Sabaragamuwa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your next adventure today!


Introduction to Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa is a province located in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism. The region is home to several rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The local culture and traditions of Sabaragamuwa are also unique, with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture of Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka.

List of Places to Visit in Sabaragamuwa

Here are some of the top tourist attractions to visit in Sabaragamuwa.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Embekka Devalaya - A 14th-century wooden temple located in the district of Kandy, dedicated to the Hindu warrior god, Murugan.
  • The Dambadeniya Kingdom - A historical kingdom that ruled over Sri Lanka from 1220 to 1270, located in the district of Kurunegala.
  • The Ratnapura National Museum - An archaeological museum located in the city of Ratnapura, showcasing the cultural heritage and history of Sabaragamuwa.

Natural Attractions of Sabaragamuwa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Sinharaja Forest Reserve - A UNESCO World Heritage site and a biodiversity hotspot, located in the district of Ratnapura. The forest is home to several endemic bird and animal species, and several waterfalls.
  • The Horton Plains National Park - A beautiful plateau located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, home to several endemic bird and plant species. The park is also famous for its beautiful views and trekking trails.
  • The Udawalawe National Park - A popular wildlife sanctuary located in the district of Ratnapura, home to several elusive animal species like leopards and elephants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa is a perfect destination for adventure tourism, with several hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Sabaragamuwa.

  • Belihuloya to Bambarakanda Falls - A beautiful and scenic hiking trail, located in the district of Ratnapura. The trail passes through several lush forests, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
  • Horton Plains - Hiking and Biking - A perfect destination for adventure seekers, with several trekking and biking routes in the stunning scenery of the Horton Plains National Park.
  • Balangoda to Haputale - Mountain Biking - A popular mountain biking trail in the district of Haputale, with scenic views of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

Best Things to Do in Sabaragamuwa: Activities and Tours

Apart from the natural and cultural attractions, Sabaragamuwa also offers several fun-filled activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Sabaragamuwa.

  • White Water Rafting - An adrenaline-filled activity in the speedy currents of Kelani River, one of the most popular rivers in Sri Lanka for white water rafting.
  • Gem Mining - Sabaragamuwa is known across the world for its precious gems like sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. Several gem mines in the region offer visitors a chance to learn about the gem mining process and even try their luck at finding a precious stone.
  • Tea Estate Tour - Sabaragamuwa is a major tea-growing region in Sri Lanka, and several tea estates offer tours of their factories and the picturesque tea plantations.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sabaragamuwa

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Sabaragamuwa.

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Embekka Devalaya and Dambadeniya Kingdom
2 Trek through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve
3 Visit Udawalawe National Park
4 White Water Rafting at Kelani River
5 Explore the Horton Plains National Park
6 Gem Mining and Tea Estate Tour
7 Relax and Enjoy the Local Culture

Food and Drink Scene of Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa has a unique cuisine, influenced by the local culture, geography, and climate. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages in Sabaragamuwa.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kiribath - A Sri Lankan rice dish made by boiling rice in coconut milk, served with a variety of curries, sambols, and chutneys.
  • Kottu Roti - A popular street food in Sri Lanka, made by stir-frying chopped up roti bread, vegetables, meat, and spices on a hot griddle.
  • Ambul Thiyal - A signature fish curry of Sri Lanka, made with a sour and spicy marinade of goraka, pepper, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Ceylon Tea - Sabaragamuwa is one of the major tea-growing regions in Sri Lanka, and visitors can enjoy a cup of the world-famous Ceylon Tea in several tea estates and cafes.
  • Toddy - A locally brewed alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the coconut tree, popular among the locals in Sabaragamuwa.
  • King Coconut Water - A refreshing and healthy drink made from the water of young King Coconuts, found in abundance in Sabaragamuwa.

Where to Stay in Sabaragamuwa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sabaragamuwa has several accommodation options to suit all types of travelers and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Sabaragamuwa.

  • The KumbukRiver Eco Lodge - A luxurious eco-friendly lodge located in Belihuloya, offering panoramic views of the Samanalawewa Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Guests can also enjoy several outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and bird watching.
  • The River Garden Resort - A budget-friendly resort located in the village of Kitulgala, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Kelani River. The resort is also famous for its adventure activities like white water rafting and jungle trekking.
  • The Ella Flower Garden Resort - A picturesque resort located in the hill country town of Ella, offering beautiful views of the Ella Gap and the surrounding tea plantations. Guests can also enjoy several activities like hiking, biking, and cultural tours.

What to Buy in Sabaragamuwa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sabaragamuwa is famous for its precious gems like sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, and several gem mines offer visitors a chance to buy unique and high-quality gems. Apart from gems, here are some other souvenirs and local products to bring home from Sabaragamuwa.

  • Handicrafts - Sabaragamuwa is known for its traditional handicrafts made by local artisans, like wooden masks, batiks, and silk garments.
  • Spices - Sri Lanka is famous for its aromatic and flavorful spices like cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and cloves. Visitors can buy locally sourced and high-quality spices from several stores and markets in Sabaragamuwa.
  • Tea - Sabaragamuwa is a major tea-growing region in Sri Lanka, producing some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea. Visitors can buy different varieties of tea, ranging from loose leaf teas to tea bags and gift boxes.

Local Culture and Customs of Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Some local customs and traditions of Sabaragamuwa are:

  • Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious and cultural places like temples and mosques.
  • Remove footwear before entering religious places and homes.
  • Respect elders and engage in polite conversation with locals.

Best Time to Visit Sabaragamuwa

The best time to visit Sabaragamuwa is between December and April when the weather is dry and pleasant. However, visitors can also enjoy the region’s natural beauty and adventure activities throughout the year, albeit with some occasional rains and humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sabaragamuwa

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Sabaragamuwa.

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress appropriately and in modest clothing.
  • Try local food and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs without permission.
  • Litter and pollute the natural environment.
  • Cause disturbance to wildlife and the natural habitat.

Safety and Health

Sabaragamuwa is a relatively safe region to travel, but visitors should take some precautions like:

Safety in Sabaragamuwa

  • Avoid travelling alone at night and in remote and isolated areas.
  • Keep valuables and important documents in a safe place.
  • Use licensed and reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Health in Sabaragamuwa

  • Drink bottled water or boiled water.
  • Use mosquito repellent and wear appropriate clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Consult your doctor or travel clinic for vaccinations and health-related advice before travelling to Sabaragamuwa.

Getting to Sabaragamuwa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sabaragamuwa is easily accessible via several transportation options.

Airports Near Sabaragamuwa

The Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo is the nearest airport to Sabaragamuwa, located around 135 km away.

Bus Stations Near Sabaragamuwa

The central bus stations of Colombo and Kandy have several buses that connect to Sabaragamuwa.

Other Options

Taxis, private transfers, and trains are also available for travel from Colombo or Kandy to Sabaragamuwa.

How to Get Around in Sabaragamuwa

Sabaragamuwa has several transportation options to get around, like buses, taxis, and tuk-tuks. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the region at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Sabaragamuwa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to Sabaragamuwa.

  • Nuwara Eliya - A picturesque town known for its tea plantations and colonial architecture, located northwest of Sabaragamuwa.
  • Kitulgala - A small village known for its adventure sports like white water rafting and jungle trekking, located south of Sabaragamuwa.
  • Kandy - A historical city known for its cultural heritage and sacred temples, located northeast of Sabaragamuwa.

Conclusion

Sabaragamuwa is a beautiful and diverse region of Sri Lanka, offering visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip to Sabaragamuwa with ease and make the most of their vacation. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to the jewel of the south!



    Ratnapura