7 big reasons to add Bandarawela Sri Lanka, to your travel plan

For Australian travellers who are seeking something beyond a usual travel plan to Sri Lanka, Bandarawela has a lot to offer. Although it looks like an ordinary city that hasn’t got much to offer, the perfect placement lets you get more outdoor experiences. Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, is close to many spots that you will see in the Sri Lanka itineraries. If you are looking to explore the hill country on a budget, this is the best place you can stay in and explore the surrounding famous locations.

Let’s look into the top reasons why we recommend Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, to be added to your holiday plan.

Reason 1: The year-round cool climate

One of the best reasons to choose Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, for your holidays is the cool and relaxing climate. This weather is more suitable for tourists who are used to Spring and Fall. Usually, the coastal areas in Sri Lanka exceed 30°C with high humidity. Bandarawela offers a comfortable temperature where you can skip the tropical atmosphere for a while and enjoy for a while. This weather stays the same throughout the year, creating an ideal space to relax and explore.

You can plan outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the nearby places in this pleasant weather. The season from December to March is the best time, with minimal rainfall is ideal for staying in Bandarawela. The atmosphere is also beautiful at this time with clear mountain views.

The comfortable climate of Bandarawela enables activities that would be challenging in Sri Lanka’s hotter regions. Early morning hikes and viewpoint explorations become refreshing adventures. Photography enthusiasts can spend hours capturing the changing colours of mountain landscapes without dealing with equipment overheating or personal discomfort that intense tropical heat might cause.

The cool evenings create perfect conditions for cultural experiences like traditional cooking classes, local music performances, and leisurely dinners featuring regional specialties. For Australian visitors familiarised with enjoying outdoor evening activities, Bandarawela’s climate extends your usable vacation time well into each evening, maximising the value of your holidays in Sri Lanka.

Reason 2: Beautiful landscapes and views

The landscape and the surroundings of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, bring a unique experience that will create memories in the hearts of Australian travellers. The location opens up a different perspective on mountain beauty. The green hills covered with misty clouds in the mornings, and the emerald tea plantations create a living beauty that soothes the mind.

There are many viewpoints within Bandarawela and the surrounding cities like Ella and Haputale. Visitors can enjoy and witness the stunning panoramic views that stretch across many mountain ranges. The layers, together with the changing light patterns from the mornings to the evenings, create a picturesque vista. Travellers can explore many viewpoints along the Bandarawela- Badulla road and appreciate the beauty of the hill country during their holidays in Sri Lanka.

Tea plantations around the area, with many estates around, create some of the most iconic landscapes of the island. The tea bushes are perfectly rowed and maintained, creating geometric patterns that shift through the entire landscape. There are different elevations where tea is grown around here. The aim of this is to produce tea of different flavours and grades. Each of these tea species is adapted to a specific climate and soil condition. This creates a gradient of green shades and textures across the mountain landscapes, making every view unique and breathtaking.

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, is located on the edge of many valleys. This has created a beautiful mountain geography in the area. The deep valleys and the surrounding peaks present a dramatic elevation change, forming a natural alpine sensation. The Namunukula range is clearly visible from many viewpoints around Bandarawela. This has created rewarding hiking experiences where visitors can easily access and go on an adventure. You can choose from either a gentle valley walk or a challenging high peak. All these spots can be reached within a reasonable distance from the comfortable accommodation in Bandarawela.

The geological features around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, include rock formations, natural caves, and mineral deposits that form a unique landscape. These features contribute to the abundance of many beautiful waterfalls around the area, creating unique and perfect spots for these cascades. Understanding this uniqueness helps tourists to appreciate the little town and choose it as an off-the-beaten-path destination for their holidays in Sri Lanka.

Reason 3: Authentic cultural experience

Adding Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, to your list also gives you the opportunity to experience the authentic Sri Lankan culture and local life. The town centre usually has a lot of crowds, but the places close to it are often less commercialised, and you will find people who are more bound to tradition. The cultural interactions here will feel more genuine and spontaneous. It offers travellers insights into the authentic life of Sri Lankans that remains largely unchanged by tourism and urbanisation.

The villages around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, maintain traditional aspects centred around agricultural practices, tea culture, and small-scale businesses. Visitors get the opportunity to observe and participate in their daily activities, like cooking, gardening, and tea-making experiences that have been passed down from generation to generation. These are not staged presentations. This is the experience of real local life where Sri Lankans actually live and work.

The farmers and estate workers are so welcoming, and most of them respect the tourists. They facilitate the visitors who are interested in learning about their traditions and lifestyle. They also offer homestays where you can experience the hospitality and get the general idea of a local household. These direct interactions create meaningful exchanges of cultures and create a memorable experience of holidays in Sri Lanka.

You can walk through the local markets around Bandarawela, where you will find the local handicrafts and foods, which are less expensive compared to major cities. The town is multicultural and has many sacred places that belong to all the religions. The Dowa RockTemple is one of the famous Buddhist temples, which is directly carved into a rock cave. It showcases the traditional Sinhalese art and architecture while maintaining an active place of worship for the local community.

There are many colonial buildings scattered in and around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, which represent the story of the development and history of the island. This town has evolved from an important agricultural centre, and the ancient buildings now serve as either museums or accommodation for interested visitors.

Reason 4: Adventurous activities for every traveller

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, has many outdoor adventures and activities suitable for all types of travellers. Visitors can choose from gentle nature walks to adventurous hikes and climbs. The diverse geography and climate offer perfect conditions for these kinds of activities.

The hiking trails of Bandarawela have easier and harder paths to walk through. The paths that fall across the tea plantations and villages offer cultural insights. It will take around 2-4 hours and require minimal equipment to move. You can choose trails that will take you to beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints.

Travellers can also take serious adventures like trekking to Namunukula Peak. This is ideal for people with good fitness and practice. It will be adventurous but offer you the most impressive results during your holidays in Sri Lanka. You can get help from experienced local guides who are familiar with the weather patterns and trail conditions. They can provide the current condition updates on safety equipment, making it comfortable and easy to hike.

There are many waterfalls and streams around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. These places provide a refreshing space to enjoy a fresh bath and a swim. With the help of the local guides, you can identify these safe places and enjoy the water activities. Trekking along the rivers and waterfalls combines water activities with hiking, creating a unique adventure experience. Most of these activities only require minimal skills and offer maximum adventure.

If you are interested in fishing, the mountain streams and reservoirs offer spots to relax and fish. You can inquire from the locals or get the help of the guides to identify such spots in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. It is advised to get the help og local freshwater fishermen as they are well aware of traditional fishing techniques and native fish.

If you like to cover more paths and tea estates in a short time, using a rented bike is highly recommended. This will help you to experience and be exposed to more of the local life here. You can also be involved in other activities like nature walks, combined with bird watching and fauna and flora exploration during the holidays in Sri Lanka.

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, can also become an ideal spot for nature photographers. The combination of nature and culture makes this place a great destination. Keep in mind that this requires more time and patience, but the results can be rewarding. If you like to capture the cultural side, you can roam around the small villages around Bandarawela, which have not changed.

Reason 5: Stunning waterfalls

Many waterfalls around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, are easily accessible. These spectacular cascades offer travellers the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the island. The diversity and uniqueness of these waterfalls have created an attractive atmosphere around this small town.

Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma is a beautiful waterfall falling down over 220 meters. There are multiple pools around the waterfall from which you can view the waterfall from different perspectives. The water power gets high during the monsoon season, but it impressively flows all year round.

It takes around 45 minutes from Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, to reach Diyaluma by a vehicle. There is a moderate hiking path with safe spots to have a bath and view the surroundings. This allows the visitors to choose their experience from viewing the waterfall to taking a challenging climb to the top of it. The natural ponds formed at various levels of the waterfall provide safe opportunities for a swim. It is recommended to follow safety precautions, as some rock surfaces can be slippery, and the water levels can undergo a sudden change. As local guides are familiar with these situations, you can ask for their guidance.

Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda Falls is 263 meters in height and holds the record of being the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This waterfall is accessible through a scenic path along Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. The waterfall gives different experiences based on the water levels and weather conditions in different seasons. During the peak flows, you can hear the loud noise of water falling from a distance and witness the mist around the waterfall.

Capturing this waterfall in full scale is challenging as it is massive, and the conditions can suddenly change. However, there are many viewpoints from which you can take a good photograph.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is located about 30 minutes away from Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. The fall has multiple tiers, and it creates a spectacular view from below. The fall is named after the legendary King Ravana, and it is believed to be the hiding place of him and Princess Sita in a cave behind the waterfall. It is easily accessible as the fall is located beside the main road.

It is not recommended to swim or bathe here when it is raining heavily. You can do these if the water levels are quite low. But you can enjoy the waterfall with your entire family, as it can be accessed easily.

Dunhinda Falls

The meaning of Dunhinda is smoky. The name is given as this beautiful waterfall creates a mist when the water falls on the rocks beneath it. The fall is located about 45 minutes away from Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. It takes a moderate, 45-minute hike through the forest to reach this waterfall. The trail also offers the opportunity to observe the beauty and diversity of fauna and flora, and beautiful spots to take photographs along the way.

Reason 6: The unique tea experience

There are many tea plantations surrounding Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. These plantations represent the core of Ceylon tea production, offering tourists access to one of the most important industries in the world. You can get the experience of tea cultivation, processing, and the tea culture if you visit these estates during your holidays in Sri Lanka.

Bandarawela and the surrounding areas create the optimal conditions for the production of high-grade Ceylon tea. These are highly valued all over the world. This region is specialised in medium to high-grown teas that develop flavours and aromas that cannot be expected from low-grown tea.

Tea growing and culture in this area dates back over 150 years. The estates around this area combine traditional methods with modern technologies to create an efficient operation that will maintain the quality standards. The tea estates also provide employment opportunities for thousands of locals.

You can book estate tours with local guides from Bandarawela to learn about the entire tea process. The tour includes field visits, factory tours, and tea tasting sessions. Some factories will let you brew your own tea and take it home. It is recommended to plan your holidays in Sri Lanka during the harvest and processing periods.

If you need an ultimate tea experience, there are many tea estates around Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, that offer accommodation in their colonial bungalows that provide authentic settings while delivering modern comfort standards. Some tea factories have converted into resorts where you can stay and learn about Ceylon tea in one place.

Educational programs are also available with demonstrations at these sites that emphasise cultural tea practices and consumption. This will give you the extensive knowledge of tea history, cultivation, processing, tasting and marketing. They will guide you to the elevated areas of the estate, which will give you a spectacular view of the estate.

Reason 7: Explore Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, is located at the perfect place in the hill country, where it is easy to explore some of the famous and iconic destinations of the island. Most of these places are just a day’s trip away from here. You will be able to maintain a single, budget-friendly accommodation while experiencing many iconic locations during holidays in Sri Lanka.

Ella- Nine Arches Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak

Ella is just 30 minutes away from Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. Ella has the most famous night town and two of the picturesque attractions. The most iconic attraction here is the Nine Arches Bridge. It is a colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by a lush green forest. This location provides a spectacular view for photographs. For the best click, try catching the train crossing the bridge. But the location is packed with people most of the time.

Another famous location that is popular among tourists is the Little Adam’s Peak. The hike offers a 360-degree view of Ella, Sri Lanka. The mountain resembles the sacred Adam’s Peak. The summit is smaller and easier to climb, but the views are equally stunning. The peak can be hiked easily, even by children and without a guide. You will be amazed by the surrounding mountains and the breathtaking views of the Ella Gap. Try going there during the sunrise and the sunset, which is perfect to capture on camera.

Lipton’s Seat

This is a historic viewpoint located at an elevation of 1,970 meters. This is the famous tea plantation where Sir Thomas Lipton surveyed his tea empire. The viewpoint offers 360-degree panoramic sights across 5 different provinces with spectacular views. The journey takes about 40 minutes through multiple tea estates and small villages, making the entire journey scenic. You can walk or travel by vehicle.

Adisham Monastery

This is a Tudor-style country bungalow built in 1931. Now it functions as a monastery. It has beautiful and well-maintained gardens. The English design in a natural setup creates a beautiful opportunity to capture stunning photographs.

Dhowa Rock Temple

The temple is also known as Dhowa Raja Maha Viharaya. It is located in a small village called Dhowa. The village is located on the Badulla-Bandarawela main road. The temple showcases ancient Sinhalese heritage and craftsmanship. There are traditional Buddhist art and cave paintings that emphasise traditional architecture.

Important Information for Travellers Coming to Bandarawela Sri Lanka

Planning a trip to Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, requires careful planning and consideration that will be helpful throughout the journey. This preparation will ensure that you will enjoy your holidays in Sri Lanka without any interference.

Getting to Bandarawela

If you are travelling to Bandarawela from Australia or from a different country, the international flights to Colombo will let you arrive first in Sri Lanka. From Colombo airport, there are several transportation methods that will lead you to Bandarawela. The journey takes 4-7 hours, depending on the travel method that you use.

Private taxis are convenient and offer maximum flexibility and comfort. But this will cost you a high price. There are bus services from the airport to the main bus station in Colombo, from where you can get on the Bandarawela bus. This is an affordable alternative to the taxi.

If you need the ride to be more interesting and scenic, take a train from Colombo to Badulla via Ella, which represents one of the best train ride experiences in the world. This journey is longer than the bus or taxi ride, but it gives more nature and cultural immersion.

Accommodation

If you are planning your holidays in Sri Lanka around Bandarawela, there are budget accommodation options around the town and also homestays. They provide clean, safe, and beautiful lodging with the best services. The price is much affordable than the popular locations. You can get the meals within the hotel itself, or you can try small shops that provide clean and fresh food.

There are luxury resorts and hotels near Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, that offer premium experiences combined with a beautiful setup and exceptional comfort. There are many features like gyms, a spa, private dining, and guided tours. The bungalows in estates provide the same services similar to luxury hotels, where you can spend peaceful days with your loved ones.

Travelling within Bandarawela and the suburbs

As most of the locations are closer to Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, taking the bus or a tuk-tuk will be more convenient and affordable. The tuk-tuk ride is flexible, as you can stop at beautiful places along the way and feel the moment, or take pictures. The bus service is connected with the surrounding towns and the attractions. It is very cheap to travel by bus and gives the opportunity to connect with more locals.

Rental cars are also available around Bandarawela, providing you more flexible and comfortable method to visit places. It is recommended to hire a personal driver as the local traffic patterns and the road conditions are a little trickier here.

Other important information

Sri Lanka has opened up a free visa for many nationalities upon arrival. For Australians, an e-visa for 30 days can be obtained upon arrival or by filling out an online application. Your passport should be at least 6 months valid.

If you are considered about your health while travelling to Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, you have to take standard precautions like insect repellent and sunscreen. The cool weather condition reduces the risk of getting sick. No special vaccinations are currently required in Sri Lanka.

For currency exchange, we highly recommend changing at the airport. But there are ATM around the island that accept Visa cards for authorised exchanges in an emergency. This will cost you a little extra.

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, maintains a low crime rate and a welcoming attitude. But follow the basic safety precautions like securing valuables, being aware of the surroundings, and avoiding scammers. Overall, Bandarawela is a great place to spend holidays in Sri Lanka as an independent traveller or a family.

Start your Bandarawela Sri Lanka adventure with Sesatha Travel

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, is an awesome destination that delivers a memorable holiday. If you want to escape the tropical weather and setting of the island and relax in cool weather, experiencing mountain views, Bandarawela will be the best spot. The tour will be a combination of culture, food, adventure, and local life experiences.

Whether you’re seeking an authentic cultural immersion, challenging outdoor adventures, or simply a peaceful escape in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, Bandarawela delivers experiences that will redefine your expectations of holidays in Sri Lanka.

Sesatha Travel specialises in creating such unforgettable adventures in Sri Lanka, tailored specifically for you. Our expert team with local knowledge offers premium standards and is committed to giving you an authentic Bandarawela, Sri Lanka experience.

Let us transform your dream of experiencing Sri Lanka’s hill country into reality. Contact Sesatha Travel today to discuss and book your adventure. Your Bandarawela adventure awaits!

This article is proudly brought to you by Sesatha Travel, an Australian-based travel company offering bespoke tour packages exclusively to Sri Lanka.