Is The Kandy To Ella Train Still Closed? Why I Loved The Journey During My Last Visit 

BY  Sibashree Sep 8, 2026

I was quite content at Arugam Bay for a week of surfing, and I had Kumana penciled in as one of my big wildlife detours.  I had heard about Lahugala, but most guides or locals I met mentioned it in passing.  It was more like, “Oh, that little park on the way to Pottuvil, you'll drive past it anyway.” However, an elderly guesthouse owner told me not to skip it. I listened to him. Otherwise, I would have missed the most understated, elephant-dense pockets of wilderness.  It was not like anything I had visited in Sri Lanka. Also, the best part was that I had it almost entirely to myself.  The park neither can nor tries to compete with Yala National Park or Wilpattu in scale or star power.  It is 5.4 square kilometres of flat, tank-fed scrubland in the Eastern Province, and that smallness is precisely the point. Everything in Lahugala revolves around water, grass, and elephants, and on the afternoon I visited, all three came together in a way I still think about. A Quick Introduction To Lahugala National Park Lahugala Kitulana National Park is in the eastern province of Sri Lanka, and it is roughly 16 Km inland from Arugam Bay.  It is also just off the Pottuvil–Monaragala road, which actually cuts through the park's southeastern edge. This park began its journey as a wildlife sanctuary in July 1966. Then, on 31st October 1980, it had an upgrade as a national park.  Furthermore, the ecology of the park revolves around the three ancient tanks, Lahugala, Kitulana, and Senagamuwa. These tanks eventually drain into the Heda Oya River. Nevertheless, have a look at the quick snapshot below before you plan a visit to Lahugala National Park.  DetailInformationLocationEastern Province, near Pottuvil and Arugam BayAreaApproximately 15.4 sq kmEstablishedSanctuary in 1966National park status on 31 Oct 1980Key featureThree Interconnected TanksLahugalaKitulanaSenagamuwaFamous forElephant gatherings around Lahugala tank, especially in the dry seasonNearest townPottuvil (approx. 16 km)Arugam Bay (approx. 16–18 km)Best seasonYear-roundElephant sightings are strongest July–September How To Reach Lahugala?  You do not need to plan a standalone trip for Lahugala National Park.  Like most travelers, I reached Lahugala from Arugam Bay. The tuk-tuk price was LKR 3000, and it took around 45 minutes.  Furthermore, the distance between Colombo and Lahugala is around 378 kilometers. So, if you are traveling from Colombo, choose Ella or Monaragala as your overnight stop.  Attempting the national park from Colombo will be an overly ambitious plan.  FromApprox. DistanceApproximate Drive TimeArugam Bay16–18 kmAround 30- 45 MinutesPottuvil16 km20–25 minutesMonaragala45 km1 hourColombo378 km6–7 hours The A4 Highway from Pottuvil to Monaragala runs directly alongside and briefly through the park. So, you do not even need a dedicated safari transfer to see part of Lahugala.  So, you can see a major section of the tank and grassland from the main road.  However, if you want to explore the interior tracks or the tank edges, you will need a park-registered tracker and jeep.  My Safari Experience At Lahugala National Park It was around 3:30 PM when I reached Lahugala. From the locals, I already knew that it was the ideal window for the classic dawn safari here.  The heat is at its peak in the afternoon, and that is what pushes elephants toward the tanks.  So, in the late afternoon, you will find them near the tanks.  The Elephants Of Lahugala Tank The Lahugala Tank supports a thick growth of Sacciolepis interrupta, a wetland grass elephants seem to genuinely love.  I saw herds gathering along the tank margins to graze on it.  The herds I came across had a decent strength of 20 to 30 elephants. However, the guide told me that during the peak season, there can be around 100 elephants in a herd.  Also, one thing I want to share here. The largest herd I spotted in the park was nowhere near the known gathering spots.  I saw them across the far bank and in the shallows.  Overall, barring the famous gathering of Minneriya, this was the largest elephant encounter I had in Sri Lanka.  I loved the elephant watching experience here because of how unhurried it felt.  No other jeeps were jostling for position, and there was no radio chatter about a sighting three tracks over.  My tracker cut the engine near the tank edge, and we simply sat and watched calves wade in, and adults strip grass with their trunks for close to forty minutes. Birdlife Along The Tanks The three tanks of Lahugala made it an exciting spot for bird watching. The park especially stands out with its population of waterbirds.  I picked out painted storks, several egret species, cormorants, and a pair of white-bellied sea eagles working the thermals above the water. Because the park is so rarely crowded, birds tend to stay closer and longer than they would somewhere busier. Sloth Bears And Other Wildlife In the park, I saw spotted or axis deer, sloth bears, along with mugger crocodiles and freshwater turtles.  However, to be honest, sloth bears are elusive, and you can spot them by luck.  They are shy. So, even if you cannot see them, know that they are present in the park.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Lahugala National Park? Lahugala National Park is a year-round destination.  However, if you are in the park especially for elephant gatherings, dry months are the best time to spot them.  During the dry months of July to September, elephant sightings become frequent, with the water levels dropping elsewhere and the gigantic creatures gathering around the tanks.  Also, you must avoid the northeast monsoon period from October to January. The tanks are full in these months, and the elephants disperse into the surrounding forest, making sightings far less predictable. Entrance Fees And Permits CategoryApproximate Cost (2026)Foreign Adult (12+)USD 12Foreign Child (6–12 Years)USD 6Foreign Children under 6 Years FreeSAARC NationalsUSD 10 for AdultsUSD 5 for Children between 6 and 12 YearsFree for Children below 6 YearsLocals Adults: LKR 60Children from 6 to 12 Years: LKR 30Children below 6 Years: FreeStudents: LKR 20Vehicle Entry TicketLKR 300Foreign Group Fee Per VehicleUSD 10 A Half-Day Lahugala Itinerary Because Lahugala is small, it is easy to pair with either Arugam Bay's beaches or a longer Kumana National Park excursion. Here is roughly how I had structured the afternoon based on my own visit. TimeActivity2:30 PMDepart Arugam Bay 3:00 PMArrive at Lahugala entrance, collect tracker3:30–4:45 PMSafari loop around Lahugala tank, elephant and bird watching4:45–5 PMStop at the old Magul Maha Vihara ruins near the park boundary5:15 PMReturn to Arugam Bay in time for sunset Tips From My Visit A few practical notes I will pass on. Go in the late afternoon rather than dawn, since Lahugala's elephant activity peaks as the heat pushes them toward water. Bring binoculars, as the tank is wide and animals often graze on the far bank. Do not expect the density of jeeps you will find in Yala National Park. This is one of the few parks in Sri Lanka where a wildlife sighting still feels unhurried and private. Nearby Places To Explore Lahugala sits at the crossroads of Sri Lanka's east coast and its deep south, which makes it easy to fold into a longer itinerary.  If you are basing yourself in Arugam Bay, it pairs naturally with a Kumana National Park safari for a more thorough wildlife day.  Travellers heading further south along the coast often continue on toward Pasikudah or Nilaveli for beach time. Again, those coming from the cultural triangle sometimes route through Mullaitivu or Vavuniya on the way east.

BY  Sibashree Aug 29, 2026

I almost missed St. Clair’s Falls during my first interaction with it.  I was content and still in the vibe of the winding drive through the tea country, and I was half-asleep while on the Hatton–Talawakele Road.   Fortunately, my driver slowed down and pointed left.   Suddenly, a wide curtain of white water spilling out of the hills between two tea estates was in front of my eyes.   It was so close to the road that I did not even have to get out of the car for the first look.   Of course, I got out of the car a few minutes later and got close to the widest waterfall in the country.   St. Clair’s Falls: Quick Facts   Detail Information Height About 80 Meters (260 ft) for the Main Fall (Maha Ella)  The Lower Fall (Kuda Ella) is About 50 Meters.  Width  3 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province River Kotmale Oya, a Tributary of the Mahaweli River Entry Fee Free, Viewable from Roadside Opening Hours Open 24 Hours Daylight Hours are Best for Visibility. Nickname The "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka" Location 3 KM West of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province  What Makes St. Clair's Falls Worth The Stop St. Clair's is actually two falls in one.   The upper, larger cascade is called Maha Ella ("the Greater Fall") in Sinhala.  Just below it, feeding almost directly into the same pool, is Kuda Ella ("the Lesser Fall").   The water spreads out over three rocky outcrops before dropping, which is what gives it that broad, curtain-like shape rather than a single narrow jet.  Also, this is why it earned the Little Niagara nickname, even if the comparison is more about drama than actual scale.  What struck me most was not the height, but it was the setting.   Tea bushes run right up to the edge of the gorge on both sides.  Depending on the time of day, the whole valley can be wrapped in a thin layer of mist that makes the falls look like they are pouring out of the clouds.   There is a small lookout point just off the road, and if you're willing to walk a little further along a trail through the St. Clair estate.  You can get closer for a better angle, though the main pool below is difficult to reach and swimming is not advisable.  Nearby Attraction: Devon Falls And The Rest Of Talawakele St. Clair's isn't a solo attraction.  Devon Falls is only a few kilometres east along the same road, and the two are almost always visited together.   There are also several tea factories in the area, including estates that offer factory tours and tastings, which pair naturally with a waterfall stop since you are already surrounded by the source of Ceylon tea.  A One-Day Itinerary: St. Clair's, Devon, And Talawakele If you only have a single day to explore this stretch of the hill country, here's how I'd structure it, starting from Nuwara Eliya.  Time Stops Notes 8:00 AM Depart Nuwara Eliya Head out early to beat both traffic and the midday mist.  9:00 AM St. Clair's Falls Roadside viewpoint plus a short walk to a closer vantage point.  10:15 AM Tea factory visit Several estates near Talawakele offer short tours and tastings.  11:30 AM Devon Falls A few kilometres east, view from the roadside platform  12:30 PM Lunch in Talawakele Small local eateries serve rice and curry along the main road  2:00 PM Return to Nuwara Eliya Or continue on toward Hatton if heading to Adam's Peak   Where St. Clair's Falls Is And How To Get There St. Clair's Falls sits in the Nuwara Eliya District, about 3 kilometres west of the town of Talawakele, right along the Hatton–Talawakele road (the A7).   It is formed by the Kotmale Oya, a tributary of the Mahaweli River, and takes its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate that the river runs through.  From Nuwara Eliya  If you are based in Nuwara Eliya, the falls are around 25–30 kilometres away, roughly 45 minutes to an hour by car or tuk-tuk along the A7 towards Hatton.   This is the easiest approach if you're already exploring the hill country.  From Kandy Or Colombo  Coming from Kandy, the route runs through Gampola and Nawalapitiya before joining the Hatton road.  It is a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.   From Colombo, it is closer to 4–4.5 hours via Avissawella and Hatton. So most visitors combine it with an overnight stop in Nuwara Eliya or Hatton rather than a day trip.  By Train  This is my favourite way in.   The upcountry railway line to Badulla passes close to the falls near Talawakele.  The ride itself, through tea bushes rolling past the window, mist drifting through the valleys. It is worth the trip on its own. From Talawakele station, a short tuk-tuk ride gets you to the viewpoint.  Best Time To Visit St. Clair's Falls Season Months What to Expect Wet season May – September Highest water volume, most dramatic flow, but heavier mist and rain  Dry season December – March Clearer skies and better visibility, though the flow is gentler  Shoulder months April, October–November Mixed conditions. So, it is worth checking recent weather before you go.   I went in early February and had a clear, sunny view of both tiers with almost no one else around. If your priority is photos rather than sheer water volume, the dry season is the better bet.  Practical Tips To Visit St. Clair's Falls  Wear closed shoes if you plan to walk any of the estate trails — the paths can be muddy, especially after rain.  There is no dedicated parking lot, so cars typically pull over along the roadside; be mindful of traffic on the A7.  A small museum near the viewpoint has some background on the falls and the tea estate if you want context before or after.  Bring a light jacket. The elevation here sits close to 1,200 m, so it's noticeably cooler than the coast even at midday.  Driving away from St. Clair's, I kept twisting around in my seat for one more look.  It is not the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and it is not hidden away at the end of a long trek. However, that accessibility is exactly what makes it worth building a hill-country day around.

BY  Sibashree Sep 16, 2024

Everest Base Camp trek sits on the southern side of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak at 5,364 meters. The area is accessible to climbers and trekkers, offering beautiful Himalayan views.  However, before you begin your Everest Base Camp trek, you should enjoy and relish the places, towns, and bazaars. They offer many holiday centers like billiards, and gambling areas to enjoy the time. Also, don't forget the delicious food and antique pieces that can enhance your trekking experience.  Things to See While Camping At Everest Base Camp Trek  Here are a few places and things to see while camping on the Everest Base Camp trek. Lukla  Lukla is one of the most famous destinations for travelers. It stands at 2860 meters in northeastern Nepal. Here, you can see the beautiful sight of the Himalayas. Moreover, it is the place where you start your trekking journey.  Over the years, the town has grown into a commercial hub where tourists can find great food and shops. The city also has a small airport with a 525-meter landing strip. Moreover, it boasts the shortest landing strip and is the airport at the highest peak in the world.  Syangboche And Everest View Hotel  Syangboche is one of the famous places to visit when you visit Everest Base Camp. Everest View Hotel is located in the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. It holds a Guinness World Record as the highest-placed hotel in the world. If you stay here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains from the hotel.  Peaks like Mt. Everest, Tawache, Ama Dablam, and Khumbu Himal are sights to behold. Takashi Miyahara and Yoshinobu Kumagaya envisioned the hotel's construction. Moreover, they had to transport loads of materials to the Himalayas with the help of local Sherpas. The task began in 1960 and began in 1971.  Tengboche Tengboche is a town located near the Imja Khola. It is a typical night halt after Namche. It offers breathtaking Himalayan views. Peaks here include Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Tawache, Nuptse, and Lhotse. Tenzing Norgay was also born in Tengboche. Every October, the Tengboche Monastery holds the Mani Rimdu festival. This Buddhist celebration includes religious gatherings, ritual singing, and dancing. During the celebration, famous people visit, especially the Rinpoche, who blesses pilgrims and travelers.  Namche Bazaar Namche Bazaar is one of Nepal's most vibrant places. From the town, you can see the Everest Region. It is also a vibrant market where you can buy Tibetan antiquities, especially trekking and climbing gear. From every point in the city, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.  Moreover, the town has preserved its historical culture and natural friendliness. It is a trading town known for its yak cheese and butter. You can also find pubs, motels, and hotels where travelers can relax and enjoy themselves. Thus, you can stop in the town for two days before you move on to the trek. Lastly, you can see many Sherpa settlements like Khunde, Khumjung, and Thane when you visit the town.    Dingboche Dingboche is another popular stop from which trekkers continue to Mount Everest Base Camp. You can stay for two nights in the town to see the beautiful Imja River and the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. Many lodges and tents are available, offering the best accommodation for tourists.  Also, a helicopter landing pad lies on the west bank of the Imja River, especially near Moonlight Lodge. Moreover, you can find a satellite cafe and enjoy playing billiards in one of the tallest billiards parlors. Lastly, you can see the kilometers of Mani Walls, which is a great way to create a tourist sight. Additionally, it comes in various sizes and is placed on top of the kilometers of walls.  Gorakshep Gorakshep is the last stop before you begin your trek. It is a village amidst the Sagarmatha National Park, a hub for Sherpa guides, tourism businesses, and porters. Beyond this point, there is no accommodation facility. So, you have to stay in tents amidst the cold weather and winds of the Himalayas. You will find various guesthouses to stay in before you go for a hike. It is the last resting point for trekkers to experience the great wilderness of the Himalayas. Thus, you can visit Gorakshep before you start your trekking to Mt. Everest. So, spend the night in the lodging house and enjoy the great wilderness of the Himalayas.      Begin Your Trek Journey With Delightful Experiences Everest Base Camp is where you can begin your trekking journey. However, if you go trekking, you have to wait and see the beautiful sights of the Himalayas. The serene nature, along with the great wilderness and bazaar, is full of Tibetan culture. Furthermore, you can gamble and play billiards in the parlor, as it is one of the best places for visitors to have fun.  You can also visit the place mentioned above, where you should bring a hard disk to capture millions of beautiful pictures. You can also enjoy delicious Nepali and Tibetan dishes that will fill your soul. So, pack your bags and start your trekking journey right now.  Also read Top Reasons To Do Everest Trekking – Himalaya View Treks. Explore Human History And Wildlife With Backcountry Camping In Gates Of The Arctic National Park. From Himalayan Peaks to Cultural Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek.