GP Travels

  The beautiful Bambarakiri Ella waterfalls are within the Matale district of the central province, near the Rattota town. The falls are mighty and at the same time, pleasant. Two falls subside here. A small fall is hidden inside the jungle and is named ‘Kuda Bambarakiri Ella’ where ‘Kuda’ implies ‘little’. The primary falls allow tourists to sit peacefully and enjoy the sound of splashing water. A rope bridge also exists which stretches over the falls is an excellent addition to the scenic beauty. The falls are an alluring sight for clicking perfect wallpaper pictures; however, safety comes first as the Bambarakiri Ella falls is not safe for swimming and bathing. The falls are divided within three cascades that is the tallest slope, the natural pool and the slope at the edge of the natural one, which is a rocky point. Bamabarakiri Ella is an ideal place to visit while in Sri Lanka. 📍 Location & Access Around 16 km from Matale Roughly 5 km uphill from Rattota Easily...

  Pitawala 'Pathana' is a grassland located in the Matale district. It is more famously known for its resemblance to World's End in the Horton Plains National Park. It is a part of in the Knuckles Conservation Forest located in the central province. This grassland provides an overwhelming view of the valleys and the Knuckles mountain range. Pitawala Pathana also has significant ecological value and a host to a wide range of endemic species. Pitawala Pathana is a distinctive grassland, spread over a vast area covering about 10 ha of the sloping rock slab. Pitawala Pathana offers a wholesome package of beautiful velvety grass landscape, breathtaking views of the mountains and a close encounter with endemic species. 🏞️ Overview Location : Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka Altitude : Around 1,200 meters above sea level Part of : Knuckles Conservation Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) 🌿 Ecological Importance Pitawala Pathana is a montane grassland ...

  Nalanda Gedige is an ancient stone temple situated within the Matale district. The initial location of the temple was considered the centre of Sri Lanka. Nalanda Gedige is also known to be a temple worshipped by the Buddhists. Along with its prolonged history, some scholars suggest that the ancient temple is of Mahayana faith which was known for its tantric lessons and learnings. The Nalanda Gedige temple's architecture aligns Hindu temples, such as the entrance of the temple, a mandapa (pillared hall), and an ambulatory round to the centre of the holy temple. The combination of art and religion highlights the Nalanda Gedige temples' beauty and allows one to understand the rich and deep meaning behind the masterpiece. 🕰️ Historical Significance The temple was originally situated at what was considered the geographical center of Sri Lanka . In the late 19th century, under the guidance of Archaeological Commissioner H.C.P. Bell , efforts were made to preserve and protect the ...

  Sembuwatta Lake is a beautiful attraction point located within the village of Elkaduwa in Matale district of Sri Lanka. A quiet and ravishing human-made lake made up of natural spring water, Sembuwatta Lake is adjacent to the Campbell’s Lane Forest Reserve. Sembuwatta Lake also has a natural swimming pool by its side. The lake processes electricity for the many villages in the area making it a lifeline for the locals as well as a pleasing addition to the long list of attractions within Sri Lanka. The Sembuwatta Lake has beautiful pine trees, situated on top of the mountain, and it is an epitome of majestic experience, which is a well-known spot for picnics, hiking, and nature trails. Sembuwatta Lake is around 30 to 39 feet deep. 🌿 Scenery & Vibe The lake is filled with natural spring water , and its depth varies between 9 to 12 meters . It's not safe for swimming, but right beside it is a natural pool fed by the same springs where you can take a refreshing dip. ...

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is also called Matale Alu Viharaya. It is a sacred Buddhist temple situated in Aluvihare, Matale District of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by hills, the gorgeous Aluvihara cave is located 30 kilometres north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple goes back till the 3rd Century B.C. It was during the rule of King Devanampiyatissa. The King was the one who built the dagoba, the Aluvihare. He also planted a Bo sapling and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his rule. The temple has many caves, stupas and religious paintings. 🕍 Aluvihare Rock Temple – Overview Aluvihare Rock Temple (also called Alu Viharaya) is a historic Buddhist temple located in the town of Aluvihare near Matale, in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. It’s especially famous as the place where the Buddhist Pali Canon (Tripitaka) was first written down on palm leaves in the 1st century BCE, preserving the teachings of the Buddha duri...

Muthumariamman Temple, also known as Arulmigu Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil is an ancient, colourful temple in Matala, Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name of the temple can be broken down into three parts, 'muthu' meaning pearl, 'mari' means rain and Amman means mother. Thus, this temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and fertility. It is a magnificent, colorful temple, with tall towers, intricate carvings and realistic statues of gods and goddesses. The temple area was originally part of a paddy field, with a small statue under a tree, visited by the Hindus in Matale.The temple was built in 1874 by Nagalingam, his son Ramanath and around 100 designers, painters and architects from Tamil Nadu, and funded by Nattukkottai Chettiar. It contains 1008 statues of Hindu gods, and a beautifully decorated, 108 feet high Gopuram (tower) called Raja Koburam. This Buddhist and Hindu temple was immensely damaged during the anti-Tamil riots in July 1983, but it was imme...

With a population of a mere 400, Meemure is on the border of Matale and Kandy district, 175 km from Colombo. This remote village has no cellular connectivity or a direct postal service. The staple crops here are cardamom, pepper, ginger and paddy. Meemure is a secluded village nestled in the Knuckles Mountain Range, straddling the border between Kandy and Matale Districts in Sri Lanka's Central Province. With a population of approximately 400 residents, it stands as one of the nation's most remote communities. Accessing Meemure is an adventure in itself, requiring a 14 km hike from Loolwatte, as the village is not connected by conventional roads .​ 🌄 Natural Beauty & Attractions Lakegala Mountain : Dominating the village skyline, this pyramid-shaped peak is steeped in legend, believed to be the site where King Ravana of the Ramayana myth lifted the Dandu Monara (flying machine) .​ Waterfalls & Caves : The area boasts several natural wonders, including Diyake...

Matale is a city and administrative capital located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Situated approximately 142 kilometers northeast of Colombo and 30 kilometers north of Kandy, it lies at an elevation of 364 meters above sea level, surrounded by the picturesque Knuckles Mountain Range. The city serves as the largest urban center in Matale District, which encompasses a diverse range of attractions and cultural landmarks. 🏛️ Cultural & Religious Landmarks Aluvihare Rock Temple : A significant Buddhist site where, in the 1st century BCE, the Pāli Canon was first transcribed onto palm leaves. The temple complex includes cave shrines adorned with ancient frescoes and is surrounded by lush greenery. ​ Wikipedia Sri Muthumariamman Temple : A vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for its ornate Dravidian architecture and annual chariot festival held during the Magam Poya. ​ Wikipedia Christ Church, Matale : The oldest Anglican church in the city...