Uva Travel Guide (Sri Lanka/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Uva

Uva, located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, is a paradise for travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of the country. Consisting of two districts, Badulla and Monaragala, Uva boasts beautiful landscapes, pristine waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and rich culture. Uva is a popular destination among eco-tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Sri Lanka.

List of Places to Visit in Uva

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Uva has a rich historical and cultural heritage that dates back to the ancient times. Some of the must-visit culturally important attractions in Uva include:

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara: This ancient Buddhist temple is located in Badulla and is believed to be one of the sixteen most sacred places of worship for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
Dunhinda Falls: This is a stunning waterfall located near Badulla, with a height of 64 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular picnic spot.
Buduruwagala Statue: This is a group of ancient Buddhist rock sculptures that date back to the 10th century. The tallest statue is 16 meters high and is a popular tourist attraction.
Adisham Bungalow: This is a colonial-era mansion located in Haputale, which has been converted into a museum. The museum displays the life and times of Sir Thomas Villiers, who was a British planter in Sri Lanka.

Natural Attractions of Uva: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Uva has an abundance of natural beauty, from lush green forests to majestic mountains. Some of the must-visit natural attractions of Uva are:

Ella Rock: This is a popular hiking destination in Uva, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike is around 5 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Horton Plains National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Lipton’s Seat: This is a viewpoint located in Haputale, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations and mountains. It is named after Sir Thomas Lipton, a British tea planter who used to visit the spot to enjoy the views.
Bambarakanda Falls: This is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a height of 263 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Uva

Uva is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with many scenic routes to explore. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Uva are:

Ella to Kandy: This is a popular hiking route that takes you through the beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range.
Haputale to Horton Plains: This is a scenic biking route that takes you through lush tea plantations and forests, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Uva: Activities and Tours

There are many exciting activities and tours that you can indulge in while in Uva. Some of the best things to do in Uva are:

Tea Plucking and Tasting: Uva is famous for its tea plantations, and you can take a tour to see how tea is plucked and processed. You can also taste different varieties of tea.
Adventurous Activities: There are many adventurous activities to try in Uva, such as white water rafting, rock climbing, and zip-lining.
Wildlife Safari: You can take a wildlife safari to the Yala National Park, which is home to leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Week-Long Itinerary for Uva

If you’re planning to spend a week in Uva, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day	Activity
1	Explore Badulla
2	Hike to Ella Rock
3	Visit Horton Plains National Park
4	Wildlife Safari at Yala National Park
5	Biking Tour to Lipton’s Seat
6	Relax at a Tea Estate
7	Shopping at Local Markets

Food and Drink Scene of Uva

Must-Try Dishes

Uva has a unique cuisine, with many authentic dishes to try. Some of the must-try dishes in Uva are:

Kottu Roti: This is a popular Sri Lankan dish made with shredded roti, vegetables, and meat.
Hoppers: These are Sri Lankan pancakes made with a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk.
Fish Curry: This is a spicy curry made with fish, coconut milk, and a variety of spices.

Local Beverages

Uva is famous for its tea plantations, and you can try different varieties of tea while in Uva. You can also try Arrack, a local alcoholic beverage made from coconut flowers.

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

There are many accommodation options in Uva, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay in Uva are:

98 Acres Resort and Spa: This is a luxury resort located in Ella, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Ella Spice Garden: This is a budget-friendly hostel located in Ella, with cozy rooms and a friendly staff.
Monte Rosa Guest House: This is a beautiful guesthouse located in Haputale, with stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations.

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

You can buy many souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Uva. Some of the best things to buy in Uva are:

Tea: Uva is famous for its tea plantations, and you can buy different varieties of tea.
Spices: Sri Lanka is known for its spices, and you can buy different spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom in Uva.
Handicrafts: You can buy beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans, such as wooden carvings and batik textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Uva

Uva has a rich cultural heritage, and locals are friendly and hospitable. Here are some tips to keep in mind while in Uva:

Dress Modestly: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious places.
Respect Local Customs: Sri Lanka has many customs and traditions, and it’s important to respect them while in Uva.
Learn Some Local Phrases: Learning a few local phrases will go a long way in making the locals feel appreciated.

Best Time to Visit Uva

The best time to visit Uva is during the dry season from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and there’s no rain. However, Uva can be visited year-round, as the weather is relatively mild throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Uva

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while in Uva:

Do:

Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect the customs and traditions of the locals.
Dress Modestly: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious places.
Take Off Your Shoes: It’s customary to take off your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.

Don’t:

Disrespect Religious Sites: Sri Lanka is a religious country, and it’s important to respect the religious sites and temples.
Litter: Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, and it’s important to keep it clean.
Engage in Illegal Activities: Sri Lanka has strict laws, and it’s important to abide by them while in Uva.

Safety and Health

Safety in Uva

Uva is a relatively safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to take necessary precautions while traveling. Here are a few safety tips:

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and belongings while traveling in Uva.
Take Taxis from Reputable Companies: It’s important to use taxis from reputable companies, especially at night.
Avoid Solo Travel at Night: It’s not advisable to travel alone at night.

Health in Uva

Uva is a safe destination when it comes to health concerns, but it’s always a good idea to take necessary precautions. Here are some health tips:

Drink Bottled Water: It’s important to drink bottled water, especially in rural areas of Uva.
Get Vaccinated: It’s recommended to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis before traveling to Uva.
Pack a First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to pack a first aid kit with basic medical supplies.

Getting to Uva: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Uva

The nearest airport to Uva is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is around 200 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take a bus or a train to reach Uva.

Bus Stations Near Uva

Uva is well-connected by bus to other parts of Sri Lanka. The main bus stations in Uva are located in Badulla and Haputale.

Other Options

You can also reach Uva by taking a train from Colombo to Badulla or Haputale.

How to Get Around in Uva

The best way to get around in Uva is by taking a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled vehicle that’s commonly used for transportation in Sri Lanka. You can also hire a car or a motorcycle to explore Uva.

Where to Go Next from Uva: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Uva is well-connected to other destinations in Sri Lanka. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Uva are:

Nuwara Eliya: This is a scenic hill station located around 60 kilometers from Uva, known for its tea plantations and waterfalls.
Arugam Bay: This is a popular surfing destination located around 150 kilometers from Uva, with beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.
Kandy: This is a cultural and historical city located around 150 kilometers from Uva, known for its temples and cultural festivals.

Conclusion

Uva is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich culture. From stunning waterfalls and tea plantations to ancient temples and museums, Uva has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip to Uva, and enjoy your stay!

Beragala

Kataragama