The Bliss of Bandarawela

Locked amidst picturesque mountain views, Bandarawela is an enchanting town in the Badulla District. The beauty of nature flourishes here, and this captivating scene along with the soothing cool climate has enthralled Sri Lankans for millennia. Even the British colonisers were charmed by this scenic destination centuries ago.

Bandarawela truly has an invigorating atmosphere, perfumed with the fragrance of wild flowers. The rolling hills form an endless emerald carpet of wild greens, pine forests and neatly pruned tea plantations. Winding along the slopes, one can witness precisely terraced paddy fields and vegetable patches. Leeks, carrots, beetroot and various cabbages blossom bright and crisp in the cool climate, and along the way, makeshift stalls sell these fresh vegetables. Pears and strawberry gardens are charming places to explore during the fruiting months.

There are many vantage points from which to truly witness the salubrious scene of Bandarawela, the most popular being Porawagala. After a rejuvenating trek through nature, gasp at the 360-degree panorama of the area capturing its natural bounty and charming structures at once from this point.

Hidden amidst the forestry of the Bandarawela town is the Dhowa Rock Temple, dating back over 2,000 years. These caves were believed to have once provided sanctuary to mon- arch King Walagamba when he fled Anuradhapura during an invasion.

Within the hiddem caves are large Buddha statues and the ceiling is adorned with elaborate Kandyan Era-inspired paintings. There is a stunning carving of the Buddha on the rock face at the entrance, which some believe to have been carved by the King Walagamba himself.

Picturesque Bandarawela is also considered an ideal getaway to leisure with families and friends due to its proximity to the exciting hiking trails and nightlife of Ella, as well as the his- toric sites and Ceylon Tea landmarks in Haputale.

Either while catching your breath on top of a hill or while sitting on the balcony of a colonial bungalow enjoying a cup of tea and be enthralled by the bountiful beauty of Bandarawela.