Sri Lanka Less Travelled: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Hidden Gems
Sri Lanka is a paradise island that offers breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscapes, a rich history and vibrant culture. With a plethora of beaches, wildlife parks and acres of lush green countryside, there are endless things to do and see here.
Along with these, the amazing hospitality of its warm and welcoming people and incredible food make it the perfect holiday destination for all kinds of travellers. Thanks to all these factors, Sri Lanka has won numerous awards and accolades as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re an adventure lover, history buff, beach bum, budget backpacker or looking for a luxurious getaway, this beautiful country has it all to offer.
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| Admiring the lush green tea plantations at the Kolapathana Estate |
I visited Sri Lanka twice over the past three months and explored many of its famous beaches and beach towns on the southern coast in my first trip. And on my second trip, I was fortunate to uncover some of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, immersing myself in the beauty of its untouched landscapes and experiencing the true essence of community-based, ecotourism.
This tour took us to the 5 community-based ecotourism sites of the Sri Lanka Less Travelled initiative, a sustainable, ecotourism initiative that has chosen 5 signature sites with immense potential to attract international tourists and give them an immersive and memorable experience of the picturesque natural beauty and cultural richness of these hidden treasures of central Sri Lanka. Along with an increase in tourism, this initiative also aims to support the income of the local communities and empower women and youth as ecotourism-based support service providers.
Read on to learn about my journey to these enchanting destinations and my experience in the true heart of Sri Lanka.
Aberdeen Waterfall: Nature-Based Community Tourism
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| The incredible Aberdeen waterfall in its full glory |
Nestled amongst the flourishing green hills of the small town of Ginigathhena, this breathtaking waterfall is named after the city of Aberdeen in Scotland. Back in the colonial era, the upper waters of this waterfall were used to provide power to the English tea plantation owners and thereby retained its name as a tribute to the settlement and its heritage.
Our journey to Aberdeen Falls began from Colombo and took us through lush vegetation and trails that lead to this natural marvel. Cascading majestically from a height of 98 meters, it is the 18th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Several smaller cascades join the main waterfall from above, and together they create an enchanting landscape of water and mist through the lush surroundings.
A totally insta worthy view of the stunning waterfall
The spectacular beauty of the waterfall makes it an incredibly Instagram worthy spot and once I got here, I couldn't help but marvel at the scenic beauty of my surroundings. The surging water of these falls cascade into a deep rock pool, creating a landscape that looks straight out of a painting. I also took the opportunity to kayak here as they have an experienced boatman who takes you much closer to the waterfall. After the hike to the pool, the kayak ride was a particularly refreshing and enjoyable experience which is a must do activity here. After my kayak adventure, we went to the Aberdeen feel resort which is located right opposite the waterfall with the most incredible view, for lunch.
True outdoor enthusiasts can also camp nearby for an immersive experience in nature, as the community provide all sorts of camping facilities such as tents, pillows and even the washroom facilities to make things convenient for tourists. What makes a trip here even more fulfilling is that you are directly contributing to the income and livelihood of the small establishments such as the juice bars, tea shops, campgrounds and kayak man who are working so hard to enhance and benefit ecotourism in the area. Whether you seek solitude or enjoy the thrill of camping and exploration, this hidden gem is perfect for avid adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Kolapathana Estate: Pekoe Ecotourism
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| Surrounded by nature from all directions in this beautiful tea estate |
Since 1870, the lush hills of Kolapathana have been home to tea estates that shaped the region into a thriving hub for tea production. Workers were brought in from South India and added to the cultural diversity of this area.
We visited this beautiful mountain area to witness the scenic beauty and rich heritage of Kolapathana Estate and learnt more about these tea plantations. Since the natural viewpoint and the campsite are perched on a mountain plateau, we had to take a tuk tuk to reach there. It took us all the way to the top of the estate so that we could see the incredible view of the Gongalla viewpoint and enjoy the tranquillity surrounding us. Sasi, our tuk tuk guide, who’s been trained as a tour facilitator, shared with us his local knowledge on the area as well as the religious and cultural heritage of the plantation community. Camping at the viewpoint gives one an amazing experience, he added.
On the tea estate, we visited a farm and homestay where the owner took us on a tour of his expansive land which had various fruits, vegetables and crops growing. We tried various fruits from their orchards, some of which I had never seen or heard of before! These community members are supported and empowered by the Sri Lanka Less Travelled initiative to be the ambassadors of authentic ecotourism in the region.
On our way, we stopped by a beautiful waterfall which is formed by the Kadiyanlena Oya river which flows parallel to the Kolapathana area and flows in three tiers. We stopped at an ancient arch bridge which runs parallel to the lowermost tier and also provides a spectacular view of the entire cascading waterfall.
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| The paddy fields where the legendary king Dutugamunu lived disguised as a farm helper |
We next visited Ranamune, an ancient village in the central highlands of Kothmale which has a rich history and interesting story as it is associated with the legend of King Dutugamunu, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated ancient kings who reigned from 161-137 BC. When Dutugamunu was a prince, he ran away from his home and spent 12 years of his youth in this region disguised as a farm helper.
During his time here, he bathed at the renowned Ranamune waterspout which remains a popular bathing place for villagers till date. The prince worked in the paddy fields surrounding this landmark and these are meticulously cultivated using the ancient cascade system. To this day, this historic spout is used to irrigate the paddy cultivation which prevents the use of machinery. They still use traditional methods such as ploughing paddy fields with the help of buffaloes and other customory tools.
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| We spotted this peacock during our time here |
We then visited the historic ‘Kadadora Entrance’ which is one of the four gateways to the Kothmale area. According to legend, the prince secretly entered Kothmale through this very passage from the Kingdom of Ruhunu and started his new life here. Today, this entrance serves as a portal to the rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the timeless tales of its ancient inhabitants.
This is a very interesting place for history enthusiasts due to its legendary past that links it to the great king’s youth in exile and allows the history enthusiast to explore many places of archaeological importance as well.
We then visited a unique bubble shaped Buddhist temple known as the Mahaweli Mahaseya, which is a landmark in the area and is the largest structure of its kind in Sri Lanka. Here I learned that when the nearby Kothmale reservoir was built, it submerged numerous ancient Buddhist temples, villages and human settlements under its waters. On rare occasions, the ruins of a Buddhist temple known as Kadadora Vihara can still be seen during the dry season when the water levels of the reservoir are low. It is in the honour of these lost temples, that the Mahaweli Mahaseya was built. With it’s towering 88-meter-high stupa rising above the reservoir, its majestic structure can be seen from miles away.
Next up, we took a walk through a forest patch which led us to the Kothmale reservoir where local fishermen skilfully cast their nets for the catch of the day. The fisherman took me on a boat ride on his canoe and it was an incredible experience as I had the entire lake to myself which let me soak up the breathtaking scenery and serenity of the waters and hills surrounding us.
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| The delicious kithul jaggery freshly made in front of us |
There is a certain palm tree known as Kithul that grows in Sri Lanka and the sap of this tree is used to craft fine alcohol, delicate honey, and rich jaggery. It is also used as a sugar substitute in the area. Kothmale is also home to the art of Kithul tapping which uses traditional methods to collect the sap from the trees. We visited a local establishment where we witnessed the process of Kithul jaggery making and I even tried my hand at it. The sap from the tree was heated and thickened in a wok and then poured into coconut shells where it cooled and hardened within a few minutes. After this, it was time to taste it, and it was divine. This artisanal tradition is cherished for its cultural significance and sought after globally as it ensures sustainable livelihoods for the people who are dedicated to its production, promising a prosperous future from this cherished craft.
Karagastenna and Gammaduwa: Mountain Community-Based Tourism
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| An areal view from Karagastenna where we hiked to see the majestic peaks |
Karagastenna is a mountain that falls within the Knuckles Mountain Reserve, a major eco-tourism venue which is renowned for its unique variety of flora, fauna and culture. With numerous peaks ranging between 1000-1500 meters in height, transmission towers sit on the mountaintops facilitating television and radio broadcasts island wide.
As we drove in, we saw remains of the abandoned village of Karagastenna, which had employee homes, corporate buildings, and warehouses now closed for good. Even though it was abandoned by its inhabitants, Karagastenna attracts adventurous outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars, observing wild animals in their natural habitat, and enjoying the beauty of untouched nature.
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| The hike was quite easy and took about an hour and fifteen minutes |
We parked our car at the furthest point we could and walked along the nature trails of the lush green hills and jungles to view the famous Karagastenna mini world’s end which was a spectacle to witness. The beautiful valley and picturesque mountains were totally worth the effort and hike to get there. This is a perfect destination where eco-tourism blends with the thrill of exploration for a unique experience.
We then drove down along the road to the village of Gammaduwa, to visit a skilled community of woodcarvers who are known for their intricate wood carvings, which are supplied to destinations like Sigiriya and Kandy. Historically, their ancestors originally worked on gold and silver crafts and were granted villages as payment by the King. With time, they shifted their focus to wood carving, adapting to changing needs while preserving their ancestral skills. Today, their work stands as both a symbol of their cultural heritage and a showcase of their artistic expertise.
The brass engraving industry also flourishes in this area, sustained by the dedication of the older generation, who continue to retain traditional techniques with skill and commitment. You can watch them work and witness the intricacies of brass engraving. You can also purchase these beautifully crafted pieces directly from them to support the preservation of this age-old craft.
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| Snapping up the famous Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks by the Thalkote Lake |
Our last stop was Thalkote village, a very green and peaceful site with the world famous Sigiriya and Pidurangala rocks as a backdrop to the scenic Thalkote Lake. The village is the perfect place for those who seek tranquillity to enjoy its untouched natural beauty.
We took a tuk tuk tour of the village and went to a beautiful location named Millagala viewpoint which gave us a fantastic view of the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a site of immense historical and archaeological significance and one of the best-preserved surviving ancient sites in Asia. Archaeological evidence at nearby Sigiriya and Pidurangala indicates the presence of ancient Buddhist monasteries that date back to centuries before the Common Era.
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| I loved how green, serene and tranquil this village was |
Following this, our tuk tuk driver cum guide took us to the calm and serene Thalkote lake where you can immerse yourself in nature’s symphony. You can rent an e-bike and explore the area, take a boat ride, watch birds and even swim and enjoy water sports in this serene and picturesque lake.
The small lakes within the Sigiriya Sanctuary are premier bird-watching spots. The sanctuary also boasts of a rich population of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Another notable fact for wildlife enthusiasts is that you can find all four native cat species of Sri Lanka, the leopard, fishing cat, jungle cat, and rusty-spotted cat here. Sigiriya Sanctuary is a treasure for wildlife lovers where you can observe and appreciate the region’s remarkable biodiversity.
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| A morning well spent soaking up the beauty of the nature around us |
Exploring all these amazing places and learning so much about their history and culture while soaking up the natural beauty of my surroundings was a truly memorable and unforgettable time. I also enjoyed connecting with local communities and learning about their traditions, lifestyles, and heritage along with the need to preserve these unique cultural identities.
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| It was so amazing to see this historic rock up close and learn more about it |
After spending close to a month in this beautiful country and visiting some of its hidden gems, I must say that these beautiful but lesser-known sites are totally worth visiting! It was a truly fun, informative and adventurous experience to visit these wondrous off-the-beaten-path locations with Sri Lanka Less Travelled and I hope to discover and explore more on my next trip to this magical island. I also met a lot of the kind, humble and warm community members who ensured that I had a wonderful time learning more about community-based ecotourism.
I will be writing detailed blog posts describing my experience in each of these locations very soon. So, stay tuned to learn more about the fascinating history and much more about all these incredible places I visited.
For more information, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/srilankalesstravelled/
https://www.facebook.com/SriLankaLessTravelled
https://www.youtube.com/@SriLankaLessTravelled
A Glimpse to the 5 Community- Based Ecotourism Sites:
https://youtu.be/bHl9EKK6Dms?si=QFtb6axt-mGylLYy
Disclaimer: Sri Lanka Less Travelled is a community-driven tourism initiative implemented by Chrysalis, aimed at developing five sustainable, community-based biodiversity tourism signature sites in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Matale from 2022 to 2025. This article was produced under the Sri Lanka Less Travelled project with the financial support of the European Union. The content is the sole responsibility of Chrysalis and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.