Bandarawela - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Bandarawela

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Bandarawela, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Bandarawela and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Bandarawela, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Bandarawela for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Bandarawela

Bandarawela is a town located in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka. It's situated in the central highlands, about 200 kilometers from Colombo. The town is known for its scenic beauty and mild climate, and it's a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the cool climate and explore the surrounding tea plantations. Some of the notable attractions in the area include the Lipton's Seat viewpoint, the Dambatenne Tea Factory, and the Bambarakanda waterfalls. Additionally, Bandarawela is also a transit point for travelers who are traveling to the popular hiking destination of Ella.

What to visit in Bandarawela

Sure, here are some of the tourist attractions in Bandarawela along with some information about them: 1. Lipton's Seat: It is a viewpoint from where one can get some breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea estates. This place is named after Sir Thomas Lipton who used to be a tea planter in Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
2. Demodara Nine Arch Bridge: It is a railway bridge that was built during the British colonial period in Sri Lanka. The bridge is famous for its architectural design and the spectacular views of the surrounding lush green forests and tea plantations.
3. Dunhinda Falls: It is a waterfall that is located about 5 kilometers from Bandarawela town. The waterfall is about 64 meters high and is surrounded by lush green forests and rocks. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
4. Diyaluma Falls: It is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a height of about 220 meters. It is located about 30 kilometers from Bandarawela town and is surrounded by scenic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
5. Adisham Bungalow: It is a British colonial-era bungalow that was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers. It is now converted into a monastery and is open to visitors who can witness some of the interesting artifacts and antiques that are on display.
6. Ravana Ella Falls: It is a waterfall that is associated with the Ramayana legend. As per the legend, Ravana, who was the king of Sri Lanka, kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama and kept her hidden near this waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for nature lovers. These were some of the famous tourist attractions in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Bandarawela

Bandarawela, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, has a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging between 15- 28°C. However, the best time to visit Bandarawela is from December to February, when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka, so it’s important to book your accommodations in advance. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also consider visiting in the shoulder months of March-April and August-September. However, keep in mind that the weather might be slightly unpredictable during these months, with occasional rain showers.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Bandarawela

There are a few options to get to Bandarawela in Sri Lanka. Here are some of them: 1. By train: The easiest and most scenic way to get to Bandarawela is to take the train. There are daily trains from Colombo Fort Station to Bandarawela. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, but the views of the tea plantations and mountains are breathtaking. You can buy tickets at the station or online.
2. By bus: You can take a bus from Colombo to Bandarawela. Buses leave from the Colombo Central Bus Stand and take around 5-6 hours. There are also buses from Kandy and Nuwara Eliya to Bandarawela.
3. By taxi: You can also hire a taxi from Colombo or another city to take you to Bandarawela. This is the most expensive option, but it is also the most convenient as you can stop along the way and take in some of the sights.
No matter which option you choose, the journey to Bandarawela is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Bandarawela, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Bandarawela

Here are some typical foods of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka with a short description for each of them: 1. String Hoppers (Indi Appa) - String hoppers are made of rice flour and served as a patty of steam-cooked thin noodles. They are often served with coconut sambol or dhal curry.
2. Milk Rice (Kiribath) - Kiribath is a special dish made from rice cooked in coconut milk and typically served during special celebratory occasions.
3. Dhal Curry - Dhal curry is a flavorful lentil-based curry that is usually served with rice or roti. It's a popular vegetarian dish.
4. Kottu Roti - Kottu Roti is a popular street food that originated in Sri Lanka. The dish consists of shredded roti bread that is stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood, and is topped with a special sauce.
5. Coconut Sambol - Coconut sambol is a traditional accompaniment to many Sri Lankan dishes. It is made with freshly grated coconut, chili, red onion, lime juice, and salt.
6. Pol Sambol - Pol sambol is another popular type of sambol made with grated coconut, chili, red onion, lime juice, and salt, but it also includes Maldive fish flakes.
7. Hoppers (Appa)- Hoppers are a type of pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk, usually cooked in small wok-shaped pans. A popular snack, hoppers can be served plain or with a range of savory or sweet toppings.
8. Jackfruit Curry - Jackfruit curry is a plant-based curry made with unripe jackfruit and a mix of spices and coconut milk, giving it a creamy and slightly sweet taste. 9. Sweets (Watalappan, Kokis and Kavum) - Watalappan, Kokis, and Kavum are all popular Sri Lankan sweets made from coconut milk and rice flour, and often flavored with jaggery, spices and cardamom, sesame, or coconut.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Bandarawela an expensive destination for tourists?

Bandarawela is not considered to be a particularly expensive destination for tourists in Sri Lanka. Accommodation in the town is available in a range of price points, with budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels being the norm. Food and drink are also relatively affordable, with restaurants and cafes catering to a variety of budgets.
That being said, the overall cost of a trip to Bandarawela will depend on factors such as the time of year you visit and your personal travel preferences. Peak tourist season (December - January) will generally be more expensive in terms of accommodation and other services, while traveling during the off-peak season may result in lower prices. Additionally, the cost of activities, tours, and transport can vary depending on how you choose to experience the area.

Where to find accomodation in Bandarawela

Bandarawela is a small town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The town itself has limited accommodation options, so many travelers choose to stay in nearby towns and villages.
Some of the popular nearby areas to find accommodation include: 1. Ella – a small town located about 15 km from Bandarawela with many accommodation options, restaurants, and shops.
2. Haputale – a hill station located about 25 km from Bandarawela with many guesthouses and hotels offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
3. Nuwara Eliya – a popular tourist destination located about 65 km from Bandarawela, with many luxury hotels, colonial-style guesthouses, and picturesque tea plantations.
4. Kandy – a city located about 125 km from Bandarawela, known for its cultural attractions, including the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Kandy also has a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.
You can check hotel prices at Bandarawela here:
Booking.com

Is Bandarawela a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Bandarawela is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic safety precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to only use licensed and reputable tour operators and transportation services. Finally, it is always a good idea to check with local authorities for any safety updates before traveling to any destination.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Bandarawela.

What type of travelers will enjoy Bandarawela the most?

Bandarawela in Sri Lanka is a versatile destination that can be enjoyed by different types of travelers. Couples who love natural beauty, serenity, and outdoor activities will enjoy the place the most. The scenic tea plantations, picturesque landscapes, and waterfalls create a romantic backdrop that lovebirds will surely appreciate.
However, young people looking for fun and adventure can also indulge in mountain biking, hiking, and nature walks. Families can also enjoy Bandarawela by exploring the tea factory and learning about the tea-making process, taking a train ride and visiting the nearby attraction of Ella Rock.
Bandarawela is a great place to unwind and relax in the lap of nature, and thus suits all ages and stages of life.

How to get around Bandarawela

To move around Bandarawela (Sri Lanka), you can use a variety of transportation modes including tuk-tuks, taxis, buses, and trains. Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and are readily available in Bandarawela. Taxis are also available but are relatively more expensive than tuk-tuks and may have fixed rates rather than metered fares. Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation in Bandarawela. They run frequently and can take you to nearby towns and villages. Trains are also available but are less frequent than buses. However, they offer scenic views of the tea estates and are a popular mode of transportation among tourists.

What to see around Bandarawela

There are many beautiful places to visit in a day trip from Bandarawela. Here are some suggestions: 1. Ella - A picturesque town with lush green tea plantations, stunning views of waterfalls and hiking trails to Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock.
2. Haputale - A charming town known for its tea estates, scenic walks to Lipton's Seat and hilltop viewpoints like Dambatenne Tea Factory.
3. Demodara Nine Arch Bridge - A scenic railway bridge with nine arches built during the British colonial period, located between Demodara and Ella.
4. Buduruwagala - A 1000-year-old rock temple with exquisite carvings of Buddha statues, located near Wellawaya.
5. Rawana Falls - A stunning waterfall located in the town of Ella, which is believed to be associated with the Ramayana epic.
6. Diyaluma Falls - A mesmerising waterfall with several cascades, located near Koslanda.
7. Dowa Temple - A historic temple with elaborate wall paintings and sculptures, located in Badulla, about 20 kilometres from Bandarawela.
These are just a few suggestions. There are many other interesting places to explore in the region, depending on your interests and preferences.
For every travel information about Sri Lanka you can click here.

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