Being a major city of the Uva Province of the island nation Sri Lanka, Badulla has its own administrative importance. Its location in the low central hills of the country equally makes it a popular tourist destination. Sri Lankan tourists come here on their itinerary for many reasons. Badulla’s location towards the south-east of Kandy and surrounded by the Badulla Oya River makes it one of the places worth visiting. Moreover, nature lovers feel the peace of this place where the surroundings of the tea garden brings its mesmerizing presence. there is no shortage of Places to visit in Badulla From the Namunukula ranges to assessing the ruins and monuments that remind of the former King of Kandy and many other beautiful buildings that were built by the British during the colonial rule. The oldest operational railway line built by the British and the tea plantations are worth a visit.
Top 10 places to visit in Badulla
Over the decades, Badulla has rapidly emerged as a major tourist destination to visit in Sri Lanka. The natural beauty of this region mesmerizes all the visitors and its magnificent parks, tea plantations and historical places make it the most suitable eco-tourism destination. Listed below are 09 notable Places to visit in Badulla Which you should not forget to add to your itinerary.
- Muthiyangana Temple
- Kataragama Devalaya
- Old Valecade Market
- Dunhinda Falls
- Bogoda ancient wooden bridge
- Halpewatte Tea Factory
- St. Mark’s Church
- Fox Hill Event
- Demodara Railway Station
- Dhowa Rock Temple
1. Worship at Muthiyangana Temple
The ancient Buddhist temple, Muthiyangana Temple is one of the Badulla sightseeing places located in the middle of the city. Being a popular Buddhist temple due to its unique identity as one of the 16 sacred Buddhist solomasthans, the temple welcomes visitors wishing to learn Buddhism in the Sri Lankan context. According to Buddhist belief, Gautam Buddha came here. It is mandatory for travelers to visit this temple to re-establish their faith in Buddhism. This temple has become a national landmark today. Existing since the 4th century, its 65 feet high Muthiyangana Stupa is visited by believers of Buddhism.
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2. Spend Good Times in Badulla’s Kataragama Devalaya
The popular Sri Lankan ancient temple of Kataragama Devalaya, dedicated to the Sinhalese deity Kataragama Devi, remains a must-see place in Badulla nowadays. This is a historically important place which also reminds of the golden past of this region. The temple site is listed in the Archaeological Protected Monument list. History buffs have plenty to discover here and learn more about the region’s past. Although the exact construction date is still unknown, some historians claim that it has been in existence since the 17th century, when the regional king Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1604) ruled the Kandy Kingdom to build this shrine. Pilimageya or place of worshipers as a place of pilgrimage is the most visited place inside this monument. The rich architecture of this monument through carved wooden pillars, presence of Kandyan era paintings make it a must visit place during a Sri Lankan tour.
3. Shopping at Old Walled Market
Shoppers looking for some souvenirs during their visit to Sri Lanka will not want to ignore the famous Old Wallekade Market in Badulla. More than just buying local things like some of the best handicraft items, this market attracts travelers as they feel as if they have stepped back into a bygone era. The British built a historic colonial building here in 1889 which looks amazing.
The Old Walled Market situated on the footpath of this building mesmerizes the visitors. This preserved building is a replica of great British architecture. Now it is listed as an archaeologically protected monument where local people spend quality time. The location of the Old Velecade Market on a slope adjacent to paddy fields reflects the local name Velecade which translates as “shop of the paddy fields”.
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4. Visit Dunhinda Falls
Nature lovers and all those tourists who want to indulge in some adventure do not miss the 64 meter high Dunhinda Falls waterfall, which is one of the popular places to visit in Badulla, Sri Lanka. Since this popular waterfall is located at a distance of less than 5 kilometers from the city area, tourists plan their trip with ease. Famous among all the waterfalls of Sri Lanka, this waterfall has gained immense popularity. In fact, it is mentioned in some literary works also. Local and international travelers ensure that Dunhinda Falls is included in their itinerary. It would not be wrong to say that a Sri Lankan tour would be incomplete without seeing this beautiful waterfall.
5. Spend some time near Bogoda Ancient Wooden Bridge
Tourists exploring Sri Lanka should adapt their itinerary to accommodate fun and adventure holiday plans. Visiting the Bogoda Ancient Wooden Bridge, the oldest surviving wooden bridge in the country, will make you feel like you are traveling back in time to ancient times. This wooden bridge has been maintaining the glory of its existence for 4 centuries. It can be reached at a distance of only 13 kilometers from Badulla city.
This Bogoda wooden bridge was built in the 16th century during the Dambadeniya era. It connected the ancient cities of Galanda Oya and Badulla to Kandy at that time. Today, it is one of the most sought after heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The ancient Bogoda Buddhist temple is situated near this bridge.
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6. Explore the famous Halpavet Tea Factory
Since Sri Lanka is one of the few tea producing countries in the world, its famous Halpawet Tea Factory attracts the attention of every visitor. Since the factory is open from morning to evening every day except Sunday, tourists can plan an ideal exploration of 3 hours here. It attracts nature lovers who see the fascinating tea processing stages and thus feel the aroma of the different types of tea processed there. This is one of the best Places to visit in Badulla,
7. Visit St. Mark’s Church
Old St. Mark’s Church in Badulla in Sri Lanka is visited by tourists irrespective of their religious beliefs. Built in memory of Major Thomas William Rogers, this church has its own identity as the first church to be consecrated by Rev. James Chapman, the first Bishop of Colombo on April 25, 1857. This Anglican church has been welcoming visitors every day. Ever since it was declared an archaeologically protected site along with its clock tower in 2008, it has gained popularity as a notable heritage monument of the country. After this the number of visitors also increased significantly. It is a famous tourist destination nowadays.
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8. Viewing the memorable Fox Hill event
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Fox Hill in Badulla, the Sri Lankan Central Highland region, attracts the attention of all visitors with its incredible height of 1,499 metres. Tourists are mesmerized by this great destination of nature and adventure. The annual Fox Hill Motor Cross at Fox Hill attracts everyone. Held annually under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, the prestigious motor racing event in Sri Lanka welcomes visitors from all over the world. Fox Hill is called Naria Kanda in the local Sinhalese language. Its major attractions include the rock art on the hills which is loved by all the visitors who come here. places to visit in badulla Throughout the year.
9. Explore the beauty of Demodara Railway Station
Among the many amazing places in Sri Lanka that tourists cannot forget, Demodara Railway Station remains a popular tourist attraction. Its beauty lies in the spectacular design of this station built between Uduwara and Ella railway stations which attracts everyone’s attention. When the railway turns from the platform and enters a tunnel towards the railway station, it presents a wonderful sight. Being the third last main line station in the country, Demodara Railway Station connects to the capital Colombo at a distance of only 277.71 kilometres.
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10. Dhowa Rock Temple
one of the following Beautiful places to visit in Badulla Sri Lanka, Dhova Rock Temple is a protected heritage site. It is a small, ancient village located in the high mountains of Uva Province. Famous for its beautiful sculptures and paintings adorning the temple walls, this place is a popular attraction in the area. The decorative gateway and the huge stupa are some of the main attractions of the temple. There is also a cave and a tunnel here. However, no one is allowed inside the tunnel. There are many folktales associated with the cave and tunnel.
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The above 10 destinations in Badulla, Sri Lanka will give you a unique experience during your visit to the island nation. Each site has its own unique conceptual identity which collectively makes this small town a popular destination to visit and explore during a Sri Lankan trip. What are you waiting for? Plan your Sri Lanka tour and make sure Badulla is included in the itinerary.
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FAQs about places to visit in Badulla
What are the special places in Badulla?
Some of the famous places in Badulla include Dunhinda Falls, Muthyangana Temple, St. John the Baptist Temple and St. John the Baptist Temple. Halpewet Tea Factory – Dhova Rock Temple – Halpewet Tea Factory – Dhova Rock Temple
How to travel to Badulla by train?
You can plan a trip to Badulla by train from Colombo as the train passes through mountains and tunnels, offering breathtaking views of nature.
What is the best time to visit Badulla?
February, March, May and June are months with pleasant climatic conditions. These months are suitable to visit places in Badulla that are famous tourist attractions and indulge in outdoor activities.
Why is Badulla famous?
Badulla is popular among tourists due to its ancient architecture, sacred temples and natural beauty displayed in the form of wooden bridges, temples and churches and waterfalls.
Is Badulla worth visiting?
Yes, Badulla is a place worth visiting in Sri Lanka and Badulla tourist places are proof of that. Important places in Badulla can be explored in a day or two.
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