Badulla is a peaceful and scenic city located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by tea estates, mountains, and waterfalls, it’s one of the country’s most underrated destinations. Many travellers visit nearby Ella but miss the charm and cultural beauty of Badulla itself.


🌿 Why Visit Badulla?

Badulla is ideal for travellers who love:

  • Waterfalls & nature

  • Ancient temples

  • Scenic drives through tea country

  • Local culture and non-touristic experiences

It offers a calmer, more authentic hill-country atmosphere than busier places like Nuwara Eliya or Ella.


🌊 Top Attractions in Badulla

1. Dunhinda Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka—famous for its smoky mist (“Dun-hinda”).
A 1.5 km scenic walk leads to the viewpoint.

2. Muthiyangana Temple

An ancient Buddhist temple located in the heart of Badulla.
Believed to be one of the 16 sacred Solosmasthana sites.

3. Bogoda Wooden Bridge

The oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka.
Built during the Kandyan era, surrounded by lush greenery.

4. Badulla Old Railway Station

The final station on the famous Kandy–Ella–Badulla railway line.
Perfect for photography and rail enthusiasts.

5. St. Mark’s Church

A 19th-century Anglican church with colonial architecture.


🚆 Badulla by Train

Many travellers take the world-famous Kandy–Ella–Badulla train route.
Between Ella and Badulla, you can cross:

  • Nine Arches Bridge

  • Demodara Loop

It’s considered one of the most scenic train rides in Asia.


🍃 Best Time to Visit

  • February – September: Dry and pleasant

  • October – January: Occasional rain, lush landscapes


🍛 What to Eat

Badulla offers authentic, budget-friendly Sri Lankan cuisine:

  • Rice & curry

  • Roti and kottu

  • Fresh fruits

  • Tea from local estates

Try small local restaurants for the best flavours.


🛣️ How to Get to Badulla

  • By Car: 5.5–6 hours from Colombo

  • By Train: Scenic route from Kandy/Ella

  • By Bus: Regular buses from major towns

Want a comfortable trip?

Hire a private vehicle from iWay Rent a Car:
👉 https://iwayrentacar.com/

You can stop at viewpoints, tea estates, waterfalls, and small towns along the way.


🧭 Nearby Places to Explore

  • Ella (20 km) – Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock

  • Haputale (40 km) – Lipton’s Seat

  • Ohiya (55 km) – Horton Plains National Park


📍 Badulla Location on Google Maps

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TsKaLDvyah9qQSR16