The List
- * The route : Panadura – Horana – Rathnapura –
Haputhale
- *
Itinerary for 3 days : Check below (researched
on net and friends who knew)
- * Budget per head: Rs 6,200 – Rs 7,000
- *
Mode of transport : Car (as a train ride would
take up-to 9 odd hours)
- *Weather check (Accu Weather android app)
- * Cloths fit for cold weather and shoes fit for
walking, umbrellas for rain and caps for sun
- * Torch light for misty weather or unforeseen
power issues (weren’t we glad to have ours when the mighty winds raged and the
power was lost on and off)
- * Toiletries (towels, tooth paste and shampoos coz
Adisham is not a hotel)
- * Cameras, phones, charges and multi-plugs
- * Snacks and water
Visits, Lodging and
Meals (Itinerary)
Since this was a rare chance (I mean getting us all out for
3 consecutive days was quite a challenge) I planned the itinerary to cover as
much ground as possible on our hill country tour. I believe it was quite an
achievement for 3 days starting 3am on a Friday and ending 8pm Sunday back at
home.
The itinerary is listed below with either the official
website or some links to these attractions and hotels which I found the most
informative or attractive. (pls note that this is my individual opinion.) There are so many reviews on each of these
locations available on the net at your disposal.
Thus I’m concentrating on areas of importance
which were not available on the web, hoping to make your journey worthwhile as
ours. Check ‘Tips – The juicy stuff’
1. St.
Bebedict’s Monastery Adisham (bungalow) : Haputhale (http://www.adisham.org/)
2. Lipton’s
seat : Dambathenna (http://www.lakdasun.org/forum/index.php?topic=350.0)
3. Rawana
ella (water fall) : Ella, Badulla district (http://srilankan-natural-beauty-1.blogspot.com/2011/06/ravana-ella-ravana-falls-srilankan.html)
4. 9
Arc bridge : Demodara (http://amazinglanka.com/attractions/demodara_bridge/demodara_bridge.php#axzz37eeFDumv)
5. Bandarawela
hotel : Bandarawela (http://www.aitkenspencehotels.com/bandarawelahotel/)
6. Ampersand -home stay : Diyathalawa (http://www.ampersand-diyatalawa.com/)
7. Bambarakanda
ella (water fall) : Haldummulla, Badulla district. (http://srilankan-natural-beauty-1.blogspot.com/2011/06/bambarakanda-falls.html)
8. Belihul
oya guest house (by ceylon hotel corporation) : Belihul oya (http://ceylonhotelscorporation.com/explore-our-hotels/hotels/rest-house-2/hotel-by-map/107-hotels/242-belihuloya-rest-house.html)
All in ONE map
This
was our route (click the ling to take you to google maps.)
The juicy stuff
1. 1. St. Bebedict’s Monastery Adisham (bungalow) : Haputhale
Best place for peace and tranquility if you are not looking for luxury that is. Check out the web site I’ve
mentioned above for images and how to book.
They charge Rs 2,500/- per person which includes morning coffee, simple
breakfast (bread with scrumptious dhal curry, pol sambol, omlet and Adisham
made jam and butter for the sweet toothed visitor), simple rice and curry,
evening tea and dinner (such as soup and noodles with fish curry)
Tips :
i)
Need a 3 week prior booking as they have a
limited amount of rooms
ii)
Need to submit a letter from a catholic priest
iii)
Get there as early as possible if you want an
untempered view (coz it is open to public on weekends and public holidays. http://www.adisham.org/Leaflet_Eng.pdf)
or cover a few other places (they are equipped to provide breakfast even at
6.30 am if you make a request upon booking)
iv) You can purchase fresh jams made from Adisham
crops
2. Lipton’s seat : Dambathenna
The blog I’ve stated provided the
most accurate
information about this breathtaking view point. Kudos to the
author. Only a few things for me to include...
Tips :
i)
This is not a ride in a low or wide vehicle such
as cars. Best would be a rugged small van (that is the mode the villages
provide as the road gets so narrow that you might end up scratching your
vehicle body.
ii)
Need a skilful driver as my sister, coz you are
in for an obstacle course with no turning back.
iii)
Most importantly, get up there around 9/11 am as
the clouds supposedly set in fast and will ruin the whole view (we made it on
time and had a blissful site)
iv) Parking fee of Rs 100/- and additional Rs 50/-
per head to climb up into the observation pinnacle.
3. Rawana ella (waterfall) : Ella
This is a famous waterfall in Sri
Lanka. However we found it to be real filthy unfortunately and overcrowded.
Tips :
i)
Waterfalls are at their best when they are
flowing with water obviously. Hence choose a rainy weather if possible to have
the best scene.
ii)
There is a parking fee of Rs 50/-
iii)
Try to avoid a dip in the waterfall as the large
crowds visiting have destroyed the natural environment
4. Nine Arc bridge : Demodara
Also known as the nine skies due
to the fact that you are opened to nine views of the sky from beneath it. Check
more on the 9 arc, 4 arc bridges and the amazing demodara loop on the web.
Tips :
i)
The road leading to the bridge is best suited
for walking, so be prepared with your walking shoes.
ii)
All roads lead to demodara, but the short cuts
will save you some energy and time (we were lucky enough to have been led
through a short cut half way through the walk.)
iii)
Be prepared for the hot weather and try to catch
the view of a train crossing over the bridge (may be you can check the train
times from the station directly on +9455-2294171 as information provided on the
web doesn’t seem to be updated for some time). Sun rise or sun set might be
best for a great photograph
5. Bandarawela hotel : Bandarawela
Situated in the heart of the
town, Bandarawela Hotel is managed by Aitken Spence. Delicious food and a beautifully maintained archaic
building with brass knobs on doors and beds and even brass water pipes. Feels
like you are living in the colonial era. Check their web site for more details.
Tips :
i) i) Best time to visit is when the flowers are in
bloom
ii) Best meals throught our journey
6. Ampersand, home-stay : Diyathalawa
This is very close to fox hill
race course and Diyathalawa Army base camp. Managed by the friendly duo, Mr and
Mrs Perera. You have a choice between a beautiful 90 year old heritage bungalow
or a modern up stair for home-stay at your disposal. Feels like home away from
home. Check their web site for pictures and bookings.
Tips :
i)
Just kick back and relax
ii)
Need to get passes if you wanna check out fox
hill
iii)
No need to worry about toiletries etc. as they
are provided
7.
Bambarakanda ella (waterfall) : Haldemmulla, Badulla
The tallest and most peacefully
placed waterfall of Sri Lanka. Unlike Rawana this is situated away from the
main road and charges nominal entrance fee. In addition it includes a hike
through lovely pine trees and has several washrooms placed on your way up the
hill. Ideal for a photo shoot (as we witnessed ;) or a movie back drop)
Tips :
i)
Entrance fee Rs 20/- per Sri Lankan adult
ii)
Again best time is the rainy season when the
water is gushing
iii)
Yes, it’s a safe bet to have a dip in the waters
, that is if you don’t mind the chill (and do mind your step)
8. Belihul oya guest house (by Ceylon hotel corporation) :
Belihul oya
Cool spot to chill, may be even a dip in the river and
meals. This is one of Ceylon Hotel Corporation’s guest houses. The food is good
but nothing to die for. Check their web site for more details
Tips :
i)
If you have a huge appetite after all the
walking and bathing you may opt for the buffet which is Rs 750/- at the time we
visited.
ii) However if you are on a diet or budget
conscious, go for a-la-carte, you will have to wait for about 20 minutes for it
though
With a last stop for tea on our way we reached the warm,
dusty and noisy city limits by night fall with a
promise to meet up again on
another adventure covering Hambanthota, Katharagama and the sorts.
Hope you enjoy my photographs and tips on our holiday to the
beautiful hill country of Sri Lanka. Ciao till our next big excursion.
- End -
