THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

By / June 27, 2024

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its magnificent beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological heritage. This breathtaking location is guaranteed to captivate you with its abundance of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, extensive tea plantations, and delectable Sri Lankan cuisine. The island’s coastline is approximately 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) in length and is distinguished by palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. In addition, the island is renowned for its marine life, and visitors can witness the majesty of the coral reefs by diving, snorkeling, or whale-watching in Mirissa. The picturesque fort city of Galle, as well as the coastal villages of Weligama, Hikkaduwa, and Bentota, are the perfect locations for a relaxing vacation. This article provides a list of Sri Lanka off the beaten track toruist places that can be included in your Sri Lanka package.

SRI LANKA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Sri Lanka is a home for different ethnic groups of people because it is a melting pot of cultures. Thus, there is an intriguing mix of off-the-beaten-path locations to visit in Sri Lanka, regardless of whether you have seen all the country’s well-known tourist sites or are simply eager to visit a few less well-known locations. The top 23 off-the-beaten-path destinations in Sri Lanka are listed below.

WHAT ARE THE TOP LOCALES TO VISIT IN SRI LANK OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

WHAT ARE THE MOST FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IN SRI LANKA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

  • Trekking in Sinharaja’s rainforest
  • Southern Sri Lanka’s Blue Beach Island offers beach hopping, water sports, swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
  • Haputale: alpine trekking
  • Madu River Wetland: watercrafting, aquatic fauna and flora exploration
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: hiking and historical site exploration
  • Discovering historical and religious sites in Kataragama
  • Dova Cave Temple: a tour of sacred and historical sites
  • Mulgirigala: a tour of sacred and historical sites
  • Negombo Lagoon: boating, aquatic plant and animal exploration
  • Bundala National Park: A safari for wildlife
  • Boating and exploring aquatic flora and fauna in Muthurajawela
  • Snorkeling and diving at Pigeon Island
  • Safari for animals in Udawalawe
  • Wildlife safari at Wilpattu National Park
  • Adventure sports in Kitulgala
  • Adams Peak: trekking and temple visits
  • Boating and exploring the water flora and fauna at Kalpitiya Beach
  • Discovering animals at Sri Lanka’s IFS Popham Arboretum
  • Ambukuwawa Tower: an exploration of wildlife
  • Beach hopping on a jungle beach
  • Investigating a prehistoric human habitation in Pahiyanagala cave
  • Investigating the rich flora and fauna of Warnagala forest
  • Ohiya: strolling, hiking, and discovering abundant plants and animals
  • Lunu Ganga: complete with classic Sri Lankan architecture in the structures and furnishings.

Off-the-beaten-track tour in Sri Lanka

WHAT ARE THE 9 FAMOUS TOURS IN SRI LANKA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

OFF THE BEATEN TOURS TO THE SINHARAJA RAINFOREST IN SRI-LANKA

Unquestionably, Sri Lanka is a tropical nation and boasts unparalleled natural resources. Sri Lanka’s most famous and precious natural resource is the Sinharaja rainforest. The Sinharaja rainforest is the sole remaining piece of Gondwanaland in Asia. thus making it comparable to other forests like the Amazon and Kongo because of its diverse fauna and flora, together with its stunning and thriving vegetation. As a result, Sinharaja provides plenty of options for off-the-beaten-path travel in Sri Lanka.

There’s plenty to discover in this off-the-beaten-path location, from the massive, thousands-year-old trees and enthralling fauna to the untamed, towering mountains. Any fan of the outdoors should put Sinharaja, one of the most significant off-the-beaten-path sites in Sri Lanka, on their bucket list. Because of its great biodiversity, the Sinharaja rainforest is one of the many locations in Sri Lanka that provide adventure trips.

One of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja rainforest is home to a wide variety of indigenous plants and animals. It is also one of the planet’s richest rainforests. Sinharaja, which stretches over 800 hectares between the western province of Sri Lanka and Sabaragamuwa province, is home to several bird species, wild Asian elephants, and leopards. It is located around 30 kilometers from stunning beaches on the western coast. Many uncharted areas of Sinharaja remain undiscovered, and daily discoveries of new animal species are the result of scientific research conducted inside the forest.

SRI LANKA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: SOUTHERN PROVINCE BLUE BEACH ISLAND

Known as Sri Lanka’s “wild south,” the expansive southern coastal region is yet another Off the Beaten Track location. A sizable portion of this area is heavily forested, with thorn bushes and various dry zone trees and flora dominating. Southern Sri Lanka has a vast stretch of unspoiled beaches that are off the beaten path and hardly visited by tourists.

Blue Beach Island is in the vicinity of Nilwella, Dikwella, and Matara. A sandbank connects Blue Beach Island to the mainland, and visitors can walk across the sandbank to get to the island. It’s widely believed that the water surrounding Blue Beach Island is perfect for snorkeling. Thus, few local travelers visit Blue Beach Island, which is still an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination.

SRI LANKA IS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: HAPUTALE

If you were choosing high-altitude vacation spots in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya would probably be your first choice. What about the unpopular Haputale? It is very seldom popular. This relaxed mountain resort is the ideal off-the-beaten-path destination in Sri Lanka, nestled away from Nuwara Eliya on the western slope of the central mountain range. The elevation of this unspoiled area is 1431 meters above sea level. This mountain resort is surrounded by towering mountains covered in a canopy of greenery, and it is dotted with sections of woodland, tea plantations, tumbling waterfalls, and tiny villages.

SRI LANKA ADVENTURE TOUR TO MADU ESTUARY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

The impressive Madu river estuary near Bentota beach is home to the Madu River Wetland, the biggest group of inhabited islands in Sri Lanka. Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in this Ramsar wetland. A world inside a world, boating, and canoeing in the wetland of the Madu River is the finest way to discover this off-the-beaten-track tourist site, which is located near the western coast beaches of Sri Lanka.

The wetland of Madu offers a plethora of off-the-beaten-track activities and most of them are water-based activities such as fishing, exploring mangrove forests, kayaking and visiting historical Buddhist temples on the island. All of these activities are on the bucket list of visitors to this off-the-beaten-track attraction. The Madu River Estuary is a well-liked destination in Sri Lanka. The beaten-track trip primarily draws visitors from the beaches on the south and west coasts because they’re easy to get to from these locations.

DOES SIGIRIYA OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

One of the most well-liked off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations in Sri Lanka is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. If you’re an avid climber but don’t think you’re athletic enough to tackle Everest, you should give the Sigiriya rock fortress some thought. Climbing the Sigiriya rock castle is far less difficult than scaling massive mountains like Mount Everest. This is an excursion that is appropriate for all ages, lasting no more than two hours. Sigiriya’s significance stems from historical elements, in addition to its appeal as an adventure destination.

Constructed in the fifth century AD, Sigiriya is one of the world’s oldest landscaped gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As things stand right now, there’s just one way up the rock. For both inexperienced and seasoned mountain climbers, the stairs offer an extremely simple ascent. Awe-inspiring views from the rock’s peak and a chance to see some of the earliest paintings, known as Sigiriya Apsaras, await climbers halfway up the rock.

There are numerous off-the-beaten-path locations to discover in Sigiriya

Which Sigiriya tourist sites are the most well-liked?

  • Pidurangala Stone
  • The wildlife reserve of Sigiriya
  • Lake Sigiriya
  • Village of Hiriwadunna
  • Hurulu Environmental Park

A SRI LANKAN TOURIST DESTINATION OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: KATARAGAMA

If you find the hustle and bustle of Kandy too much, Kataragama is a more tranquil option. The areas are frequently referred to as God’s Kataragama or Murugan’s dwelling; this locale is God’s own nation. This peaceful, off-the-beaten-path community is located next to the banks of the sacred “Menik Ganga” river. Visitors who go to the well-known Kataragama temple are followers of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. You are really fortunate to be able to see one of the most vibrant pageants on the island in the Kataragama Esala ceremony during the months of July and August.

A TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION IN THE MOUNTAIN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: DOVA CAVE TEMPLE

Located approximately 10 km south of Bandarawela on the route to Kataragama and Yala from Nuwara Eliya, the Dova cave temple is frequently described to as a component of Ravana’s subterranean tube network. It dates back approximately 7,000 years. The temple is now solely a Buddhist place of worship, complete with dozens of Buddha statues and an exquisitely painted image house.

The current temple was built during the 11th-century Polonnaruwa period. Few tourists ever visit the temple because it is mostly unknown to the island’s residents. Even the majority of local tourists are unaware of the temple, which is an undiscovered historical monument in Sri Lanka. The primary feature at the temple is a naturally occurring cave. The roomy cave is home to numerous Buddha sculptures and antique murals that show various events from the Buddha’s life.

One of the temple’s main attractions is a half-finished, half-hewn standing Buddha statue that is thought to have originated from the Polonnaruwa period. Historians have proposed over the years that the temple was occupied even during the Polonnaruwa period, based on this ancient Budah figure. The internal strife on the island brought on by the entrance of invaders from South India has prevented the completion of the fifty-foot-tall standing Buddha statue. According to archaeologists, the temple was abandoned because the invading forces made it unsafe for people to reside in.

MOVING TO MULGIRIGALA OFF-THE-BEATEN-TOURIST ATTRACTION

One of the island’s oldest temples, Mulgirigala, is located close to Tangalle. This ancient temple dates to the second century BC, pre-Christian times. It had served as a study center, a library, and a complex of Buddhist temples. The ancient library had contained a vast amount of books and manuscripts, including numerous first editions of novels. The learned monks at the monastery wrote the books. Every book published on the island, whether it be secular or religious, has been copied by the monks.

The library had attracted scholars from all around the world who came to borrow priceless writings. The monks who were meditating had taken refuge in the caverns located in the temple’s lowest level. Here were scholars from all around the island who were studying Buddhism and meditation. These days, Mulgirigala is a valuable archeological site that both foreigners and Sri Lankans have visited.

The temple is spread across four stories, with various tunnels housing the library from ancient times at the lowest point of the structure. About ten meters separate the second level from the first. Here, at Sacred Bo-tree, are the ancient granite caverns that were transformed into picture houses. At this level, there are numerous caves containing priceless Buddha statues. Several centuries ago, the statues were created.

Although the trail to the peak, or highest level, is only 500 meters long, the ascent is extremely steep. The ascent increasingly steepens, with the most challenging section at the summit, where the steps are chiseled into the solid rock. There are multiple granite caverns on the third level of the ascent, and you are rewarded with a broad perspective of the verdant surroundings.

The third floor goes around the rim of an over a thousand-foot sheer precipice. This location displays an abundance of historical Buddha statues and artworks. A few of the statues have recently undergone renovations and are in excellent shape. However, during the past few centuries, paintings have not been preserved and are in a state of disrepair.

The final section of the climb is the hardest to complete because of how steep and narrow it is in some spots, making it nearly impossible to move on. The medieval Stupa and stretches of dry zone evergreen in southern Sri Lanka were visible at the top of the hike.

NEGOMBO LAGOON

If you were unaware of the existence of the Negombo lagoon and its mangrove vegetation, you can pardon yourself as One of the biggest mangrove forests in the nation is found in Negombo Lagoon, which covers a sizable area. Thus, It is not included on most tour itineraries of Sri Lanka, despite its significance as one of the nation’s last surviving mangrove forests. Nonetheless, a visit to this amazing and intriguing natural forest is highly recommended.

Do you want to avoid the crowds when visiting Yala National Park? The distance from Yale Wildlife Reserve to Bundala National Park is around one hour by car. Adjacent to the Yala wildlife reserve, Bundala national park offers tourists the best chance of seeing the majority of the park’s roving animals. One of the greatest spots to see a wide variety of bird species is Bundala. Thus, Every Sri Lankan bird-watching tour includes a stop at Bundala. Bundala is the final resting site of a bird that travels in the southern hemisphere from October to March.

A VISITOR ATTRACTION AWAY FROM THE OFF-BEATEN TRACK COLOMBO: MUTURAJAWELA WETLAND

The Muthurajawela Wetland is just 20 miles from Sri Lanka’s business hub, Colombo City Tour. It is a nature lover’s paradise. There are several different varieties of mangroves and their inhabitants in Muthurajawela. Numerous fish species, as well as reptiles, birds, insects, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, live there. It can be characterized as a destination that bird watchers, animal lovers, and nature aficionados simply must see.

The marsh receives nourishment from numerous shallow streams that run into it, carrying earth’s leftovers. Therefore, it is extremely rich in different kinds of mangroves. When it rains a lot, Muthurajawela serves as a floodwater trap, enabling extra water to enter. The best way to experience it is by boat; you may take in the riverine setting of this naturally occurring wetland by taking a boat tour through the wetland on the shallow canals.

A knowledgeable tour guide will be able to show you around and provide you with an explanation of the wide variety of fauna, which includes crocodiles, long-tail leaf monkeys, and a wide variety of aquatic bird species. The boat excursion typically lasts four hours and begins early in the morning or evening. The animals are at their most active and the birds are easiest to view at this time of day.

WHAT IS THE MOST FAMOUS OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK TOURIST DESTINATION FOR SNORKELLING AND DIVING IN SRI LANKA?

One of the least well-liked places in Sri Lanka for diving and snorkeling is the Pigeon Island Marine Sanctuary on the east coast. is situated on Sri Lanka’s east coast, around 20 kilometers from the capital city of Trincomalee. It is a top-notch diving location that draws lots of divers each year. The abundant underwater life at Pigeon Island underwater Sanctuary makes it an excellent choice for both expert and inexperienced divers. There are a lot of coral reefs there, which extend from the shallow waters to the deep ocean.

Pigeon Island and its environs are included in the marine park. Nilaweli, a popular beach resort on the east coast, located approximately five nautical miles away from Pigeon Island. The variety of unusual fish species that live on the reefs fascinates many visitors who come here to dive and snorkel. In addition to fishing, shipwreck discovery, and whale viewing, the waters surrounding Pigeon Island are ideal for these activities.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TOURIST ATTRACTION: UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK

One of the most well-known national parks on Sri Lanka’s west coast is Udawalawe.  From the island’s west coast beach vacation spots, it is conveniently accessible. One of the nation’s most popular national parks is Udawalawe. Off-the-beaten-path activities in Sri Lanka, such trekking, caving, exploring the jungle, kayaking, and wildlife trips, are abundant in Udawalawe.

Elephant viewing is a popular activity in the national park, which was founded in the 1960s. Due to the abundance of elephant food, water tanks, and the vast amount of space set aside for animal habitation, Udawalawe National Park is home to a large population of elephants. Comparing Udawlawe National Park to other national parks on the island, it offers a greater chance of seeing wild elephants. This national park is situated next to the Udawalawe reservoir and spans the arid zone of Sri Lanka. Numerous species of animals, including crocodiles, elephants, leopards, and bears, can be found in the national park.

OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK TOURIST ATTRACTION-SPOTTING LEOPARDS IN WILPATTU

The presence of “Willus” (natural lakes), which are sand-rimmed natural basins that collect rainwater, is one of the park’s unique features. There are more than a dozen Willus and tanks in the park, which makes them crucial water storage structures.

The national park is situated close to the cultural triangle in northeastern Sri Lanka. Due to its location on the main route connecting Anuradhapura with Colombo, the park can be included in tours and excursions intended for visitors to Anuradhapura. It makes historical places like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Yapahuwa easily accessible to tourists. One of the best places in Asia to see leopards is Wilpattu National Park. It was closed for more than 30 years for security concerns and is home to many leopards. Wilpattu, spanning 1317 square kilometers, is the nation’s largest national park.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH DESTINATION FOR ADVENTURE SPORTS IN KITULGALA

Kitulgala, located in the Sabaragamuwa province, is a well-liked off-the-beaten-path vacation spot in Sri Lanka. It draws a lot of adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts who come to partake in heart-pounding activities like white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, rock climbing, and mountain climbing. Nevertheless, only a small percentage of tourists who go on Sri Lanka tours are drawn to it because it is not on their radar. Travelers can easily access Kitulgala by road from this little, rural settlement, which is located on the main road connecting Awissawella and Nuwara Eliya. Kitulgala is a highly possible destination for one-day vacations in Sri Lanka from Colombo and many other beach resorts because of its close proximity to Colombo.

OFF THE BEATEN DESTINATION FOR HIKING: ADMAS PEAK

Situated on the hill country’s western slope in Sri Lanka, Adams Peak is a hidden treasure. Due to its lack of awareness among most international travelers, it is one of the most uncommon spots to visit. Adventure seekers and nature lovers should consider hiking Adams Peak. This is the ideal chance for you if you enjoy spending time in nature and beautiful scenery. Over the course of the about five-hour hike at Adams Peak, all that is visible is the infinite, lusciously green forest. The trek at Adams Peak often begins at midnight and ends at the summit around five in the morning, allowing hikers to see the sunrise. Many people choose to climb Adams Peak specifically for the sunrise vista, which is regarded as one of the most breathtaking views in the area.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK BEACHES IN SRI LANKA: KALPITIYA

Unlike most other popular beaches on the island, Pigeon Island has plenty of open space around you, so it’s not common to lie elbow to elbow with other travelers. This beach is located off the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, secluded from the main island. For most travelers, the best-kept secrets are still the Puttalam lagoon and the Kalpitiya beach. The primary cause of the west coast’s unpopularity among tourists is its remoteness.

Due to the rocky and rough terrain of Kalpitiya Beach, sea erosion has been occurring for millennia. According to geologists, this undiscovered beach used to be considerably larger than what it is now, but erosion caused it to shrink. During the off-peak holiday season (April to November), it is completely isolated; nevertheless, during the peak vacation season (November to April), you may run into a few foreign visitors.

IFS POPHAM ARBORETUM

The Organization of Ruk Rakaganno, or “protectors of trees,” is in charge of managing the forest at IFS Popham Arboretum. These two terms have the following definitions, according to the Oxford English Dictionary: “A botanical tree garden is a location dedicated to the cultivation and display of rare trees.” One of the island’s best examples of forest regeneration is Popham Arboretum.

Less than an hour’s drive from Dambulla, the forest is situated in the center of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.  The nation’s most valuable hardwood species forest is found at IFS Popham Arboretum. Collection specimens include Jack tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), ebony (Diospyros ebenum), satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia), and ironwood (Mesua nagassarium). With priceless tropical trees all around it, this priceless woodland offers a serene and calm atmosphere.

This forest is easily accessible from the Sigiriya and Dambulla world heritage sites via the large road. Due to the abundance of historical sites and the region’s abundant natural resources, the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is well-known. Important locations like the Ironwood Forest and the IFS Popham Arboretum are seldom visited. The well-known and internationally recognized Sri Lankan architect Jeffrey Bawa created the design for the IFS Popham Arboretum tourist center.

The fee of entry to this important site is a small fraction of what one must pay to enter neighboring cultural sites. Despite the cultural triangle drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each month, this important secondary forest was receiving relatively little use. Information indicates that the pattern has shifted over the previous several years, indicating a rise in people’s enthusiasm for the natural world. Some valuable hardwood species, like ebony, have become extremely uncommon in the environment due to illegal timber exploitation. Thankfully, locations such as the IFS Popham arboretum are useful for viewing live specimens of these endangered trees.

Approximately seventy distinct species of trees can be found in the woodland. Many different animal species find the habitat that the forest has produced to be highly appealing. It is home to numerous uncommon and untamed animal species. Animals including the Sri Lankan giant squirrel (Rtufa macroura), dry zone slender loris (Loris tardigradus tardigradus), and white-spotted mouse-deer (Moshiola meeminna) live there. The most prevalent birds in this area are the Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostrifs), Blue-Tailed Bee Eater (Merops philippinus), and Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus).

About fifty years ago, the region in the dry zone where it is located was completely covered in dense jungle. However, the forest cover was reduced to thorny shrubs as a result of the growing human settlement and the need for wood. Sam Popham, a tea farmer and veteran of the Second World War, founded the IFS Popham Arboretum.  After graduating from Cambridge, he developed a strong interest in Sri Lanka’s stunning forests and was a nature lover. In 1963, he began to establish this secondary forest as part of an experiment called the “Popham method.”

The approach he took was straightforward but effective. In the early stages, the forest was left to grow naturally without any plants. However, the tree saplings were purchased externally. The local tree species required little maintenance and flourished despite the region’s arid climate. Only situations like wildfires or damage from animals like cattle require human action. In a short period of time, it has grown into a mature secondary evergreen dry zone forest.

Due to poor health, Popham returned to his home nation of England after working hard for almost fifty years. His ecological treasure was given to the Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS); it was further developed under their direction and given to the Ruk Rakaganno Society in 2005. The naturalist claims that it is extremely difficult to locate a group of priceless trees like this one, making Mr. Popham’s ecological accomplishments really noteworthy.

OFF THE BEATEN TOURIST ATTRACTION IN KADY: AMBULUWAWA TOWER

Away-from-the-beaten-path tourist destination in Kandy—the Ambuwalaw Tower

Ambuluwawa is among the Island’s lesser-known tourist destinations. This is a lesser-known tourist destination nestled in the Gampola town neighborhood of Kandy. Gampola is only 5 miles away from it. The upcountry major road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya passes by a huge tower erected on a mountain in the shape of a dagoba, or dome-shaped edifice. The tower is known as “Ambukuwawa Tower” because it is located atop Ambuluwawa Mountain, hence the name of the mountain.

Few tourists visit this off-the-beaten-path tourist destination because of its lack of appeal. Reaching a height of 48 meters, the tower offers an amazing vantage point over the neighboring valleys and mountains.

Ambuluwawa is a highly biodiverse forest reserve. Many different types of flora and fauna can be found in the Ambukluwawa Forest Reserve. The most significant reward for climbers of Ambulkuwawa Mountain is the beautiful panorama.

BIO-DIVERSITY OF AMBULUWAWA

Below are the findings from a survey that a group of University of Jayawardenapura students conducted on Ambuluwawa’s biodiversity. In the months of January and February 2003, the survey was conducted. There have been 126 species found at Amubuluwawa in all.

  • There are 11 kinds of mammals, one of which is endemic
  • 59 bird species, seven of which are indigenous
  • 13 endemic species out of thirty reptile species
  • 13 amphibian species, six of which are indigenous
  • 13 species of butterflies, including two endemic kinds

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK BEACH IN SOUTHERN SRI LANKA: JUNGLE BEACH

Between Galle and Mirissa, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is Jungle Beach. Many tourists visit some of the most well-known beaches on the south coast, including Koggala, Unawatuna, Ahangama, and Galle. On the other hand, a tropical bush encloses the isolated beach known as bush Beach.

Tucked away from Galle city, Jungle Beach is a largely unvisited beach area. This means that this undiscovered beach is remote. The beach offers you the finest chance to sunbathe, enjoy the sea, and play in the sand thanks to its broad, sandy beach and shallow water. The months of November through April, which coincide with the northeast monsoon, are the ideal times of year to visit a jungle beach. The best time to swim, snorkel, and wade in the sea is during this time of year since it is peaceful and serene.

PAHIYANALA CAVE OF GRANITE

The pure, untamed landscape surrounding Kitulagla has witnessed the rise and fall of several civilizations over millennia. But approximately 40,000 years ago, the island was home to Homo sapiens balangodensis, also known as Balangoda Man, a member of the Stone Age human population of Sri Lanka. Recent discoveries indicate that the Balangoda Man was a hunter as well as an agriculturalist. The lush woodland surrounding Pahiyanagala Cave was Homo sapiens balangodensis’ preferred hunting habitat. In the past, they lived in caves and relied mostly on farming and hunting for their food.

The most recent discovery at the Pahiyanagla by renowned Colombo archaeologist Oshan Wedage confirms that Balangoda men used arrowheads to pursue quickly moving prey like squirrels and monitors. This suggests that Bakangoda was the first person to employ arrows on the African continent. Only a small number of tourists visit this off-the-beaten-path destination each year. It does, however, yield a wealth of information regarding Sri Lanka’s prehistoric human population. In addition to several skeletons, archaeologists have found stone tools that these prehistoric tribal people utilized.

FOREST OF WARNAGALA

The Ratnapura district’s Kuruvita is home to the Warnagala Forest. One of the simplest destinations for a one-day journey from Colombo is the Warnagala Forest, but few tourists visit it since it’s off the usual tourist path. Most trip itineraries in Sri Lanka do not include a visit to Warnagala forest. Since it was designated as a conservation zone in January 2022, perhaps future travelers would notice its ecological significance and be drawn to the area.

Sri Lanka’s Warnagala is a valuable ecological resource. Its lowland wet evergreen flora is highly valued, contributing to its extremely valuable environment. This forest reserve is said to be home to 383 plant and animal species, including 219 mammal species and 164 blooming plant species. This reserve is home to Podochilus warnagalensis, an indigenous species in our nation.

In the Warnagala Reserve, eleven endangered species and four endangered and endangered species have been recognized. This reserve is also home to the endemic Webless Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus hypomelas).

OHIYA

Ohiya is among Sri Lanka’s top off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations if you enjoy the outdoors, wildness, cold weather, stunning green mountains, bubbling waterfalls, and tea estates with hiking trails.  One of the most picturesque, sleepy, hill country settlements is Ohiya, which has a modest population. Most visitors come to Ohiya to take advantage of its distinct mild climate and picturesque surroundings. The third-highest railway station on the island, Ohiya, is arguably the most well-liked by tourists. It is located 1774 meters above sea level. Traveling through the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or the other way around will undoubtedly bring you to this railway station. It’s on the hill country train route, directly after the 20th tunnel from the Kandy railway station. 

Many people who love the outdoors and adventure are interested in Ohiya, the railway station. As the entry point to Horton Plains National Park, Ohiya Railway Station offers convenient access to numerous additional tourist destinations, including Bambarkanda Waterfall, Kalupahana, Yakhsyage Kalupahana (the Demon Black Lamp), and more. These are all popular destinations for camping, trekking, and hiking, and they are all natural tourism attractions.   

BAWAS GARDEN (LUNU GANGA)

Architect Jeffrey Bawa, who was born in Sri Lanka, had a significant influence on the country’s architecture and landscape. In actuality, his influence may be seen throughout most of southeast Asia and even beyond Sri Lanka’s boundaries. Many grandiose and futile projects, like the Parliament building and the Bluewater hotel, are examples of his expertise. Lunu Ganga is his own personal labor of love, and this garden is the result of much love and care on his part. The garden is distinctive in many ways, and he painstakingly tailored it to his preferences. Following his death, Bawa trust was established, and now all of Lunu Ganga’s property is under its jurisdiction.

Bawa Garden is situated next to the Bentota River and spans 25 acres. Before he brought his numerous creative ideas into the actual world, Bawa tested them in his garden. The garden is now accessible to the public; in fact, guests can take a guided tour of the Bawas garden to discover its many interesting features. You can obtain a good understanding of the life, career, and aesthetic of this seasoned architect by going to Lunu Ganga. A vast array of exquisite furniture with distinctive Sri Lankan architecture is on display at Lunu Ganga. The numerous structures were constructed in collaboration with both foreign and traditional Sri Lankan architects.

Seerendipity Excursions is prepared to create an appropriate package for your Sri Lanka off-the-beaten-track tour if you would like to take any of the aforementioned off-the-beaten-track excursions. For further details, please contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com or 0094-77-4440977.

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