Sri Lanka boasts a rich history and past colonial influence, which is well reflected in the specific towns and cities that prevail as tourist attractions today. Diyatalawa is one of the most prominent in the country’s central highlands. Beyond the charm and natural beauty of the town, Diyatalawa is steeped in history as it is a former garrison town dating back to British colonial influence. Today, it stands out as a quaint and peaceful settlement away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are in Sri Lanka and curious to unveil details of the past, you can kick off your journey by visiting the town of Diyatalawa.
About Diyatalawa Sri Lanka
Diyatalawa is a popular hill station and a former garrison town in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka. It is 1,281 m above sea level, which explains its calm, soothing, and pleasant climate year-round. A land separated from the chaos of city life, Diyatalawa has stunning landscapes covered in tea plantations, pine forests, and rolling hills, creating a stunning natural backdrop that immediately captivates tourists. Diyatalawa also stands out for being a military hub. It is home to the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), the primary training centre for the Sri Lankan Army. So, not only for its significant natural beauty, the town also has historical importance.
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History Of Diyatalawa Sri Lanka
The history of Diyatalawa provides a glimpse into the town’s colonial past. This was a former garrison town in Sri Lanka during the British colonial era. Its strategic location at a high altitude and the calm and soothing weather were enough to transform the city into a military hub soon after. Not just for respite, the town was quickly transformed into an army training centre for the British soldiers who were stationed in Sri Lanka during their colonial oppression. Among all the distinct spots, the Diyatalawa Army Camp stands out as one of the most crucial landmarks in the town. Beyond the military connection with the colonial past, Diyatalawa is a town enriched in history and remnants of the past civilisation since you can find several ancient temples and archaeological sites.
Things To Do In Diyatalawa
Now that you have immersed yourself in the Diyatalawa places to visit let’s explore the activities you can do in the little historical town.
Indulge In Hiking And Trekking
If you are an adventurous person, Diyatalawa has multiple hiking and trekking trails along the town, including the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary Trail and the paths leading to Lipton’s Seat and Ella Rock. You can embark on these adventures and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural beauty of this otherwise historical town.
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Tea Estate Tours
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Beyond the historical significance, Diyatalawa is known for its rolling hills covered in tea plantations. So, while there, you must go for a guided tea estate tour to explore the tea cultivation and production process from scratch. Also, you get to enjoy a steaming cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea by the end of the tour.
Explore The Waterfalls
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One of the most striking natural beauties in Diyatalawa lies in its waterfalls. There are quite a few, including Ravana Falls, Diyaluma Falls, and Bambarakanda Falls. Given the proximity of each of these waterfalls, you can explore them all on the same day and prepare yourself to be mesmerised by their scenic views and the beauty of the gushing stream of water from such great heights.
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Visit The Historical Sites
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With so much history associated with the town, you can’t stop but explore the varying historical sites in Diyatalawa. Some of them include the Diyatalawa Army Camp and nearby ancient temples. It provides a glimpse into the colonial history of not just the town but of the country as well.
Diyatalawa Places To Visit
Among the significant activities in Diyatalawa are exploring the town and the popular sightseeing spots around the historic city. There are quite a few different ones to indulge in.
1. Haputale
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Haputale is a famous hill town just a short drive away from Diyatalawa. If you want to lose yourself in the middle of Sri Lankan nature, Haputale is the perfect place for it. You can catch a glimpse of the entire town from Lipton’s Seat and the journey up to that viewpoint involves a quick trek, which adds to the fun and adventure as well. To learn how tea is produced and manufactured, visit the Dambatenne Tea Factory to witness everything from scratch.
Distance from Diyatalawa: 9 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. Ella
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Among the list of popular scenic towns in Sri Lanka, Ella is definitely at the top of the list. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning hiking trails, there’s so much you can do and explore in this town. Start your exploration by visiting the Nine Arches Bridge, built during the British colonial period. For a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience, visit the Ella Rock to catch panoramic views of the Ella Gap and the surrounding mountain cliffs. Don’t shy away from visiting the Ravana Falls, which is near Ella Rock.
Distance from Diyatalawa: 19.6 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
3. Adisham Bungalow
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In Haputale, one unique tourist destination is Adisham Bungalow. It is a beautiful Tudor-style mansion built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, a British planter. The bungalow has been transformed into a monastery and is run by the monks. What’s alluring about the place is its old-school English architectural style with stone walls, wooden beams and large windows. You can stroll through the gardens and soak in the peace and tranquillity that persists there.
Distance from Diyatalawa: 11.7 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
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Best Time To Visit Diyatalawa
One of the highlights of Diyatalawa is its favourable climate throughout the year. Irrespective of the time of the year, the town experiences average weather between 15°C and 25°C. Usually, December to February is considered the peak season since the weather is the coolest during these months, enabling tourists to comfortably explore the town’s historical sites, nature trails and archaeological ruins. Even the periods from March to May account for a good tourist season with no rainfall risks, enabling easy navigation through the varying tourist attractions across the town.
How To Reach Diyatalawa?
Diyatalawa is well connected to the other parts of Sri Lanka so that you can travel by road, train, or flight, depending on your convenience. If you travel from Colombo to Diyatalawa via road, you can take the Avissawella and Ratnapura routes by taxi to enjoy scenic views. The nearest railway station is the Diyatalawa Railway Station, easily accessible from Colombo Fort Railway Station. It is a 7-8-hour journey through lush greenery, tea plantations, mountains, waterfalls, etc. For the tourists who need more time, you can take a flight to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and then hire a taxi to reach Diyatalawa. It will take you 3-4 hours to stretch.
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Among the Sri Lankan highlands, Diyatalawa stands out as a hidden gem in its history. With a blend of peaceful ambience, natural beauty and historical significance, this quaint town offers every tourist an immersive and holistic travel experience when planning a trip to Sri Lanka. On your next vacation, try including offbeat places and towns that promise a memorable and enriching experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Diyatalawa
What is the elevation of Diyatalawa?
Diyatalawa is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,281 metres (4,203 feet) above sea level.
What is the best time to visit Diyatalawa?
Diyatalawa's timings depend on what’s comfortable for you and your travel plans. It is open year-round, but December and February are the best times to visit.
What are some popular hiking trails in Diyatalawa?
Popular hiking trails in Diyatalawa include the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary Trail, the hike to Lipton's Seat, and the trail to Ella Rock.
Are there any historical sites in Diyatalawa?
Yes, Diyatalawa has several historical sites, including the Diyatalawa Army Camp, established during the British colonial era. You can also explore ancient temples and archaeological sites nearby.
Is Diyatalawa a good destination for a family vacation?
Diyatalawa is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and various activities, including hiking, bird watching, and exploring historical sites.
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