Things To Do
in Akurana
Akurana is a town located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and lush greenery. The town has a rich cultural heritage with several historical sites and temples to explore.
Akurana is also famous for its vibrant community and warm hospitality towards visitors.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start the day with a refreshing visit to Akurana Nature Park. Enjoy a peaceful walk while observing local wildlife and vibrant flora.
Have a picnic lunch in the park, soaking in the natural beauty around you. After lunch, take a guided nature tour to learn more about the ecosystem.
Return to your accommodation and relax with a view of the sunset. Consider a local dinner at a nearby restaurant to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
Visit the historic temples of Akurana, starting with a local temple tour. Learn about the rich cultural heritage and architecture of the region.
Savor a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a nearby eatery. Spend the afternoon exploring local artisan shops and markets.
Enjoy a cultural dance performance that showcases traditional Sri Lankan art. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk in the neighborhood.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including rivers and greenery.
- Rich cultural heritage with local traditions and festivals.
- A friendly community with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Accessibility to nearby cities and tourist attractions.
- Potential for agricultural and eco-tourism development.
- Limited infrastructure and public services.
- Challenges with economic opportunities and employment.
- Potential environmental issues, such as pollution or deforestation.
- Risk of natural disasters like floods due to the geographic location.
- Inadequate healthcare facilities compared to urban areas.
Best Activities in Akurana
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the picturesque trails and diverse flora and fauna of the Knuckles Mountain Range, located near Akurana.
Witness a variety of bird species in their natural habitat while strolling through the serene Udawatte Kele Sanctuary.
Enjoy thrilling mountain biking adventures along the scenic trails surrounding the Victoria Reservoir, offering beautiful natural landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Akurana with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Akurana
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning view of the waterfall and surrounding landscapes, great for photography
Provides panoramic views of the lush greenery and tea plantations, ideal for capturing scenic shots
Food in Akurana
Akurana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Sri Lankan street food made with chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, and a choice of chicken, mutton, or seafood, all stir-fried on a griddle with a medley of aromatic spices. Must-try variations include cheese kottu and egg kottu.
Must-Try!
A traditional Sri Lankan pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with a soft or crispy egg in the center. It's typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, and can be found at local eateries or as street food.
A Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice, a mixed meat curry, ash plantain, seeni sambol, brinjal moju, and a fried shrimp, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in the oven. It's a flavorsome and hearty meal often available at local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Akurana better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling food market to indulge in an array of delectable Sri Lankan snacks such as samosas, cutlets, and an assortment of savory pastries. It's a great place to experience the authentic flavors of local street food.
Every week, the Akurana town comes to life with a vibrant and colorful fair offering a wide range of street food options. From traditional snacks to homemade delicacies, this fair provides a true taste of local street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Akurana, it is important to greet others with respect, such as using traditional Sri Lankan greetings like "Ayubowan" or "Vanakkam".
When dining in Akurana, it is respectful to eat with your right hand and to avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward others.
Modest and conservative attire is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with elders in Akurana.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Akurana with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Akurana
Ensure a smooth experience
In Akurana, Sri Lanka, it is customary to tip service staff such as restaurant waiters, hotel staff, and tour guides. Tipping is often discretionary, but a 10% service charge may already be included in the bill at some establishments.
Most businesses in Akurana, Sri Lanka, prefer cash payments, although larger establishments may accept credit cards. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller transactions, as not all shops or restaurants may have card payment facilities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Akurana.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Akurana, Sri Lanka with dry and warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the area.
Hot and humid weather with occasional showers. Good for experiencing local festivals and cultural events.
Rainy season with lush greenery. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those interested in witnessing the beauty of the region's landscapes.
Akurana at Night
Hiking in Akurana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its cloud forests, diverse ecosystems, and stunning mountain views. Popular for several hiking trails of varying difficulty.
Located near Kandy, Hanthana offers several hiking trails with panoramic views and rich biodiversity. It's ideal for both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers.
Known for its breathtaking views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and surrounding landscapes, Pidurangala is a moderately challenging hike that attracts many visitors.
A popular hiking destination in Ella, offering a moderately difficult trek with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.
A pilgrimage site with a famous silhouette, Adam's Peak offers a challenging hike, especially at dawn, to witness stunning sunrise views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Akurana through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Akurana by plane.
The main international airport in Sri Lanka, located in Katunayake, approximately 118 km from Akurana.
An international airport located in Mattala, about 210 km from Akurana, serving mainly low-cost carriers and regional flights.
A smaller airport serving domestic and limited international flights, located about 90 km from Akurana.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up the majority of the population in Akurana.
A significant ethnic minority in Akurana, primarily from the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
An ethnic group in Sri Lanka, predominantly Muslim, with a notable presence in Akurana.
A small community of mixed European descent, historically present in Sri Lanka.
An ethnic group in Sri Lanka, primarily comprising Muslims, with a lesser presence compared to other groups.
Includes various smaller communities and immigrant populations residing in Akurana.
The Soul of Akurana
Discover the essence of Akurana through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Akurana and throughout Sri Lanka, with a passionate following among all age groups.
Football is widely played and enjoyed in Akurana, with local clubs and schools participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Badminton is a popular racquet sport in the area, played recreationally and competitively, with several local players excelling in the sport.
Volleyball is commonly played in schools and communities, with both men's and women's teams competing in local tournaments.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Akurana, especially among the youth, with local courts available for practice and games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Akurana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Sri Lankan cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, there are ample options for vegetarians and vegans. Look for dishes like vegetable curries, dhal (lentil) curry, jackfruit curry, and a variety of coconut-based sambols.
Traditional rice-based dishes, hoppers, string hoppers, and certain types of roti are naturally gluten-free. However, it's advisable to communicate dietary requirements clearly when ordering, as some preparations may include flour.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Akurana with these cultural adventures.
