Bandarawela

#234 among destinations in Sri Lanka

Town

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Badulla region in Sri Lanka, Bandarawela is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty mountains, Bandarawela is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

One of the main attractions in Bandarawela is the stunning Dhowa Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st century BC. Carved out of a massive rock face, this ancient temple is adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region, a visit to the picturesque Ravana Ella Falls is a must. Cascading from a height of 25 meters, this breathtaking waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In addition to its natural wonders, Bandarawela also boasts a vibrant local culture and heritage. Visitors can explore the bustling local markets, where they can sample an array of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and shop for handcrafted souvenirs. The town is also home to the striking Adisham Monastery, a beautiful colonial-era mansion that has been converted into a monastery and offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past.

For those seeking adventure, Bandarawela is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, with opportunities for hiking, trekking, and mountain biking in the nearby Horton Plains National Park and Ella Rock.

Local name: බණ්ඩාරවෙල Coordinates: 6°49'58"N, 80°59'13"E

Location

BadullaSri Lanka

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Day trips

Bandarawela – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: St. Andrew's Church, Adisham Hall, Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls.

4.7 miS
Church
St. Andrew's Church, Haputale
121 min walk • St. Andrew's Church is an Anglican church in Haputale, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This small Neo-gothic church is located on the A16 road. It is one of the oldest buildings in Haputale and one of the oldest European buildings in the district.
5.7 miSW
Sacred and religious sites
Adisham Hall, Haputale
145 min walk • Adisham Hall, or Adisham Bungalow is a country house near Haputale, in the Badulla District, Sri Lanka. At present, it houses the Adisham monastery of Saint Benedict. It has a relic of St. Sylvester at the chapel.
5.9 miNE
Historical place, Bridge
Nine Arches Bridge, Ella
151 min walk • The Nine Arches Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers.
6.6 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Ravana Falls, Ella
169 min walk • Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country.
4.7 miE
6°50'28"N • 81°3'17"E
Ravana Cave, Ella
120 min walk • Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
4.1 miSE
6°46'50"N • 81°0'56"E
Lipton's Seat, Haputale
105 min walk • Mountain, View point
5.7 miNE
6°51'54"N • 81°3'47"E
Little Adam's Peak, Ella
145 min walk • Mountain, Park, View point
5.4 miNE
Memorial
Halpe Pattini Devalaya, Ella
139 min walk • Halpe Pattini Devalaya is an ancient Devalaya, situated in Ella Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka. It lies on Badulla – Bandarawela main road, approximately 3 km away from the Ella town. The shrine is dedicated to Sinhalese goddess Pattini who is worshiped by both Buddhists and Hindu devotees.
2.2 miSW
Locality
Diyatalawa
57 min walk • Diyatalawa is a former garrison town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, in the Badulla District of Uva Province. It is situated at an altitude of 1,281 m and has become a popular destination for local holiday makers.