 Minutes9:00 AMWalk to Kiri VeheraCircumambulate the dagoba barefoot.30 to 45 Minutes10:00 AMValli Amman Kovil and nearby mosqueQuieter, less touristy corners30 Minutes11:00 AMLocal breakfast in townTry a simple rice-and-curry stall near the bazaar.1 Hour6:00 PMReturn for evening puja at the Devalaya.The most atmospheric time of day1 Hour to 1.5 Hours Continuing The Journey Through Southern Sri Lanka You can easily combine Kataragama with many other stops in the deep south and east.  Yala and Bundala National Parks are natural additions for a wildlife experience. However, Yala is getting more crowded every day.  On the other hand, Tissamaharama and the southern beach towns work well as a base for a multi-day loop.  Moreover, if you are building out a longer southern Sri Lanka itinerary, you can include the Wilpattu National Park, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Unawatuna in your list.  Thus, a Kataragama stop fits into a wider route.

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

The train departed the moist jungle and slowly had a rhythmic ascent to the central highlands. The visual completely changed, and there was a complete change in the air.  It went from high humidity tropical to cold, fresh pine scent breezes.  The jungle changed as well, from lush jungle trees to neat rows of green tea bushes. And, finally, I arrived at  Nuwara Eliya, a small city at an altitude of 1,889 meters. It is also called "Little England,” a term left over from the time of the British. It is a surreal combination of red-brick Victorian post offices and Tudor-style homes. Furthermore, it has a setting for the extremes of dramatic waterfalls and successive mountain peaks.  This misty highland getaway should not be left out of your Sri Lanka travels, whether you are into the history of buildings, enjoy areas with natural beauty, or have an appreciation for tea. Overall, there are diverse things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Also, if you are visiting from India, you can opt for the IRCTC package in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines, to visit Nuwara Eliya with Negombo, Kandy, and Colombo.  You can even explore the things to do in Trincomalee on this trip.  Moreover, you can combine your Nuwara Eliya trip with a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower.  What Are The Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya? A Town Of Two Worlds Nuwara Eliya reminds you of the rich history and diversity of Sri Lanka.  You can relax with a round of golf on one of the golf courses in Asia.  Furthermore, as the Sun sets, you can stand on the top of a cliff and enjoy the views of the mountains.  The lifestyle and culture here are so different from the lower elevation regions.  1. Exploring The Architectural Heritage: Looking Back At Time  Nuwara Eliya's connection to Britain is more than mere embellishment, but rather its essence.  The downtown area of Nuwara Eliya resembles a small village in the Cotswolds, but with tropical vegetation growing nearby. The Nuwara Eliya Post Office The Nuwara Eliya post office is one of the most photographed buildings in Sri Lanka.  Built in 1894, this pink-brick Victorian structure is still in use today and is located at the centre of Nuwara Eliya city.  The post office is traditionally a popular choice for tourists to purchase a postcard (with a scenic image of the misty hills) and send it back home with the Nuwara Eliya postmark on it. The Grand Hotel And Hill Club To get a real feel for how the elite lived during the time when colonialism was at its height, you will want to check out The Grand Hotel.  The Grand Hotel was formerly owned by Sir Edward Barnes, who was the Governor of Ceylon.  The Grand Hotel is noted for its High Tea service.  High Tea is served on the beautifully manicured lawn or in the lavish tea lounge and consists of 2-tiered stands of cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and, of course, the best Ceylon tea.  Located next door to The Grand Hotel is The Hill Club, which has a strict jacket-and-tie dress code and is an example of traditional old-world decorum. 2. Enjoying The Tea Experience: From Buds To Cup Aspects like climate and altitude make Nuwara Eliya an ideal place to grow tea and give its tea a unique and delicate floral flavor.  This high-grown tea is referred to as the "Champagne of Ceylon Tea" due to its light golden appearance. Pedro Tea Estate Located a little bit from the city center, this estate has one of the most manual factory tour processes. It is so delicate that the processing has to happen at night, and that is when the air is cooler.  During the tour, you get to see 19th-century machinery that is still used to wither, roll, and dry the leaves.  When you are done with your tour, you get to sit at the outdoor deck of the Lovers Leap Ethical Tea Boutique, sip a fresh brew, and watch the fields from which the leaves were plucked. Damro Labookellie Tea Centre  It is the largest tea Centre in the country and is also one of the oldest.  The journey to the estate is an experience in itself. It features a multitude of hills and tea.  3. Natural Wonders: Parks And Waterfalls  Nuwara Eliya has abundant water and lush greenery.  The combination of high elevation and significant rainfall results in an environment that stands out distinctly from the rest of the island.   Victoria Park   This park, named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, is arguably the most well-preserved park in South Asia.  It serves as a haven for bird enthusiasts seeking to spot rare species such as the Indian Blue Robin and the Pied Thrush.  During the spring months (March to May), the park bursts forth with vibrant colors as roses and dahlias reach their peak bloom.   Gregory Lake   Initially constructed to produce electricity for the town, Gregory Lake has transformed into the city's main recreational area.  Visitors can rent swan-shaped pedal boats, go jet skiing, or enjoy a pony ride along the shoreline.  The pathway along the lake has small chalets offering street food, making it an ideal location for a late-afternoon walk as the mist gently settles over the water. Lovers Leap Waterfall Accessible via a short hike through the tea estates, Lovers Leap is a 30-meter waterfall with a tragic legend.  Folklore tells of a royal prince and his lover who leapt from the top to remain together forever.  Today, it provides a serene escape and a panoramic view of the town below. 4. Enjoy The High-Altitude Adventure: Horton Plains   No visit to Nuwara Eliya is truly complete without spending a day at Horton Plains National Park.  This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tranquil, windswept plateau situated roughly an hour's drive from the city.   World’s End  The highlight of the 9-kilometer circuit hike within the park is World’s End, where the plateau suddenly drops off, plunging nearly 880 meters straight down.  On a clear day, the breathtaking view stretches all the way to the southern coastline.  Pro Tip: It's essential to reach the park entrance by 6:00 AM. By 9:30 AM, a thick "curtain of mist" typically descends and obscures the scenery.   Baker’s Falls   During the same hiking loop, you'll come across Baker’s Falls, named after the renowned explorer Sir Samuel Baker.  This waterfall has unique ferns and rhododendrons around, providing a refreshing, misty break amid your trek. 5. Local Flavors And Markets   Although the hotels serve sophisticated British cuisine, the heart of Nuwara Eliya’s food culture lies within its markets.   The Bale Bazaar   Locally referred to as the "Winter Market," this spot is ideal for finding quality cold-weather clothing, such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves, at affordable prices.  Given the significantly cooler climate compared to the rest of Sri Lanka, the market is essential for both locals and tourists who may not be prepared for the chill. Adma Agro Strawberry Farm   Nuwara Eliya stands out as the only region in Sri Lanka that successfully cultivates strawberries.  At Adma Agro, visitors can indulge in fresh strawberries with cream, strawberry pancakes, or thick milkshakes while enjoying a view of the greenhouse rows.  This experience is a defining treat of Nuwara Eliya. Is Ella Worth Visiting As A Side Trip From Nuwara Eliya? Given that this guide is titled around the question, it is worth actually answering it. Yes, but only if you have the extra day or two to spare, and only if you go in with the right expectations for what Ella adds versus what it repeats. How Far Is Ella, And How Do You Get There? Ella sits roughly 50 kilometres southeast of Nuwara Eliya as the crow flies, but the road and rail routes wind through hill country. So plan on 2.5 to 3 hours by car or tuk-tuk, or closer to 3 hours by train via Nanu Oya and Haputale.  The train is the better choice if you have the time, since the descent from Nuwara Eliya's cooler elevation into Ella's lower valley passes through some of the most photographed stretches of track in the country.  Seats on the observation carriages sell out days in advance in peak season. So book as early as you can if the scenery is the point of the trip. What Ella Offers That Nuwara Eliya Doesn't Nuwara Eliya is colonial architecture, formal gardens, and high tea. Ella is hiking trails, backpacker cafes, and views over the tea-covered valleys rather than through them.  The Nine Arch Bridge and a sunrise climb up Little Adam's Peak are both genuinely different experiences from anything on offer in Nuwara Eliya. Ella Rock adds a proper half-day hike if you want more of a workout than Horton Plains' relatively flat circuit.  Ella's climate is also noticeably warmer and less misty than Nuwara Eliya, which makes it a nice contrast if you have spent a few days bundled up in a fleece.  That said, if you have already done Horton Plains and World's End, Ella's landscape will feel like a variation on a theme rather than something entirely new. My Verdict I would add Ella if your Sri Lanka itinerary already has room for it, particularly if you are continuing on toward the south coast afterward. Ella sits on the way to Yala National Park and the southern beaches. So, I would not recommend detouring back toward Colombo just to fit it in.  Two nights is enough to cover the Nine Arch Bridge, one sunrise hike, and a slow morning at a cafe overlooking the valley before moving on. Remember These Practical Tips Before Trying The Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya  The ideal time to go is between February and April.  The city is especially vibrant in April as it celebrates the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year.  During this month, the city features horse races, flower exhibitions, and car races. Just be ready for larger crowds and increased prices during this peak season. Furthermore, Nuwara Eliya is the coldest place in Sri Lanka, and the nighttime temperatures can drop to 10°C. So, bring a jacket.  Also, most budget accommodations lack central heating, so having a warm fleece and sturdy walking shoes is crucial for navigating the hills. Moreover, the train trip from Kandy to Nanu Oya (the station for Nuwara Eliya) is one of the most beautiful in the world.  From Nanu Oya, it’s just a quick 15-minute tuk-tuk or bus ride to reach the city center.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

Aberdeen Falls makes you wait, and you have to work hard to get a view of this majestic waterfall.   Also, this waterfall in Sri Lanka's hill country was the one with the fewest other visitors when I got there.   There was no roadside pull-off here and no viewing platform right off the highway.   Just a walk through tea land above Ginigathena, the sound of water getting louder, and then a nearly 100-meter curtain dropping into a rock-walled pool!  Here is my experience at this majestic waterfall and everything else you need to know to visit it.   Quick Facts About Aberdeen Falls  Quick Facts Details  Height About 98 Meters  Width Around 8 Meters  River Kehelgamu Oya, a tributary of the Kelani River  Location Near Ginigathena, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province  Rank 18th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka  Access Short hike (roughly 1 km) from the road, and there is no formal entry fee.  Swimming Not recommended as the pool is deep, and currents can be dangerous.   Where Is Aberdeen Falls And How To Get There? Aberdeen Falls is on the Kehelgamu Oya, a major tributary of the Kelani River, near the town of Ginigathena in the Nuwara Eliya District.   It is named, a little incongruously, after Aberdeen in Scotland. So, it is a nod to the British planters who once ran the tea estate here.  From Ginigathena  The most common approach starts in Ginigathena town.   From there, follow Ambatale Road to a Buddha statue at the end of the road, where you will need to park.   From that point, it is a walk of a little over a kilometer. Some guides list it as 800 meters to 1.2 kilometers depending on the exact route along a footpath through the estate and down toward the falls.  From Colombo Or Kandy  A common route from Colombo runs via Avissawella and Karawanella to Ginigathena. It is roughly 3 to 3.5 hours by car.   From Kandy, it is a similar distance heading the opposite direction, passing through Kadugannawa and Ginigathena's outskirts.  On The Trail  The path down is uneven in places and can get slippery after rain.  So proper shoes matter more here than at the roadside falls further up the valley.   It is not a technical hike, but it's enough of a walk that you'll want at least an hour round trip, more if you stop for photos.  What Makes Aberdeen Falls Different Most of the well-known waterfalls in this part of the hill country, St. Clair's, Devon, are effectively drive-by attractions.  They are visible from a car window or a short stroll off the highway.   Aberdeen isn't.   You have to commit to the walk, and that alone keeps the crowds thinner than at the more famous falls nearby.  The reward is a narrow, forceful single drop into a pool framed by a large rock formation behind it, with dense forest closing in on both sides.   Local legend holds that a tunnel connects Aberdeen Falls to Laxapana Falls further down the valley.  There is no solid evidence for it. However, it is the kind of story that gets repeated at every viewpoint, and I'll admit it added a bit of atmosphere while I stood there.   Because Aberdeen and Laxapana both sit on rivers that feed hydroelectric schemes, water levels can vary noticeably depending on how much is being diverted upstream.  So the falls look a little different every time.  The Amphitheater Of Stone And Mist  What truly sets Aberdeen Falls apart once you clear the jungle trail is the sheer scale of its geological footprint.   The water does not simply spill over a cliff.  It thunders into a colossal, horseshoe-shaped rock amphitheater.   This towering crescent of dark, wet stone acts like a natural sounding board, trapping the roar of the Kehelgamu Oya and magnifying it until the air itself seems to vibrate.  Because of the unique inward curve of the rock walls, a perpetual cloud of heavy mist hangs suspended over the plunge pool.   This constant humidity has created a microclimate where vibrant green mosses, slick liverworts, and primitive ferns cling to every vertical fissure, contrasting sharply with the black obsidian-colored rock face.  Standing at the edge of the basin, the view is framed by a dense canopy of endemic trees that lean over the water, blocking out the harsh midday sun.   The result is a moody, isolated sanctuary that feels entirely cut off from the outside world.   It is a visual drama you completely miss from a roadside viewpoint. So, it is a hidden world for those willing to track it down.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Aberdeen Falls?  Seasons Months  What to Expect  Wet season May to September Strongest flow, but the trail is muddier, and swimming is more dangerous  Dry season December to March Easier trail conditions, gentler flow, clearer photos  Early morning Any season Cooler hiking temperatures and better light through the forest canopy   Places To Visit Near Aberdeen Falls: Laxapana Falls And Kitulgala If you are already making the trip out to Ginigathena, it is worth extending the day.   Laxapana Falls, tied to Aberdeen in local folklore, is a further drive down the valley.  Also, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka's main whitewater rafting hub, is roughly 30 to 40 minutes away.  Thus, this stretch is a natural base for a nature-and-adventure day rather than a single quick stop.  A One-Day Itinerary Around Aberdeen Falls  Time Stop Notes 8:00 AM Depart Ginigathena or Kitulgala Start early to avoid the midday heat on the walk.  9:00 AM Hike to Aberdeen Falls About 1 km each way from the Ambatale Road parking point.  10:30 AM Return to the road Allow extra time for photos and the uphill return walk.  11:30 AM Drive to Kitulgala Roughly 30–40 minutes away.  12:30 PM Lunch by the Kelani River Several riverside spots near the rafting operators.  2:00 PM Optional: whitewater rafting or a river walk Kitulgala's main draw if you have the afternoon free.   Practical Tips For A Visit To Aberdeen Falls  Wear proper hiking shoes as the trail has dirt and stone. Also, it can be slick after rain.  Do not swim in the pool at the base because it is deep. There have been cases of drownings here.  There is no ticket booth or formal infrastructure. So bring water and snacks with you.  Moreover, hire a local guide or tuk-tuk driver in Ginigathena if you are unsure of the trailhead. You may not find a signpost everywhere.   Climbing back up from Aberdeen Falls, sweating a little more than I expected to, I remember thinking it was worth every step.   It does not have the roadside fame of St. Clair's or Devon. That is exactly the point, as this is the waterfall you visit when you want to feel like you found it yourself.