Why Is Kurunegala Famous? What Are The Best Tourist Places In Kurunegala? 

BY  Sibashree Mar 25, 2026

“Love Sri Lanka, Always.” This has been the new campaign of Sri Lanka. Also, this campaign, coming at the time of the ongoing Gulf War, looks quite bold.  It projects the island country as a place that needs constant discovery.  And Sri Lanka has reaped the benefits of launching a bold campaign. It has crossed the mark of 100,000 tourists within the “first 18 days of the March in 2026.” Furthermore, while the marketing campaign has brought Sri Lankan tourism global visibility, the diversity of attractions makes it a powerhouse.  For example, I have been so much in love with Sri Lanka that I have made multiple visits and sometimes to the same place, years apart.  With the changes and developments, the country has still maintained its warmth, lush greenery, and human resilience. The sheer grit of the country has helped it withstand natural disasters such as the Tsunami, Cyclone Ditwah, and endless civil wars.  However, with diverse offerings, it may be difficult to choose what to do in Sri Lanka. So, here are the places I loved the most.  What Are The Things To Do In Sri Lanka?  Keeping the spirit of the Indian Subcontinent alive, Sri Lanka beautifully portrays an inclusive picture.  For example, its southern and northern zones show a difference in language and culture. However, both are connected through the way of life, sunshine, and more.  Also, Sri Lanka has places such as the Ambuluwawa Tower, which is within a multireligious complex, showing how respectful the country is toward every religion.  1. Exploring The Tamil Culture And Temples In Jaffna Jaffna was the first place I visited in Sri Lanka as a backpacker. It is a hub of strong Tamil culture in Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, Jaffna has beautiful Hindu temples such as the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Naguleswaram Temple, the Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, etc.  Also, the beaches in Jaffna showcase the beauty of Northern Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the food in Jaffna is spicier than in any other part of Sri Lanka.  Overall, Jaffna is a world in itself where slow living and staying true to the roots are the best ways.  2. Hiking The Ritigala Forest Monastery Out of all my experiences in Sri Lanka, hiking the Ritigala Forest Monastery has been my silent favorite.  The history of the Ritigala Forest Monastery takes us to the 1st century BC. It has more than 70 caves and was once the abode of the monks of the “Pansukulika” sect.  Furthermore, located inside the Ritigala Forest Reserve, the remains of the ancient monastery are now surrounded by around 96 species of medicinal plants.  The presence of the medicinal plants further makes its association with the Ramayana stronger. 3. Visiting Uppuveli Beach, And Other Attractions In Trincomalee Trincomalee has the famous Uppuveli Beach. However, it would be wrong to assume that the things to do in Trincomalee are limited to beach activities.   You can visit the Thirukoneswaram Kovil Temple, Fort Frederick, Trincomalee Maritime and Naval History Museum, and the Trincomalee Market. 4. Visiting Mount Lavinia Beach Mount Lavinia Beach is very close to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This beach has a leisurely vibe with the local folks playing cricket and people taking a sun bath.  However, the main attraction here was the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. It is located by the beach, and it buys eggs from the locals to hatch them.  5. Climbing Up The Ambuluwawa Tower At the top of the Ambuluwawa Mountain, the Ambuluwawa Tower is an important cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.  Its location is in the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, in Gampola. Also, it is just 20 km away from Kandy.  You can climb up its spiral stairs to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.  6. Exploring The Cultural Capital, Kandy Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, has the beautiful Kandy Lake at the epicenter.  Furthermore, it is recovering from the aftermath of the Cyclone and Ditwah and remains crucial in the political and economic landscape of the country.  The most fascinating things to do in Kandy are visiting the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, bowing before the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and visiting the Temple Of The Tooth.  7. Climbing Up The Sigiriya Rock The Sigiriya Rock is famous for its mythological significance and history, and its association with Buddhism.  King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Rock his seat of power in 477-499 AD.  However, before that, it was a Buddhist monastery, which later shifted to the Pidurangala Rock.  Also, it has a long history of archaeological discovery, and in 1982, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  8. Climbing Up The Pidurangala Rock The Pidurangala Rock has a history that goes back two millennia. After King Kashyapa made the Sigiriya Rock his seat of power, the Pidurangala Rock became their refuge by the king’s order.  Furthermore, it has a 1500-year-old Buddha Statue, and it is a protected ancient cave.  Moreover, from the Pidurangala Rock, you will get the best views of the Sigiriya Rock.  9. A Train Ride On The Nine Arch Bridge A train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge is the most iconic experience you can have in Sri Lanka. Also known as the Ella Odyssey, it has been praised by the BBC and Lonely Planet.  Built in 1921, this bridge is a prominent example of colonial-era architecture, and it does not have any metal in its construction.  10. Hiking To The Diyaluma Waterfall Hiking to the Diyaluma Waterfall from Poongala is one of the most popular hiking expeditions in Sri Lanka.  Once you reach the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, you can relax and enjoy a swim in the infinity pools.  From the upper fall, you have to take a further trek of 30 minutes down to reach the Lower Diyaluma Waterfall.  Furthermore, the Diyaluma Waterfall is associated with the tragic love story of a King who fell in love with a lady from a lower caste.  Knowing about their love, the villagers chased them, and the lady fell into the waterfall and died.  11. Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo Since 1936, the Dehiwala Zoo in Sri Lanka has been a favorite spot for a thrilling wildlife experience.  Along with housing monkeys, elephants, fish, and birds, the zoo also has a dedicated section for reptiles.  Moreover, it has always been famous for the animal shows, and it has a Leopard Trail for a guided night safari.  12. Spending A Day In Hurulu Eco Park The Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn the art of slow traveling.  In the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, it is a great place for spotting elephants.  This dry evergreen forest is ideal for seeing elephants. It is the corridor between the Kaudulla National Park and the Minneriya National Park.  Take an afternoon safari to enjoy wildlife spotting and your time in nature.  13. Visiting Nuwara Eliya, The Coldest Place In Sri Lanka  Nuwara Eliya, the coldest place in Sri Lanka, is located at an altitude of 1,889 meters. Furthermore, it carries a nickname, “New England,” from the British Era.  Nuwara Eliya is a place of juxtapositions. There are Tudor-style homes, Victorian-style post offices, waterfalls, and jungles, showing the contrast in the landscape and cityscape.  Furthermore, it has natural attractions such as Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the Lovers Leap Waterfall.  Also, don’t forget to spend a day in Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  14. Experiencing A Scenic Train Ride And More In Ella Ella has changed in the last 10 years due to rapid development. Still, it has maintained its serene charm with its mountains, rail line, and lush greenery.  Furthermore, it is a place to share a seat with Sir Thomas Lipton and understand how tea runs as the lifeline of the nation.  Also, Ravana Falls is the place where Ravana hid Sita after abducting her.  Other iconic things to do in Ella are visiting the Nine-Arch Bridge, enjoying a Kandy to Ella train ride, and climbing the Ella Rock. Also, don't forget watching sunset from the top of Little Adam’s Peak, etc.  15. Exploring The Galle Fort  Galle is dreamy, and it looks like a movie frame in sepia tone.  However, the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at the epicenter of this once impenetrable trading post.  Walk to the Galle Fort and explore this living museum of art, architecture, and history.  Also, watching the sunset from the Galle Fort is a magical experience.  More things to do in Galle include exploring the beaches beyond the fortress wall.  Also, don’t forget to enjoy a drink in a bar in the cobblestone streets of Galle.  Overall, Galle is a place that unfolds with time. The fortress, the streets, and the colonial buildings make history palpable in every nook of Galle.  In a way, it summarizes the true spirit of Sri Lanka. Visiting the country is not about ticking the bucket-list destinations.  It’s about understanding the culture and soaking in the local vibe.  16. Visiting The Hiriketiya Beach  Hiriketiya Beach is the latest addition to the tourism attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a favorite destination for backpackers and digital nomads.  Furthermore, it is a popular surfing beach with zones dedicated to surfers of different expertise levels.  Here, you can walk to the Blue Island, enjoy great food and beer at Smoke and Bitters, and learn how to cook with Rosie.   How To Group These Attractions By Region For An Easier Trip  With 16 different experiences spread across the island, plotting an actual route through Sri Lanka can be more overwhelming than picking which attractions to visit.   Here is how I would group them if I were sequencing a first-time trip.  Northern And Eastern Sri Lanka: Jaffna And Trincomalee  Jaffna and Trincomalee sit on opposite coasts of the north.  Pairing them makes sense only if you have at least five or six days set aside, since the drive between them runs several hours along the A9 and A6.   If your trip is shorter, pick one.  Jaffna is for the Tamil temples, beaches, and spicier food, or Trincomalee for Uppuveli Beach and the naval history sites.   Both are a considerable detour from the rest of this list. So, I would treat this leg as a separate mini-trip rather than trying to loop it into a Kandy-to-Ella itinerary in the same week.  The Cultural Triangle And Central Highlands  This is where most of the list actually clusters.  Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock, and the Ambuluwawa Tower sit within a couple of hours of each other, and Kandy makes a natural hub between them and Nuwara Eliya.   From Kandy, the train to Nuwara Eliya (getting off at Nanu Oya) or onward to Ella is one of the most scenic rides in the country.  It conveniently strings together the Ambuluwawa Tower, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya's tea country, and the Nine Arch Bridge and Diyaluma Waterfall near Ella.   The Ritigala Forest Monastery and Hurulu Eco Park sit slightly further north, closer to Habarana and Anuradhapura.  So, they fit best as a stop on the way into or out of this loop rather than a separate detour.  The South Coast: Galle And Hiriketiya  Galle Fort, Hiriketiya Beach, Mount Lavinia, and the Dehiwala Zoo all sit along or near the southwestern coastal belt.  The coastal belt is a couple of hours from Colombo by car or the coastal train line.   This makes the south coast the easiest leg to slot in at either end of a Sri Lanka trip.  Mount Lavinia and the zoo as a half-day near the airport, then Galle and Hiriketiya as a longer coastal finish before flying out.   Because this stretch runs along a single road and rail line, it's also the most forgiving section to travel without a fixed itinerary. Onward transport is frequent, and buses and trains run late into the evening.  Falling In Love With Sri Lanka, One Region At A Time  Visiting Sri Lanka is not about ticking bucket-list destinations.  It is about understanding the culture and soaking in the local vibe. Whether that's the Tamil hospitality of Jaffna, the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, or the sepia-toned streets of Galle Fort!

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

After Kaudulla National Park and Dehiwala Zoo, the Hurulu Eco Park was another destination for me to explore Sri Lanka’s wildlife.  Places such as Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka and Kandy in Central Sri Lanka have been the cultural hubs of the country. These parks have shown how people have lived here since eternity in collaboration with nature and wildlife.  The Hurulu Eco Park is especially very close to Habarana. Habarana is the epicenter of cultural and historical landmarks such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock, Ritigala Forest Monastery, and Ritigala Forest Reserve.  The distance between Habarana and the Hurulu Eco Park, at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve, is just around 3 to 4 kilometers. However, despite the short distance, this eco park is quiet and understated.  Also, you know what makes Hurulu Eco Park different? Here, you relish the art of slow traveling and the scent of wet soil after a fresh spell of rain.  Furthermore, elephants are the heart of this eco park, and watching them graze through the golden light is a delight.  Here is more about this beautiful eco park in Sri Lanka.  Hurulu Eco Park, Sri Lanka: Quick Details  Hours Open7 AM to 6 PMLast Time to Enter5 PMPark Entrance Fee- $15-25 for an Adult- $5 for Children above 6 Years- Free for Children below 6 YearsSafari Cost$65 OnwardSafari DurationAround 3 HoursBest Time to VisitDecember to June Where Is Hurulu Eco Park And How To Reach?  Hurulu Eco Park is in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. Also, it is between landmarks such as: Polonnaruwa (1 hour and 15 minutes) Anuradhapura (1 hour and 50 minutes) Dambulla (45 minutes) Sigiriya (45 minutes).  So, often there is a safari add-on to explore these ancient cities and the cultural landmarks.  Furthermore, as mentioned, it is closest to Habarana. So, ideally, it should be your base.  Habarana also has many budget, mid-budget, and luxury accommodations. Moreover, most hotels in Habarana, Dambulla, and Sigiriya offer door-to-door safari facilities.  You can expect a pickup around one hour before the safari time.  Moreover, you can take a train from Trincomalee, Kandy, or Colombo to reach Habarana Junction. From there, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to reach the eco park.  However, online booking for these train tickets may not work most of the time.  The Landscape Of Hurulu Eco Park  Hurulu Eco Park is a mix of open plains, rock, and jungle.  Furthermore, as part of the dry evergreen forest area of Sri Lanka, it functions as an important corridor for elephants. These elephants roam between Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.  So, you can easily spot Sri Lankan elephants here, especially the mothers and babies making small groups and moving.  Along with elephants, you can also spot peacocks, spotted deer, macaques, langurs, and many birds here.  What I Saw At Hurulu Eco Park  I was initially disappointed the day I had to visit the Hurulu Eco Park. I thought that the tropical rain would mess up my safari experience.  However, I opted for an afternoon safari, and by the time I reached Hurulu, except for the heavy dampness in the air, everything was fine.  Also, the mud on the track was not a problem to start the safari in full swing.  After a few turns in the park, I could spot a herd of elephants, and they were winding up leaves and fruits with their trunks. Moreover, they were flapping their ears.  Then, after waiting for 15 minutes, the herd passed by and we continued our safari.  We passed through rocks, canopies, and bushes. I spotted a peacock and monkeys before reaching an open land. And that was the moment of the entire safari.  At least 25 elephants were grazing, and the younger ones were rolling in the mud.   Finally, the air became cooler, and the sky started getting red. So, our jeep driver planned a return.  How To Plan A Safari In The Hurulu Eco Park?  Safaris in Hurulu Eco Park include a guide, a jeep, park entry, and a pickup and drop-off from Hurulu Eco Park.  Morning safaris are the best, ideally starting from 7 AM. Furthermore, like me, you can also opt for an afternoon safari at 1 PM.  Furthermore, each jeep carries about 6 tourists. Also, you must carry some water, wear sunscreen, and a hat. What Is The Best Time To Visit Hurulu Eco Park? The best time to visit Hurulu Eco Park is between December and June. Especially, February to April is the ideal time to see the lush landscapes and the biggest elephant herds.  Furthermore, the number of jeeps is quite low in these months.  Again, from May onward, the conditions become drier. Also, the elephants start moving from the Kaudulla National Park to the Minneriya National Park. So, in Hurulu Eco Park, you will notice smaller herds of elephants.  Moreover, from October to January is the wet season, and the jungle becomes the most vivid. So, these months are the best for photographers.  Photography Tips For Hurulu Eco Park  You will find a mix of open plains, forest shades, and red earth in Hurulu Eco Park. So, the landscape is challenging yet interesting for photographers.  Furthermore, for photography, you must bring a 70-200 mm lens. It is ideal for capturing wildlife, and the wider lens is best for framing the color and scale of Hurulu Eco Park during the golden hour.  Moreover, after the rain, the conditions become more ideal for photography. Grey elephants, red dust, and the green foliage create wonderful frames.  Again, the light filtering through the tree branches becomes low in the late afternoon. So, you can capture the texture and warmth of the Hurulu Eco Park. Things To Keep In Mind For A Visit To Hurulu Eco Park  Do not use single-use plastic bottles during the safari to minimize the impact on the environment, wildlife, and marine life.  Furthermore, keep water use to a minimum to reduce the pressure on water resources.  Moreover, collect your souvenirs from the local shops and eat at the local eateries to help the community's economy.

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.