Gampaha Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gampaha with this comprehensive travel guide that includes a list of places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Gampaha, Sri Lanka

Located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, Gampaha is a colorful city filled with rich history, beautiful landscapes, and an array of cultural experiences. In this travel guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to plan your trip to Gampaha.

List of Places to Visit in Gampaha

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gampaha holds immense importance in Sri Lanka’s history, making it a culturally rich destination. Some of the must-visit museums and historical places in Gampaha include:

  1. Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
  2. Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute
  3. Vihara Maha Devi Park
  4. Ambepussa War Memorial
  5. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Natural Attractions of Gampaha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gampaha is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Here are some of the natural attractions you should include in your itinerary:

  1. Maha Oya River
  2. Provincial Arboretum
  3. Wathurugama Forest Reserve
  4. Doranagoda Ella Falls
  5. Ma Oya Reservoir

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gampaha

Gampaha is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

  1. Kandalama Lake Trail
  2. Pidurangala Trail
  3. Sigiriya Rock Fortress Trail
  4. Knuckles Mountain Range Trail
  5. Horton Plains Trail

Best Things to Do in Gampaha: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the museums and historical places or outdoor activities, Gampaha has a lot to offer to tourists. Here are some of the best things to do in Gampaha:

  1. Learn traditional pottery-making techniques
  2. Take a cooking class to learn the local cuisine
  3. Join a tea plantation tour
  4. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage
  5. Go on a shopping spree at the local markets

Week-Long Itinerary for Gampaha

Here’s an example of a week-long itinerary to help you plan your trip to Gampaha:

Day 1 Visit Vihara Maha Devi Park and Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
Day 2 Explore Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute and Ambepussa War Memorial
Day 3 Go on a hiking/biking tour of the Kandalama Lake Trail
Day 4 Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Provincial Arboretum
Day 5 Take a tour of a tea plantation and learn the traditional pottery-making techniques
Day 6 Go on a shopping spree at the local markets and enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage
Day 7 Take a cooking class and learn to prepare the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Gampaha

Sri Lanka is famous for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, and Gampaha has its own unique food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kottu Roti
  2. Hoppers
  3. Polos Curry
  4. Wambatu Moju
  5. String Hoppers with Kiri Hodhi

Local Beverages

  1. King Coconut Water
  2. Ceylon Tea
  3. Ginger Beer
  4. Arrack
  5. Wood Apple Juice

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

Gampaha offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the region:

  1. Hotel Clarion
  2. Thalahena Rest
  3. Ivory Inn
  4. Ratnaloka Tour Inn
  5. Blue Gum Hotel

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

Gampaha is a great destination for shopping enthusiasts. Here are some souvenirs and local products you should consider bringing home:

  1. Handicrafts made with coconut shells
  2. Spices and herbal oils from the Ayurveda Institute
  3. Traditional pottery
  4. Tea and traditional tea-making tools
  5. Hand-woven garments and batiks

Local Culture and Customs of Gampaha

Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse culture, and Gampaha is no exception. Here are some local customs and etiquette tips you should keep in mind during your visit:

  1. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka, and visitors should respect their customs and traditions.
  2. Take off your shoes before entering temples and other religious sites.
  3. Dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders.
  4. Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka.
  5. Avoid touching someone’s head, which is considered disrespectful in Sri Lankan culture.

Best Time to Visit Gampaha

The best time to visit Gampaha is between December and May, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gampaha

Do:

  1. Visit the local markets and try out the local cuisine.
  2. Respect the local customs and traditions.
  3. Plan ahead and book your accommodations and tours in advance.
  4. Keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun during outdoor activities.
  5. Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhalese to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect religious sites and customs.
  2. Use or carry drugs, which are illegal in Sri Lanka.
  3. Take photographs of people without their consent.
  4. Litter or damage the environment.
  5. Dress inappropriately or provocatively in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gampaha

Gampaha is relatively safe for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable possessions with you.
  2. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe.
  3. Use licensed taxis or public transportation to get around.
  4. Be cautious when traveling alone at night.
  5. Avoid political demonstrations or gatherings.

Health in Gampaha

Before traveling to Sri Lanka, it’s essential to update your vaccinations and talk to your doctor about any necessary medications. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria are common in Sri Lanka, so make sure to use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing.

Getting to Gampaha: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gampaha

  1. Bandaranaike International Airport (17 km)

Bus Stations Near Gampaha

  1. Gampaha Bus Stand

Other Options

  1. Private taxis
  2. Rental cars
  3. Tuk-tuks

How to Get Around in Gampaha

There are several transportation options available to explore Gampaha, including local buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and rental cars. Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around, but make sure to agree on a price before beginning your journey.

Where to Go Next from Gampaha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gampaha is conveniently located near several popular destinations, making it a great starting point for further exploration. Some of the nearby excursions include:

  1. Colombo
  2. Negombo
  3. Kandy
  4. Dambulla
  5. Anuradhapura

Conclusion

Gampaha is a great destination for those who want to explore Sri Lanka’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have all the information needed to plan your trip and enjoy your stay in this beautiful city.