Badulla Guide – Dunhinda Falls and Tea Plantation Tour
Badulla Travel Guide - Exploring the town, Dunhinda Falls and a tea plantation.
Sri Lanka offers a multitude of activities for all types of visitors. I have visited Sri Lanka before and wanted to see more 'behind the scenes' type areas this time. Looking at the train map of Sri Lanka, catch the train eastward, ignore Ella and get off at the end of the track. The town is really friendly and smallish. It's easy to explore by foot. If you hire a tuk tuk and driver, he will guide you around the fantastic hills and valleys in the area and take you to the Dunhinda Falls and a tea plantation
Why Visit Badulla?
Badulla is a quiet alternative to the chaos and bustle that has become Ella and Kandy. The shops and restaurants will offer you local foods and typical Sri Lankan goods. You can mingle with the locals and ogle at the temples, architecture and stroll around the parks at leisure. I never saw a single selfie stick.
Badulla is a great base for history and heritage lovers. The surrounding hills are full of historic tea plantations and colonial buildings from the times of the British rule . There are old churches, temples and charming railway stations, obviously still cared for by the local station masters.
There is easy access to waterfalls and tea estates, which provide great opportunities for walking in the fresh, cool air with the odd glimpse of the local wildlife.
Exploring Badulla Town
Muthiyangana Temple
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, located in the heart of the town. It is one of the 16 sacred sites for pilgrims and along with other temples has a sapling from the original bo tree of Anuradhapura. The stupor was restored in 1956 but stands on remains going back 2000 years
Badulla Market
A colonial era building with vintage wooden beams. Great for photo opportunities but please no selfies. Spot the unknown fruit and fish and try the local snacks. Beware the spicy surprises.
Badulla Railway Station
A beautiful British built colonial station, opened in 1924, ideal for admiring the fabulous tradition of decorating and caring for these iconic buildings. We have seen fish tanks and a myriad of plants, shrubs and flower pots.
colonial style station
Local food and cafes
There are not really any places to recommend. Breakfast at our hotel (The Crown Regency, Badulla ) was excellent and the dinner menu was good, with Sri Lankan dishes included. We went to the Riverview Restaurant which boasts, yes - you've got it, a view of the river only for drinkers. The food is average (this means very spicy) however it is licensed which is not common.
Visiting Dunhinda Falls - Badulla's most iconic waterfalls (with a surprise if you are lucky)
How to get there?
The Falls are 6 kilometres from Badulla and the easiest option is to hire a tuk tuk and driver. If you keep him for the day, go to the Tea Plantation afterwards.
What to expect?
There is a small entrance fee of 300 rupees for foreigners then a walk through different stalls selling drinks and food. On the 1.5 km way down you will find more small stalls and if you are lucky, there will be monkeys waiting for you to treat them to your snacks. We came very close to families of Toque macaque monkeys with their distinctive red faces.
Family of Toque macaques at the start of the Waterfalls
The Falls are 64 metres high and when the water hits the bottom, it creates a misty spray. This is where its name comes from as Dun means smoke or mist. They are definitely worth a visit.
Dunhinda Falls
Best time to Visit?
We went in late November and the weather was perfect. However, the best time is June to September and avoid March - April and November - December, but who knows now with the changing weather.
(PS Cyclone Ditwah hit shortly after we left and caused massive damage to this and the surrounding areas. Please check before you go, but your support will really help the local community)
Touring the Halpewatte Tea Plantation
What to expect?
There are several tea plantations here in the Uva area :- Halpewatte, Dowa, Namunukula and Glenalpin. We chose Halpewatte as there are different tours and they take place every day
Tour Options
There is a factory tour, a plantation tour and a tea making masterclass tour. The first two are 3000 LKR and the masterclass is 9000 LKR
We did the plantation tour which was great fun. You walk out to the plantation, then dress in a tea makers scarf, pooja and wicker basket (for photos obviously). The guide gives an interesting spiel on the history of the place and which parts of the plant makes what type of tea. There is plenty of time for questions and then you pick tea. Back in the store you can then taste the different teas and predictably, encouraged to spend your wads of money on expensive tea. All quite commercial but a great experience.
Tea picking in Halpewatte
How to get there?
We agreed a deal with our tuk tuk driver for the full day of the falls and the tea tour.
Suggested Two Day Itinerary for Badulla
Day One
Morning
Visit Dunhinda Falls early morning and avoid the mid day heat
Late Morning
Wander round the main market (by the bus station), past the colonial clock tower and try the local food stalls for lunch.
Afternoon
Visit the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya Temple then visit Badulla railway station unless this is your departure point.
Evening
Walk round the Botanical garden. Jump on the little train if you have children or wander round the path. I'm not entirely sure if there is anything botanical there but it is a popular areas for (courting) couples and is a nice green area in town. Don't forget anti mosquito cream.
Day Two
Morning
Halpewatte tea tour with lunch in the cafe.
Visit the giant Buddha Alugolla on the hill for a panoramic view over the Uva tea plantations.
Afternoon
Have a look at St Mark's church, the Dutch Fort (and Old Welekade Market) and wander past the nearby shops.
Evening
Dinner at the Riverview restaurant
Practical Tips for Travelling in Badulla
If you plan to return to Colombo by train, make sure you sit on the right side. We were lucky to be invited by the guard into his carriage with a small window slightly set in the back of the carriage. This meant as we approached 9 arch bridge we could see it (and the masses of sightseers) without hanging out of the doors and windows and not becoming one of those statistics advertised in ghoulish safety videos. The train arrives in Badulla at night, so you don't get the view but it can be seen in the daytime when you leave.
9 Arch Bridge
Sim Card - Dialog on 475 Union Place, Colombo were so helpful and installed the sim for us.
Mosquito cream
Pac a mac
Water bottle
Small bag
Cash
Toilet paper
See also
