Situated in the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, the Pidurutalagala in Nuwara Eliya, also known as Mount Pedro, is the highest peak in Sri Lanka and is renowned for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The mountain is rich in diverse varieties of flora and fauna and is covered with lush greenery. The peak or summit of the mountain is a strictly restricted area and is not open to the public. However, the surrounding areas and landscape are highly popular for nature enthusiasts, offering some of the most breathtaking views ever.
4 Things To Know About The Majestic Pidurutalagala Before Visiting
Here is a list of 4 things you should know before visiting the stunning Pidurutalagala in Sri Lanka to ensure you enjoy a wonderful trip and have a pleasant experience.
1. Things To Do Near Pidurutalagala
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- Visitors can choose to drive up to the spot, as the road is very scenic and offers brilliant views. The roads are full of greenery, and tea plantations on either side exude a peaceful and calm ambience, making this a truly enjoyable experience.
- There are numerous hiking and trekking paths near the Pidurutalagala that offer some of the most scenic views and is a true paradise for hikers and trekkers
- Visitors can explore the popular tea plantations near the Pidurutalagala. Various tours take you around the plantations, and hence, visitors can learn all about the tea-making process, taste some of the finest Ceylon teas, and gain a lot of information on the plantations.
- The diverse varieties of flora and fauna, harmoniously paired with breathtaking views, provide some of the best photo opportunities, making this a haven and the ideal place for photography enthusiasts.
- Visitors can also explore some of the majestic waterfalls situated a short drive from Pidurutalagala. Some popular ones are- Ramboda Falls, St. Clair’s Falls and Devon Falls. The surrounding greenery fused with the gushing sound of the waterfalls creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.
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2. Best Time To Visit The Pidurutalagala
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- December- April: This is generally the best time to visit the Pidurutalagala owing to the clear skies and no rainfall. This is the perfect time to explore the surrounding areas of the Pidurutalagala due to the comfortable and pleasant weather. Hiking and trekking can be truly enjoyed this season due to the dry weather, which poses little to no threat. Visitors can enjoy the sights and activities to the fullest with no hindrances.
- May-November: This is the rainy season, and although during this period, the lush greenery of the surrounding areas is at its best and the flora is in full bloom, visitors will hardly be able to enjoy any activities due to the downpour. The hiking and trekking trails become slippery and can prove to be very dangerous. However, there is a lesser influx of tourists now, and the lodging prices are relatively lower.
- January- March: During this period, there are occasional showers, and hence, the weather and accessibility of the place will depend on whether there is a downpour. This period also witnesses fewer tourists and is great for people who love secluded areas. When it’s not raining, the Pidurutalagala is full of greenery and natural beauty. However, Hiking and trekking this season are still not recommended for safety reasons.
3. Ways To Reach The Pidurutalagala
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- By air– The nearest airport to Pidurutalagala is Castlereigh Reservoir SPB airport which is about 23 km away from Nuwara Eliya. Once visitors reach Nuwara Eliya, they can hire a taxi or a cab to reach the destination.
- By train– Visitors can reach the nearest railway station i.e. the Nanu Oya station, which is about 8 km away from Nuwara Eliya. From here, visitors can hire a taxi or any other type of local transportation to reach Pidurutalagala
- By bus– There are frequent buses that operate towards Nuwara Eliya. From there, a cab can be hired to reach the destination. Visitors coming from Colombo can choose to take a bus, which would take around 6 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya
- By car—Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to reach Nuwara Eliya. From Colombo, it would take about 5 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya. Apps such as Uber and PickMe are very popular and efficient throughout Sri Lanka.
- Local Transportation– Visitors can take a tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya to the base point of the Pidurutalagala. The route is very scenic and visitors can enjoy some marvellous views on the way.
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Places To Visit Near Pidurutalagala
There are many incredible tourist attractions to visit near Pidurutalagala that visitors should definitely visit for an amazing trip full of unforgettable memories.
1. Victoria Park
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Located at a distance of about 8 km from the Pidurutalagala, the Victoria Park located in Nuwara Eliya, is located at the centre of the city and is a popular tourist attraction. The park is full of lush greenery and exudes a calm and tranquil ambience. There are various modern amenities in the park as well as a children’s play area, making this park a must-visit destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
2. Gregory Lake
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Located about 9 km from the Pidurutalagala, Gregory Lake is one of the top tourist attractions due to its beautiful landscape and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can either sit, relax, admire the beautiful lake, or engage in adventure activities such as boating. Overall, the lake stands as a testament to the stunning beauty of Nuwara Eliya and validates its nickname, the ‘Little England’.
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3. Ramboda Falls
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Another major tourist attraction, located about 27 km from the Pidurutalagala, the Ramboda Falls, is renowned for its breathtaking and stunning views. The natural beauty paired with the gushing sound of the water, makes this the perfect spot for introspection and rejuvenation. This spot is a haven for photography enthusiasts, due to the diverse varieties of flora and fauna that surround the place as well as the marvellous view of the waterfall itself. This is one of the perfect spots to visit for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Further Read: Adventure Places To Visit In Sri Lanka
Now that you have the perfect guide to visit the incredible Pidurutalagala, it is time to pack your bags and suitcases, plan a trip and set out on a trip to Nuwara Eliya, one of the top destinations in Sri Lanka. Do not forget to visit the nearby attractions as well for a perfect trip filled with wholesome memories with your loved ones.
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Cover Image credit : By Ravini Dissanayake for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pidurutalagala
What is the exact location of Pidurutalagala?
The Pidurutalagala is located in the Northeast region of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It is the tallest peak in Sri Lanka and is easily visible from the central province. It is about 177 km away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit the Pidurutalagala?
The best time to visit the spot is in the mornings, ideally 8 AM - 4 PM to avoid the harsh scorching heat of the sun in the afternoons.
What is the elevation of the Pidurutalagala peak?
The Pidurutalagala is the highest peak in Sri Lanka, standing tall at an elevation of 2,524 m.
How many mountains are there in Sri Lanka?
There are numerous mountains in Sri Lanka, about 982. The tallest one is Pidurutalagala, the Kirigalpota coming second, and the Sri Pada/ Adam’s Peak comes in third position with respect to elevation or height.
Is the peak of the Pidurutalagala accessible to the public?
No, the peak or summit of the mountain is completely off-limits to the public due to safety reasons. It is also an army base and is heavily guarded by security personnel.
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