Bandarawela

Description

Located in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, in the Badulla District is the picturesque town of Bandarawela. The town is located about 28 kilometres from Badulla and approximately 200 kilometers from the island’s capital – Colombo. Bandarawela is popular among international tourists as well as locals because of its lush greenery and for its cool climate, resulting from its altitude. The town is quite easily accessible by bus and train. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, Bandarwela is the ideal getaway for those looking to escape the heat and hustle and bustle of the city. During colonial times, the town was a favorite among the British. It is therefore home to English-style buildings, houses and gardens. The area is also renowned for producing some of the best tea in the world and is considered a base for eco-tourism. There is a sizeable population of Muslims here, so Muslim tourist will be able to locate Muslim-friendly facilities in Bandarawela.

Bandarawela is the perfect place for nature lovers. It is home to lush greenery and tea plantations, for as far as the eye can see. Bandarawela does not disappoint when it comes to natural beauty. While here, tourists get to observe how the world-renowned Sri Lankan tea is picked and manufactured. A visit to one of the tea estates in the area is an absolute must.

Bandarawela is also home to numerous waterfalls which cascade gracefully down the mountains. Two of the popular ones are Diyaluma and Rawana Falls; which tourists will see on their way to the town.

Another reason Bandarawela is popular among nature lovers is because its serene landscape provides the opportunity for tourists to hike, cycle and trek.

This popular sought after Sri Lankan destination is home to British colonial architecture which can be seen all around town. Tourist visiting Bandarawela must make it a point to visit the town. Here, visitors will find numerous shops and restaurants where they will be able to sip on some piping hot, freshly-picked tea.

There are numerous other attractions located in areas just outside of Bandarawela, like Liption’s Seat; located in Haputale, the Udawalawe Wildlife Sanctuary; located in Monaragala, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Horton Plains National Park.

Nearby Airports

The closest international airport to Bandarawela is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located about 98 kilometers away, in Hambantota. This airport however does not receive that many international flights. Sri Lanka’s main airport; Bandaranaike International Airport, in Katunayake is located approximately 212 kilometers from Bandarawela.

Halal Restaurants

Muslim tourists will be able to find a few Halal restaurants in Bandarwawela. Most of these restaurants are known to serve a selection of local dishes, as well as a range of other dishes. Most of the restaurants which serve Halal food in Bandarawela have some sort of signage saying they are Halal. Muslim tourists can also make inquiries about the names of the other Halal restaurants in Bandarawela at the local mosque. In Bandarawela, there are also numerous street food carts as well as restaurants which serve delicious vegetarian food.

Mosques

There are a couple of mosques in Bandarawela. The Mohideen Masjid is the most prominent one. Muslim tourists will however find it difficult to locate other prayer areas when outside the town; therefore it is best for them to offer their prayers in the hotel room, when possible. There are also numerous open areas where tourists could pray when traveling to the outskirts of Bandarawela

Things to Do and See in Bandarawela

• Horton Plains
• Nearby waterfalls
• Tea plantations
• Visit a tea factory
• Hakgala Botanical Gardens
• Udawalawe Wildlife Sanctuary
• Walk around town