Solo Explorer: Badulla, Sri Lanka ( Ceylon)

Badulla

Badulla, Sri Lanka ( Ceylon)

Badulla is a multi-national city and historically many beautiful places surround the city especially the ancient Buddhist temple of Muthiyangana situated in the Badulla city limit. The Catholic Church has a diocese headquartered here. Badulla is the main city of Uva Province, situated in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of Uva Province & the Badulla District. Badulla is located in the southeast of the Hill country almost encircled by the Badulu Oya River by about 680 m (2230 ft) above the sea level surrounded by tea plantations too. The city is overshadowed by the Namunukula range of mountains (highest peak 2036 m /6680 ft) above sea level. It was a base of a pre-colonial Sinhalese local prince (regional king) who ruled the area under the main King in Kandy before it became part of the British Empire. Later, it became one of the provincial administrative hubs of the British rulers. The city was the terminus of the upcountry railway line built by the British in order to take mainly tea plantation products to Colombo.

Badulla was an isolated village until the British built roads from Kandy and Nuwaraeliya in the mid 19th century, as part of the growing plantation economy. By the 20th century, It had become a regional hub with the British: establishing it as the capital of Uva Wellassa, now known as the Uva Province. It still has a number of British colonial buildings existing, including the Badulla Railway Station, St. Mark's Church & Old Welekade Market. Badulla district is one of the leading tea-producing districts, second only behind the Nuwaraeliya District.

Climate

The Badulla has a tropical climate. There is significant rainfall in each month of the year. It’s annual rainfall is around 1885 mm & the temperature varies from 16°C (61°F) to 30°C (86°F) & in some cases, it's down to 13°C (56°F) or raises up to 33°C (92°F). April to May is the warmest season of the year and December & January are the coldest months of the year.

How to Reach Badulla

Ø By Road

Badulla is about 230 km (140mi) away from Colombo towards the eastern slopes of the central hills of Sri Lanka. There are three main routes to Badulla from Colombo. The most famous road is via Ratnapura to Beragala (A04 Road) then take Hali Ela Road (A16 Road) towards Hali Ela then take Badulla Road (Peradeniya - Chekalady Road / A 05 Road ) to reach Badulla. It will take approximately 6 hrs to reach Badulla. The second most famous road is Colombo - Kandy Road (A1 Road) till Peradeniya then Take Peradeniya - Chenkalady Road via Nuwaraeliya ( A05 Road). This road takes approximately 7 hrs to reach Badulla. Third Road is Colombo- Kandy (A1 Road), Then take Kandy - Padiyathalawa Road (A26 Road) till Thennekumbura. Now, take Thennekumbura - Ragala Road (B 413 Road ) till Kandehandiya Then you have to take Kandehandiya - Loggal Oya Road ( Mahaweli Rajamawatha / B 492 Road) till Loggal Oya Junction the take Andaulpotha - Badulla Road ( B 036 Road ) to reach Badulla. This road has taken approximately 6hrs & 30min To reach Badulla from Colombo.

Ø By Train

Colombo to Badulla rail ride is one of the most beautiful rail rides in the world. Badulla railway station is the last station on the Sri Lankan Main Line railway and it 292 km (181.6mi) away from the Colombo Fort Station. The Badulla Railway station was officially opened by 5th April 1924.

Colombo To Badulla Train Time Table

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
1005	Podi Menike Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	5.55am	4.10pm
1001	Denuwara Menike Intercity	1st , 2nd & 3rd	6.45am	3.30pm
1015	Udarata Menike Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	8.30am	6.30pm
1007	Express Train	1st, 2nd & 3rd	9.45am	7.20pm
1045	Night Mail	1st, 2nd & 3rd	8.00pm	8.00am

Badulla To Colombo Train Time Table

Train No	Train Name	Available Classes	Departure Time	Arrival Time
1016	Udarata Menike Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	5.45am	3.30pm
1002	Denuwara Menike Intercity	1st, 2nd & 3rd	7.20am	4.00pm
1006	Podi Menike Express	1st, 2nd & 3rd	8.30am	7.00pm
1008	Express Train	1st, 2nd & 3rd	11.00am	9.10pm
1046	Night Mail	1st, 2nd & 3rd	5.50pm	5.20am

Things To Do In Badulla

Ø Narangala Mountain Hike - The name literally means "Golden Mountain" and Tamiliance describe it as golden grasses that blanket the slopes of Narangala. Narangala Mountain rises up to a height of 1527M (5010ft) in Badulla & it provides very best views in the entire tropical island and also it's a challengeable hike for the climbers. The trail begins at the Thangamalai Estate area. Approximately it takes 4 hours takes to reach the summit. At the peak, you can see the mesmerizing view of the Madulsima & Namunukula Mountain range.

Ø Dunhinda Waterfalls - It's located on 5 km (3.1mi) away from the Badulla city. The waterfall which is 64M (210ft) high & gets the name from the smoky dew drops spray, ('Dun' in Sinhalese means smoke) which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfalls. It's also known as “Bridal fall” as the shape of the water falling is similar to a bridal view. The waterfalls purported to be one of the Sri Lankan most beautiful waterfalls. To see the waterfalls you have to walk 2 km (1.3mi) from the main road and on the way to Dunhinda waterfalls you can see the Kuda Dunhida waterfalls also.

Ø Worship Muthiyangana Ancient Buddhist Temple - Muthiyangana ancient Buddhist temple is located in the middle of the Badulla town. Buddhist believe that this site has been visited by Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha and is regarded as one of the sixteen sacred places (known as "Solosmasthana" in Sri Lanka). On the 8th year after attaining the Enlightenment, Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha made his 3rd visit to Kelaniya on the invitation by a king of Naga People (one of the ancient Sri Lankan tribes) named "Maniakkitha". During this visit, a local chieftain named "Indaka " invited the Lord Buddha to visit his place in Badulla. At the end of sermons made by Lord Buddha there. Indaka had wanted something to worship in memory of the Lord Buddha's visit. The Lord Buddha is said to have given him a few of his hair and a few drops of sweat that turned into pearls (Mukthaka Dathu). Indaka had enshrined these sacred hair and pearls in a Stupa, believed to be the stupa here.

Ø Namunukula Mountain Hike - Namunukula is literally known as "Nine peaks" in the Sinhala Language & It's the name of the mountain range. It's located approximately 10 km (6.2mi) south to the Badulla city. It's highest Peak reach over 2036M (6680ft) above the sea level. Most of the Local travelers used to do camping at the Namunukula peak to see the sunrise. This mountain range is the catchment of the "Kumbukkan Oya" which has two different trails to reach the peak. One begins at the 3rd Milepost on the way to Passara from Badulla (Peradeniya - Chenkalady Road /A05 Road). This is the shortest trail to reach the peak. From this point, approximately 2 hrs & 30 mins are taken to reach the summit. The second trail begins at the small village called Malme passing the spring valley. To reach Malme you have to use Badulla - Demodara Road (B97 Road). From this point, it takes approximately 3 hrs & 30 mins take to reach the summits.

Historical Places in Badulla

Ø Old Welekade Market - It's a historical colonial building situated in the middle of Badulla city and it was erected in 1889 by the Britishers.

Ø Bogoda Wooden Bridge - One of the oldest surviving wooden bridges in the country & it's been over 400 years old. This bridge is situated 13 km (8.1mi) away from Badulla city.

Ø Bogoda Temple - This is also an ancient Buddhist temple & it's dated to the period of King Walagamba (104-76BC).

Ø St. Mark's Church - This church was also erected by Britishers for the memory of Major Thomas Willam Rogers, Assistant Government Agent of Uva Province. It was the first church to be consecrated (25th April 1857) by the first Bishop of Colombo Rev. James Chapman.

Places To See In Badulla:

· Badulla Botanical Garden

· Badulla Dutch Fort

· Badulla Katharagama Devalaya

· Black Pool

· Bogoda Temple

· Bogoda Wooden Bridge

· Dunhinda & Kuda Dunhinda Waterfalls

· Muthiyananaya Ancient Buddhist Temple

· Namunukula Mountain

· Narangala Mountain

· St. Mark's Church