UVA Province
Lying in-land
from the coastal plain and South of Nuwara Eliya, UVA is the largest
province in Sri Lanka.
Badulla
Badulla is considered to have the best climate in Sri Lanka (apart
from its NE monsoon over Christmas) and from here you can travel
to Dunhinda Falls, the longest in Sri Lanka, though viewing is via
a steep rough path.
If you want to escape to tranquility, explore
the natural plants and orchards or a mahogany and pepper estate,
or embark upon you first novel, opt to stay at Bonnieland Bungalow.
Bandarawela
Just 20 minutes further South is the picturesque market town of
Bandarawela, known as the center of the “flavoury” district
and produces some of the finest tea. The climate also promotes wonderful
strawberries and pears.
The town is lively and the heart of the community- admiring market traders, the schools sports ground and many churches/temples of every denomination can while away hours. Peace Haven lies in a perfect location to absorb country life and its young hosts will enjoy guiding you to the local sights. Nearby is the Uva Herbarium, a garden dedicated to growing herbs and re-establishing indigenous forest.
Ella/Heputale Triangle
Here, you can enjoy the most picturesque views and easy walks in the town of Ella. A simple but hospitable guesthouse with stunning views of the Ella Valley and Rawana and Ella Falls is Ravana Heights.
Take time at Heputale of Lipton tea Fame and spend a night or
two at Heputale Bungalow. Then onto visit the Benedictine monestry
of Adisham. Appreciate the contemplative life of the community
of monks and novices there in an atmosphere of peace, solitude and
beauty. If you feel you have walked off enough calories sample their
delicious home-made products of jams, cordials etc. The natural
bird sanctuary there- Tangamalai- will delight the ornathologist
and photographer alike with brilliantly plumed blue magpies, Paradise
fly catchers and golden Oreoles vying for attention. November to
January can be very chilly.
Wellawaya
Wellawaya is a town steeped in History with Portuguese influences
from before 1630 when Constantine de Saa and his army were decimated
by the army of the Kandyan King. The invading Portuguese destroyed
the ancient temple of Badulla and attacked the Kandyan forces who
fought back bravely. The monsoons swelled the river, cutting off
Constantine’s retreat and most of the Portuguese were killed.
The Kandyan army regarded this as retribution form the Gods for
the desecration of the temple.
Today, Wellawaya is the landing strip for many paragliders. Close
by is Ella Adventure Park where you can take part in every sport
imaginable eg, abseiling, mountain biking etc. However, the hotel
tends to fill with Conferences and outward bound teams.
Don Diogu is a great heritage Villa on the winding river to enjoy
the 
calm and the surrounding Millennium Point Falls. The Elephant Corridor
hiking is an all day pursuit, whilst tea time can be spent
counting the wondrous varieties of birds – all 58, including
Kingfishers, barbets, commorant, robins and flycatchers.
Veddhas
These stone-age hunter gatherer people are the earliest known inhabitants
of Sri Lanka, and physically have more in common with Australian
aborigines than the Asian races. Their traditional hunting grounds
are now the Madurn Oya Park which has led to considerable friction
with authority as hunting is expressly forbidden in the National
parks.
In modern times the tribal ways are disappearing and many have become Buddhists. The last two remaining pockets of settlement are in Dambana and Nilgala.
Lifestyles and housing which has not moved forward hugely can be
seen in Buttala and along the Kataragama Road. If you would like
to experience living with nature, Galapita and Tree Tops Eco villages
lie safely in the middle of this wilderness.
Uda Walawe National Park
Centred around a large river fed reservoir, Uda Walawe park is in
our opinion an “elephant lovers” dream. Of all the Parks,
it is most like the savannas of Africa, with herds of elephants,
deer, wild buffalo and wild boar. Take a 4WD safari and get close
to the elephants as they go in search for water. In the dry months
of February – April, it is best to visit at dawn and dusk
and trail the watering holes. Just 5mins from the park periphery
is Selara River Hideout a luxury eco (if that is not a incongruous)
village situated on the Walawe Ganga.
Kataragama
On the edge of Yala West, this is one of the holiest places in
Sri Lanka. This probably explains why it has the best roads from
North and South. During Esala Perahera, Kandy in July / August,
devotees from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim religions make a pilgrimage
here, subjecting themselves to many varieties of self-mutilation
eg. Spikes through the tongue and cheeks, carrying an arched yoke
for 160km without putting it down. The less devoted simply visit
this place of worship during times of need and often December, to
pray.
The most important shrine for the Hindus is the maha Devale and neighbouring shrines are dedicated to Buddha and Ganesh. The festival officially ends with “water-cutting” ceremony to evoke rain for the harvest.
Yala National Park
In the South east corner of Sri Lanka and the home of the World’s
largest leopard population. The best all round safari park for ½
to 2 day trips. There are a number of entrances, enter via Okanda
to view large numbers of water birds, particularly in the Kumana
swamp. A majestic leopard basking on a rock was our first sighting
at Yala, but many visitors are disappointed by their lack of presence.
The elephants, crocodiles, eagles and deer etc never make up for
it. Yala Village by the jeep safari gates is a luxurious resort
sympathetic to its surroundings and allows night viewing of the
wild animals - don’t be brave and venture out late at night, as
you are unlikely to return !
Just 20 mins away you hit the South Coast, stunning beach resorts and Bundala Bird Sancturary.
For a detailed list of contacts, telephone numbers and opening times for:
- Places of Interest
- Activities
- Transport
- Bars & Restaurants
- What To Wear
- Banks