Things To Do
in Kalawana
Kalawana is a cool hill town in Sri Lanka nestled among tea estates and green mountains. It serves as a gateway to Sinharaja Forest Reserve and other lush nature hikes. Visitors experience rural Sri Lankan life, panoramic viewpoints, and tea country hospitality.
The town offers a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and opportunities for immersion in hill country scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the lush green tea plantations, where the cool breeze and the aroma of the tea leaves will invigorate your senses. After touring the plantations, visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and taste local delicacies. Let the friendly locals share their stories about the tea-making process, immersing you in the rich heritage of Kalawana.
Post-lunch, embark on a hike to the cascading waterfalls nearby, where you can take a dip in the cool waters and rejuvenate yourself. Enjoy the picturesque sights and sounds of nature as you explore the dense jungles, observing the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area. This afternoon is perfect for capturing stunning photographs amidst the breathtaking scenery.
As the sun sets, unwind at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Sri Lankan cuisine while listening to the gentle sounds of nature. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers or locals, sharing your experiences of the day. Cap off your evening with a stroll under the starlit skies, reflecting on the beauty of Kalawana.
After breakfast, visit a nearby village to engage with the local community and experience their daily rituals and customs. Participate in a traditional craft workshop where you can learn about ancient techniques like handloom weaving or pottery making. This morning will offer deeper insights into the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of historic temples around Kalawana, where intricate carvings and sacred artifacts vividly tell the stories of the past. Listen to the local guides recount tales of the ancient kings and the spiritual significance of each site, enriching your understanding of Sri Lankan culture. Don’t forget to savor a cup of freshly brewed tea from one of the temples' tea stalls.
Enjoy a serene evening at a local chai shop, where you can chat with locals over a cup of spiced tea. Watch the sunset paint the skies over the hills, providing a perfect backdrop to unwind. Reflect on the vibrant culture and hospitality you've experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🥗Local street food snack | $0.5-2 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.3-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $25-60 |
| 🚍Local transport (bus/tuk-tuk) | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic hill country with access to Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Peaceful, rural atmosphere and warm hospitality
- Tea culture and beautiful viewpoints around Kalawana
- Limited nightlife and urban attractions
- Weather can affect forest access and trail conditions
- "Ayubowan" - May you live long / Hello
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
- "Kohomada?" - How are you?
- "Obe English kiynawah da?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kalawana
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic sunrise or misty canopy shots from access points near the reserve.
Golden hour shots across rolling tea terraces with green hills and distant villages.
Calm river reflections and green backdrop, ideal for tranquil landscape photography.
Colorful rural life, temple architecture, and daily activities for candid photography.
Food in Kalawana
Kalawana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A variety of curries served with rice, a staple in Sri Lankan meals.
Must-Try!
Chopped roti mixed with vegetables and proteins, sizzling on a hot griddle.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with sambol or curry.
Coconut sambol that adds a spicy, tangy kick to meals.
Rice and ballots wrapped in banana leaf with meat or vegetarian accompaniments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market stalls offering fresh fruit, vegetables, snacks, and small bites to sample.
On-site stalls near tea plantations serving hot tea and light bites with hillside views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats before entering temples; shoulders should be covered.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in villages or temples.
Use polite greetings and avoid loud behavior in public spaces; show respect to elders and monks.
Safety
Tipping in Kalawana
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants and for guides if you are satisfied.
Cash in Sri Lankan rupees is widely used; some places accept cards in larger hotels; mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier and warm days with cooler mornings; humidity remains high. Best for outdoor hikes and photography in the early morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rains are common; trails can be slippery; plan indoor activities or forest treks with proper rain gear.
Relatively drier and cooler evenings; ideal for hiking and sightseeing; brief showers can occur.
Kalawana at Night
Hiking in Kalawana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Diverse rainforest trails with opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.
Gentle to moderate hikes through tea terraces offering panoramic hill views.
Scenic river routes and cascades suitable for day hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Kalawana by plane.
Sri Lanka's main international gateway near Colombo; typical onward road travel to Kalawana.
Domestic airport near Colombo; convenient for domestic connections.
Southern gateway; longer transfer to Kalawana but an option for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority community in Kalawana with Buddhist temples and cultural practices.
Smaller communities contributing to local cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in Sri Lanka; local matches and informal games are common in towns like Kalawana.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kalawana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Sri Lankan vegetarian curries are based on lentils, vegetables, and coconut; ask for dal, many curries can be made without meat or fish, and request no fish sauce or anchovies in sambol.