Things To Do
BAMBARAKANDA WATERFALL
30 min (10.3 km) from the TreeHouse Chalets
Bambarakanda Falls, located in Kalupahana in the Badulla district, is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, standing at a massive height of 263 meters. It’s also the 299th highest waterfall in the world and is formed by a branch of the Walawe River, known as Kuda Oya. Surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Bambarakanda Falls offers a picturesque scene.
At an elevation of 1100 m, Bambarakanda Falls is a horsetail type of waterfall with a single drop and a natural base pool ideal for bathing. The surrounding area is a popular spot for photography and picnics with family and friends. The best time to visit is from March to May, when the water flow is at its highest level. The hiking season typically runs from April to September during the dry season.
HAWAGALA
46 min (22.2 km) from the TreeHouse Chalets
Hawagala is a picturesque mountain located in close proximity to Belihuloya, surrounded by several famous landmarks, including Adara Kanda, NonPareil Estate, and Horton Plains. Hiking up to Hawagala offers an unparalleled view of the lush greenery of the Sabaragamuwa Province, making it an ideal spot for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Although the trek to the summit can be quite challenging, the stunning view that awaits visitors at the top is worth every bit of effort. This area has become a popular tourist destination in the Sabaragamuwa Province, attracting both locals and foreigners to explore its paddy fields, forests, mountains, and scenic waterfalls.
WANGEDIGALA
25 min (9.5 km)
Wangedigala, located in the village of Kalupahana, is a renowned hiking destination famous for its unique peak that resembles a pestle, from which it derives its name. Exploring the forest of Wangedigala offers hikers stunning panoramic views of the neighbouring areas, including the magnificent Bambarakanda and Lanka Ella Falls. During dry weather, hiking through the steep mountain slopes covered with pine needles requires caution, as the terrain can become slippery.
SAMANALA WEWA
29 min (15.8 km)
The Samanalawewa Dam, located near the town of Balangoda in the Sabaragamuwa Province, is a hydroelectric power plant commissioned in 1992 in Sri Lanka. Funded with support from Japan and the United Kingdom, the project is the third-largest hydroelectric scheme on the island and generates approximately 405 GWh of energy annually. Constructed at the convergence of the Walawe and Belihul Oya rivers, the Samanalawewa Dam measures 110 m in height and 530 m in length.
ADARA KANDA
6 min (3.7 km)
Adara Kanda, also known as “Paraviyangala,” is a mountain peak situated near Belihuloya in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. With an elevation of 1500 m, it is a popular destination for hiking and camping that offers picturesque views of the Sabaragamuwa Province, including the Sabaragamuwa
University and the Samanalawewa Dam. The hike to Adara Kanda is an average level trek that takes you through scenic pine forests, babbling streams, and the best of nature’s beauty in its surroundings. Along the way, you can visit a Buddhist monastery accessible via a footpath. The hike involves both uphill climbing and walking on flat terrain, making it a moderate challenge for adventurers seeking a bit of excitement.
NON PERIAL
58 min (18.8 km)
Located in Nonpareil Estate near Belihuloya, Baker’s Bend is a unique viewpoint that boasts a horseshoe-shaped bend at the 23rd turn of the Nonpareil Estate Road leading from Belihuloya to Nagarak Banglow. Standing at a height of around 1530 m, this bend offers stunning views of the surrounding areas, including Balathuduwa, Gommolikanda, Adara Kanda mountain range, Udawalawe reservoir, and Samanalawewa reservoir. Legend has it that the British Governor Baker used to travel through this area, and one day his horse slipped and fell off the cliff. Miraculously, the Governor survived, but his horse did not. In memory of his beloved horse and travel companion, the Governor built this horseshoe-shaped bend – Baker’s Bend. To get to Baker’s Bend, travel along the Colombo-Batticaloa Highway from Belihuloya towards the Nonpareil Estate Road. From there, travel approximately 11 km to reach the viewpoint.
PAHANTHUDAWA
21 min (10.9 km)
Located about 1.5 km from Belihuloya in the Ratnapura district, the Pahanthuda Waterfall is a 5-meter-high waterfall with a base pool shaped like a “pahana,” or a clay lamp used in Buddhist temples and a fall resembling the lamp’s wick. The hike to the Pahanthuda Waterfall takes you through a jungle, providing a thrilling adventure for avid hikers. As a branch of the Belihuloya Reservoir, the waterfall is known for its mystical beauty and tranquil natural surroundings. It also powers a mini-hydro power plant that supplies water to the surrounding area.
SURATHALI ELLA
4 min (1.8 km)
As you travel on the A4 road towards Badulla, you’ll need to go 1.5 km past the TreeHouse Chalets. Look for a name board on the left side of the road directing you to the waterfall. It’s just a 50-meter walk to reach it, and there’s a footpath leading to the summit through the jungle. Unlike waterfalls with a pure vertical shape, this waterfall flows over an angled rock. Standing at 50 m tall, it’s a beauty to behold, and its water is refreshingly cool. The water stream comes from the virgin forests in Horton Plains, giving it its purity. One of the few waterfalls with easy access from the road, it’s definitely worth a visit.
KURAGALA
1hr 15min (35 km)
Kuragala, also known as රගල in Sinhala, is a significant archaeological site in Balangoda, Sri Lanka. This pre-historic site comprises the ruins of an early human settlement from the late Pleistocene period and an ancient Buddhist Cave temple complex dating back to the 2nd century BC. The temple complex is
situated on the Balangoda-Kaltota road (B38) and is approximately 24 km (15 mi) away from Balangoda town. The Sri Lankan Government has officially recognised the site as an archaeological reserve. Kuragala is believed to be the oldest archaeological site ever found in the Intermediate Zone.
LIMESTONE POOL (HUNUGAL POKUNA)
1hr 30min (39 km)
Located in the Kaltota Rajatenna area of Balangoda, “Hunugal Pokuna” is a popular tourist attraction situated in the Balangoda Rajawaka reserve. This picturesque pond is nestled within a precious ecosystem teeming with lush natural vegetation and boasts crystal-clear waters. According to local
villagers, the pond was discovered approximately in 2001