A fascinating city in the heart of Sri Lanka, Mandaram Nuwara is often overlooked by tourists. Although Mandaram Nuwara is small in size, it is rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. If you are looking for a less visited place in Sri Lanka then you should seriously consider Mandaram Nuwara. In this article, we will explore in more detail what makes Mandaram Nuwara unique.
Location & Acesss
In the Central Province of Sri Lanka, a small village called Mandaram Nuwara is located at the base of Pidurutalagala (The Highest mountain in Sri Lanka) The town is also known as the “Misty City” informally because it is frequently shrouded in mist throughout the day and is shaded by the nearby mountain ranges. The nearest city, Nuwara Eliya, is about 41 km away. It will take about three hours to drive from Nuwara Eliya to Mandaram Nuwara along a beautiful road. If you prefer, you can take a train from Colombo to Nanu Oya and take a bus or tuk-tuk (Three – Wheeler) to this tiny beautiful Village.
If you are traveling from Colombo,
- take a bus from Pettah bus stand to Kandy and get off at Good Shed bus stand (4 hours) in Kandy and then take a bus to Padiya pelalla (1 hour). There is a bus from Padiyapella to Mandaram Nuwara at 10.45 am.
Colombo> Kandy> Thannakumbura Junction> Turn towards Badulla Road> Hanguranketha> Rikilagaskada> Mandaram Nuwara
Natural Beauty
The marvelous natural beauty of Mandaram Nuwara is one of the main attractions. The village is surrounded by waterfalls, tea estates, and hills covered in lush greenery. Thanks to the Piduruthalaga mountain range above the village, there is a calm atmosphere. In addition, the Mandaram Nuwara region is home to a number of endangered and rare plant species, making it a haven for botanists and nature lovers.
Hiking & Trekking
Kolapathana Water Fall
A goddess by the name of Malsara visited the waterfall during the reign, wrapped rice in a leaf, and left the leaf there. Since then, Kolopatana Falls has been the name of the waterfall that dropped the leaf.
-
- The footpath is well maintained.
- A ticket of Rs.100.00 should be taken.
- Bathing and going down from the waterfall is prohibited.
- Tickets are issued from 8.00 am to 5 pm.
Kodigala Mountain
There is a very high mountain peak near the village. It is called Kodigala Mountain. Otherwise, it is also known as Kodiaara Gala. If you want to go there, you have to get permission.
-
- Leeches abound.
- Be careful as there are wasp nests.
- Steep ascent as well as steep descent.
- Avoid traveling without the assistance of a villager or a known person.
Drumming Waterfall
According to the villagers, the sound of a drum can be heard from this waterfall and since the distant past, it is called the drumming waterfall.
-
- One should walk a long way on the road leading to Kodi Ara Gala and turn around and walk to the other side through the forest.
- There is no road. You have to go through the forest.
Kollangala
After going to the village, it is a rock that looks special when you look around.
Kollan Gala
After going to the Mandaram Nuwara village, there is a rock that is especially visible when you look around. A large rock called Kollangala has a human image carved in one direction. The citizens of Mandaram still believe that Kollangala is holding the image of people carved in this rock towards the place where the treasure is. No one has found the treasure yet.
Tea Plantations
Mandaram Nuwara is also famous for its tea estates. The tea plantations in the area produce some of the best teas in the world and tourists can visit tea factories and witness the tea-making process firsthand. The tea estates also provide mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a perfect place to visit.
Conclusion
Mandaram Nuwara may not be as well-known as some of Sri Lanka’s other destinations, but it is definitely worth a visit. The town’s natural beauty, culture, and history make it a hidden gem
Special notes
-
- Although it is easy to go to Mandaram by going to Rikillagaskada and Haguranketha from Nuwara Road, the road to Mandaram through Nuwara Eliya and Kandapola is the most beautiful. There is no big problem as it is about 40 km from the outskirts of Kandy.
- Camping is prohibited in any place belonging to this reserve without special permission. Everyone living in this village drinks clean running water.
- There are places where you can bathe. Use only those places after hearing from a villager.
- There are places to eat and drink. (It is not a big hotel…but the food is bad) If you can talk in advance, it will be very convenient to go to that place.
- Noisy behavior, smoking, and alcohol consumption are prohibited.
