Ultimate Guide to Belihuloya

Belihuloya is a quiet place. But under its unassuming simplicity, the area hides dozens of attractions and experiences. So let’s discover all the things there are to do in Belihuloya.

Located in the Ratnapura District, Belihuloya looks like a blanket of green. Travelling through the area, you will spot verdant mountains or thriving tea estates. And to break the too-much-green monotony, there are powerful waterfalls.

It’s possible to experience Belihuloya in one day. But, if you stay for several nights you can enjoy all the activities it has to offer more at a relaxed pace.

Getting to Belihuloya from Colombo

A great thing about Belihuloya (geographically) is that it’s super close to a LOT of great places. You CAN reach it from Colombo, but if you are already in Nuwara Eliya, Badulla or Ella, you cut down on travel time.

Since Ella is just over an hour away, I’ll provide directions from there to Belihuloya. Once you explore all there is to see in Ella, you can then go check out the things to do in Belihuloya!

From Ella, you have to get to Kumbalwela Junction. Once you pass the junction, there’s a roundabout that leads you to the A16. Drive onto Beragala on the A16.

At Beragala Junction, the A16 makes a slight left. It then becomes the Colombo-Batticaloa Highway/A4.

Drive on and you will reach Belihuloya.

Things to do in Belihuloya

If all you are expecting to do in Belihuloya is relax, don’t worry that’s still possible. There are plenty of hotels built in excellent locations – some in the middle of literal tea estates. You can indulge yourselves and enjoy getting pampered and do nothing else.

Because honestly, sometimes that’s more appealing than always being on the go.

But, if you’d rather have a more action-packed vacation, that’s still possible. The many mountains in Belihuloya offer plenty to do. You can hike, camp, go boating in one of the rivers, or swim under a waterfall.

Exploring Nonpareil Estate

The Nonpareil Estate Road in Belihuloya packs a punch in terms of scenic locations.

One of these locations is the Nonpareil Estate, popular among travellers because of the panoramic views. At about 1590 metres above sea level, the estate is the perfect location to stop and stare. There are several scenic spots that open up to stunning vistas, with the meadows, valleys, mountains and fields of Belihuloya stretching into the distance.

Speaking of viewpoints, be sure to get to Baker’s Bend, probably the most famous viewpoint within the Estate. The bend itself is nothing special. It’s just a concrete road taking a hairpin (? I think. What do I know, I don’t drive and all parts of a road – bends and – are road to me. Cue shrug) curve.

Whatever type of bend it is, there are a lot of bends in the road at the estate. That’s not why it’s more noteworthy.

No, what makes THIS bend special is the view. From this vantage point, you can gaze at an emerald landscape.

Nonpareil Estate Fall

One of the best things to do in Belihuloya is chase waterfalls. Thanks to the MANY mountains and several rivers (both small and large), you can find a lot of waterfalls in the area.

Since you are already at Nonpareil Estate, you can visit one of these waterfalls. The Nonpareil Estate Falls (yes, very imaginative) is a three-tiered waterfall. It’s not very impressive, compared to the larger and more famous waterfalls.

But the sight of the cascade set against the verdure and stark black granite still takes the breath away.

Hiking through Wangedigala Mountain

I keep repeating it, but Belihuloya has no lack of mountains. Thanks to that, one of the best things to do in Belihuloya is hiking.

Wangedigala (mortar – think mortar and pestle- rock, in English) is a mountain in Belihuloya. Hikers can climb this mountain as well as two others – Balatudawa and Gonmolliya – on a single hike. It also happens to be one of THE most popular treks in the area.

There are several entrances to the trail. Each presents different levels of difficulty. The easiest and fastest route is via the Kalupahana Black and White Bridge entrance.

Even then, the trail is not always smooth. In some parts, the walking path disappears, so you have to literally step into the unknown.

To avoid getting lost, always go with a guide who knows the route. The hike is always challenging because it’s steep. In some parts of the way, you will rely on tree branches to pull yourself up.

All that trouble is worth the views that open up to you during the hike. You can spot several famous waterfalls and Ohiya in the distance. The views are one of the driving factors behind this hike being one of the best things to do in Belihuloya.

Pahanthudawa Waterfall

The springs within Hawagala Mountain supply the water for this waterfall.

There’s a bit of a hike to get here, but it is still one of the most rewarding things to do in Belihuloya.

Of course, you can’t exactly SWIM here. As you see in the image, smooth rock walls surround the pool below the falls. So there’s no way to get down to the water unless you dive.

And that’s REALLY not advisable.

Why? Because while the waterfall itself is somewhat small, the pool is too deep. AND if it rains heavily, the water levels can rise dangerously fast.

So why even go? Well for the hike and the scenery, of course!

Hawagala Mountain Hike

If you plan to get to Pahanthudawa Falls, then read this bit.

Since hiking is a popular thing to do in Belihuloya, just giving the name of ONE trail felt cruel. So I’m going to let you in on ANOTHER tricky hiking trail.

I’m nice like that.

Hawagala challenges hikers, it’s true. But there’s a reason that people like to take it on. The VIEWS.

At 1,400 metres, it’s not that tall. But it still offers enough of a vantage. You can gaze out at the paddy fields, forests, waterfalls and neighbouring mountains.

Plus, Hawagala has some pretty famous neighbours. Some landmarks nearby happen to be Nonpareil Estate and Horton Plains National Park.

Want to explore the different hiking trails in Sri Lanka?

Join our Sri Lanka Hill Country & Tea Trail to explore the wonders of the hill country, or take the Epic Sri Lanka Train Journey to combine hiking with a scenic train ride.