Colonial Bandarawela, now a tourist destination

Shirajiv Sirimane

TOURISM: Bandarawela, which was once, a city used by colonial planters as a commercial hub is fast converting into a major destination for both local and foreign tourists.

The moderate temperate climate is one of the main attractions for the destination while well-maintained tea estates, factories and bungalows which are the nature's endowments adds value to the destination.

Several new hotels and cottages have come up while many ancient bungalows are being used for tourism. Upbeat Orient Hotel is one of the hotels that hails in Bandarawela. Manager of the Hotel Bandarawela Revatha Hettiarachchi said that guided tours probably day excursions organised by companies would be in existence.

"The star class hotel with 50 rooms and three suites too are organising day excursions with buffet lunch and dinner in estate bungalows, near water falls and many other scenic locations," he said. This is the first time that this concept has been introduced and already we have three international charters visiting Bandarawela especially for this excursion.

He said that today Bandarawela is no longer a transit destination and the average stay has extended to almost three days from an overnight stay. The potential for Adventure tours, Agro tourism trekking, bird watching and tours to tea estates are increasing.

"Lipton's Seat a famous look out point with an elevation of 1900 meters is one of the main attractions in Bandarawela. The Seat also gives a view of four provinces, Uva, Southern, Northern and Sabaragamuwa. As the visitor turn out is increasing a special watchtower is constructed for the benefit of the tourists.

St. Catherine Seat, Pilkington Point, Bambarakanda falls the highest water fall in Sri Lanka measuring 250 meters in hight, Diyaluma Falls and Sri Lanka's loveliest and most dramatic fall, Dunhinda and Ravana falls are all less than one hour drive from Bandarawela.

Horton Plains and the World's End one of world's best nature reserves and Haldumulla Ancient fort and Bogoda Bridge and temples too are all within one hour drive. Yala and Kataragama are also within reach in a single day.