If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing road trip in Sri Lanka, you should consider visiting Tawalantenne. This is a small town in the Central Province, surrounded by lush green tea plantations and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. Tawalantenne is an ideal destination for nature lovers, tea enthusiasts, and photographers who want to experience the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka’s tea country. In this blog, we will tell you how to get to Tawalantenne, what to see and do there, and where to stay and eat.
The easiest way to get to Tawalantenne is by car or by hiring a taxi or a driver. The town is located about 150 kilometers from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, and about 50 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, the most popular hill station in the country. The drive to Tawalantenne takes about 4 to 5 hours from Colombo and about 1.5 hours from Nuwara Eliya, depending on the traffic and road conditions¹.
The drive to Tawalantenne is a scenic one, as you pass through winding roads, rolling hills, and verdant tea estates. You can stop along the way to admire the views, take photos, and visit some of the attractions that are on the route. Some of the places that you can visit on your way to Tawalantenne are:
- Kitulgala: This is a small town on the banks of the Kelani River, famous for its white-water rafting and adventure activities. You can also visit the location where the Oscar-winning movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed in 1957².
- Devon Falls: This is a spectacular waterfall that plunges 97 meters into a gorge. You can view the waterfall from a roadside viewpoint or hike down to the base for a closer look².
- St. Clair’s Falls: This is one of the widest and most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, with two cascades of 80 meters and 50 meters. The waterfall is named after a nearby tea estate and is also known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”³.
- Blue Field Tea Factory: This is one of the oldest and most well-preserved tea factories in Sri Lanka, dating back to 1921. You can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the history and process of tea production. You can also sample and buy some of the finest Ceylon tea at the factory outlet⁴.
Once you reach Tawalantenne, you will be greeted by a charming and peaceful town that offers a glimpse into the life and culture of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Some of the things that you can see and do in Tawalantenne are:
- Hike through the tea plantations: The best way to enjoy the beauty of Tawalantenne is by hiking through its vast and verdant tea plantations. You can walk along the trails that crisscross the plantations and admire the views of the mountains and valleys. You can also interact with the local tea pluckers and learn about their work and lifestyle¹.
- Visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god who helped Lord Rama in his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. According to legend, Lord Hanuman landed on this spot while searching for Sita in Sri Lanka. The temple features a 16-meter-high statue of Lord Hanuman and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape¹.
- Enjoy a picnic at Ramboda Waterfall: This is another stunning waterfall that drops 109 meters into a pool. You can view the waterfall from a bridge or hike down to the pool for a refreshing dip. You can also enjoy a picnic at the nearby park that has benches, tables, and playgrounds¹.
Tawalantenne has a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, guest houses, bungalows, cottages, or campsites. Some of the best places to stay in Tawalantenne are:
- The View at Glenloch: This is a cozy and comfortable hotel that offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the tea plantations. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and free Wi-Fi¹.
- Oak Ray Tea Bush Ramboda: This is a luxury hotel that offers elegant rooms with modern amenities and views of the Ramboda Waterfall. The hotel also has a restaurant, a spa, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi¹.
- Sicily Nature Resort: This is a nature resort that offers rustic cottages with private bathrooms and balconies facing
the forest. The resort also has a restaurant, a barbecue area, a bonfire pit, and free Wi-Fi¹.
Tawalantenne has a few dining options that serve local and international cuisine. You can enjoy delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and spices at these places:
- Chill Cafe: This is a cozy cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and snacks. You can try their sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, pastas, salads, soups, cakes, and ice creams¹.
- Tea Bush Ramboda: This is a restaurant that serves Asian, Sri Lankan, and international cuisine. You can try their rice and curry dishes
- Blue Field Tea Restaurant: This is a restaurant that serves Sri Lankan cuisine with vegetarian
and vegan options. You can try their hoppers
