Things To Do
in Bandarawela
Bandarawela is a cool, relaxed hill town in Sri Lanka's Uva Province perched at about 1,200 meters, known for its tea estates, misty valleys and colonial-era buildings. It serves as a quieter base between Ella and Nuwara Eliya, with easy access to scenic train routes, waterfalls and hikes. The town blends Sinhalese and Tamil plantation cultures and has a small-town atmosphere with guesthouses, local markets and a modest dining scene.
Bandarawela is popular for nature lovers who want cooler weather, tea-plantation views and easy access to nearby hiking and wildlife spots.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Bandarawela and take some time to settle into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you sip a cup of Ceylon tea on your balcony, taking in the breathtaking views of the nearby hills. A leisurely morning stroll through the picturesque town will introduce you to the local culture and charm.
Have lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, where you can savor flavorful curries and rice. Afterward, visit the vibrant Bandarawela Market, exploring the stalls filled with spices, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Engage with friendly locals and embrace the unique atmosphere of this bustling market.
As the sun sets, take a ride to a nearby viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the hills bathed in golden light. Head back to your accommodation to relax and refresh before dinner. Indulge in more local dishes at a rustic eatery, followed by a peaceful walk under the starry sky.
Take an excursion to the nearby town of Ella to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Begin the day with a hike to Little Adam's Peak, where you will be rewarded with stunning vistas. The cool mountain breeze and vibrant greenery make for an invigorating morning experience.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a café in Ella before visiting the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel surrounded by lush tea plantations. Take a short trek through the tea fields, learning about the tea production process and enjoying the serene environment. Capture the beauty of the bridge with your camera and relish the stunning surroundings.
Return to Bandarawela in the early evening and unwind at your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely dinner, reflecting on the day's adventures over another cup of Ceylon tea. Sleep early to prepare for the next day's explorations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🥘Meal at mid-range restaurant (2-course) | $6-12 |
| ☕Cup of tea at a café | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short tuk‑tuk ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool highland climate and scenic tea‑estate landscapes
- Peaceful town with authentic local culture and affordable prices
- Excellent base for hiking, birdwatching and scenic train journeys
- Limited nightlife and some tourist facilities compared with larger towns
- Public transport can be slow; remote trails may have limited services
- Card acceptance and ATMs can be scarce outside the town center
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / May you live long (polite greeting)
- "Istuti" - Thank you (Sinhala)
- "Kohomada?" - How are you?
- "Karunakara (or krupaya)" - Please / Kindly
- "Horu netha" - No theft / I'm honest (useful to reassure)
Places to Visit in Bandarawela
Visit one of these nice places.
A charming colonial-era station with vintage architecture and opportunities to photograph arriving trains and local commuters.
Endless terraces of tea bushes offer classic highland shots at sunrise or in mist; small factory buildings and workers provide cultural context.
Several waterfalls near town (short tuk‑tuk rides away) are best photographed a little before or after midday for good light and slower shutter speeds.
Local market life and roadside food stalls provide candid street photography opportunities—early morning and evening are busiest.
Ridge viewpoints above Bandarawela offer sweeping valley and cloudscape photos, especially during golden hour.
Food in Bandarawela
Bandarawela Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A daily staple: steamed rice served with several curries (vegetable, dhal, fish or chicken), sambol and pickles. Available at local restaurants and guesthouses.
Must-Try!
Chopped godhamba roti stir‑fried with vegetables, egg and optional meat — a popular late-night or casual meal found at roadside stalls and small eateries.
Breakfast and snack favorites: bowl‑shaped hoppers often served with coconut sambol and curry; string hoppers with coconut and curry are widely available.
Locally produced highland tea — visit a tea factory or tea shop for fresh brews, single‑estate varieties and tastings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market offers fresh vegetables, fruit, spices and local snacks; early morning is best for vibrant stalls and cheap seasonal produce.
Look for kottu and hopper stalls near bus stops and busy junctions for quick, flavorful and inexpensive meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Ayubowan' (Sinhala) is widely appreciated. A smile, slight bow or hands-pressed gesture shows respect.
Remove shoes and hats before entering Buddhist temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and avoid pointing feet toward shrines or Buddha images.
Casual clothing is fine in town, but dress conservatively in villages and religious sites. Shorts and sleeveless tops may be frowned upon in rural settings.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in tea estates or villages; be respectful around elders and religious ceremonies.
Avoid public displays of anger or loud confrontations. Bargaining is common in markets—do so politely.
Safety
Tipping in Bandarawela
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff (a few hundred rupees or 1–3 USD equivalent) are common. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 5–10% if service was good.
Cash (Sri Lankan rupees) is king in Bandarawela—carry sufficient cash for markets, tuk‑tuks and small restaurants. Some mid-range hotels and a few restaurants accept cards; ATMs are available but not as frequent as in major cities. Mobile payments are limited; exchange currency in larger towns or at the airport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
One of the most pleasant times to visit: cool days, crisp nights and lower rainfall. Ideal for hiking, train journeys and tea estate photography.
Warm, occasionally wet with pockets of sunshine—good for travel but expect some rain showers and humid spells followed by clear skies.
This period brings more frequent rain and mist, especially on exposed ridges; trails can be slippery but the landscape is lush and green.
Transitional rains possible; temperatures remain mild. Watch for occasional heavy showers but also many clear days—fewer tourists and lower prices.
Bandarawela at Night
Hiking in Bandarawela
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent nearby range with multiple trails and viewpoints offering panoramic views over Uva Province; routes vary from moderate to challenging.
A national park with dramatic escarpments and the famed World’s End viewpoint—requires an early start and a longer drive but is a rewarding day trip.
Shorter hikes accessible from nearby Ella (about 30–60 minutes by road) that provide iconic sunrise/sunset vistas and dramatic valley photography.
Several short trails lead to waterfalls around Bandarawela suitable for half‑day outings and nature photography; paths can be slippery after rain.
Gentle walking routes through tea fields that offer cultural insight into plantation life and excellent landscape shots, suitable for most fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Bandarawela by plane.
Sri Lanka’s main international airport near Colombo (about 4–5 hours by road to Bandarawela). Common arrival point; connect onward by train, bus or private transfer.
Smaller international/domestic airport in the south-east with limited flights—closer by road in some routes but services are limited and schedules change.
A domestic-focused airport near Colombo; useful if connecting from domestic flights to the central highlands, but ground travel or train still required to reach Bandarawela.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in the region, involved in town commerce, farming and services.
Significant Tamil population historically associated with tea estates; they contribute to local culture, cuisine and labor in plantations.
Small Muslim and other minority communities participate in trade and small businesses, adding cultural variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Sri Lanka; local matches and school cricket are common and highly followed by communities.
Rugby enjoys regional popularity in schools and clubs; volleyball is a common community sport in rural areas.
Informal but growing activities given the terrain—locals and visitors enjoy organized runs and hiking events in the highlands.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bandarawela.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available: vegetable curries, dhal, string hoppers and lentil dishes. Always clarify dairy or fish-based gravies (some curries use fish sauce or dried shrimp). Specify 'no fish or meat' and ask about oil used.
Vegan choices exist but require careful requests: ask for coconut‑based curries without ghee; some sweets contain milk. Pointing to ingredients or using simple Sinhala phrases helps.
Rice‑based meals are naturally gluten‑free, but avoid kottu (contains roti) and check for soy or wheat in sauces; communicate the restriction clearly.
Prefer busy stalls with high turnover, eat cooked hot food, and drink bottled or boiled water to reduce risk of stomach upset.