Monaragala Hotels & Monaragala District Travel Guide

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Let’s see what we can do in Monaragala. Monaragala is the second largest city in Uva Province. It’s located 57.3KM southeast of Badulla. The Monaragala Postal Code is 91000.

Monaragala has a variety of Monaragala hotels and accommodation options, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts. You can book Monaragala hotels from hotelexpress.lk, and also check out Monaragala tours. So let’s continue, best tour guide.

Weather in Monaragala.

Monaragala District generally experiences a warm climate. The average temperature in July is around 84°F (29°C) with high humidity levels. Rainfall is low during this time, meaning July is considered an average dry month with clear skies compared to other months

Monaragala receives low rainfall, with a few light rain days. Wind speeds are average. Monaragala District has warm, sunny weather, which can be uncomfortable for people who are not used to such weather conditions. 

The way from COLOMBO to MONARAGALA.

• The train journey from Colombo to Monaragala takes approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes to 9 hours and 20 minutes. 

• It takes 5.30 to 6.00 hours to travel from Colombo to Monaragala by expressway bus.

 Monaragala Tourist Places

There are many historical, natural, and scenic attractions for tourists to see in Monaragala. Let’s see what there is to see in Monaragala.

1. Galoya Valley National Park.

        Gal Oya National Park, located in Sri Lanka, is home to a variety of wildlife and ecosystems, including evergreen forests, grasslands, and mountainous terrain. The park also provides habitat for animals. This is the only national park in Sri Lanka where you can take a boat safari to watch elephants swimming among the islands of the Senanayake Marine Reservoir. The best time to visit this park is during the dry season, from May to September. This is the time when wildlife can be observed best. 

2. Galabedda Biso Pond.

        The Galabedda Biso Pokuna is known as the Queen's Pond due to its association with Queen Sugala. A historical site, the ancient rock pool and ruins of a palace complex, as well as the modern water management system, bear powerful testimony to the advanced architectural and engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankans. It is an important archaeological site for tourists and historians interested in the cultural and historical past of Sri Lanka. It is located near the Monaragala-Pothuvil road.

3. Yala National Park.

         Covering an area of ​​over 97,880 hectares, the park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, and bears. It is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the country. Tourists can take a safari to get up close and personal with the park's animal and plant species. The park is a conservation area in Sri Lanka. Overall, Yala National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature, offering an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of Sri Lanka's natural world.

4. Katharagama Museum.

         Although details about the Kataragama Museum are scarce, it houses artifacts related to the history, religious practices, and cultural traditions of Kataragama. The museum is located near the Menik River. It is considered a must-see as it interprets the multi-religious heritage.

5. Kebiliththa Devalaya.

        Considered the abode of the Kataragama Gods, this temple is also known as Siyambalawa Temple. It is considered a place of spiritual power, and devotees often come here with specific preparations, namely vegetarianism and fasting. The road to Kebiliththa Temple is through the Yala National Park, so jeeps are used. The place is considered a must-visit for tourists as it offers an amazing experience.

6. Lunugamwehera National Park.

         Lunugamvehera National Park is an important habitat for elephants and waterfowl. The mild, dry climate here is a great help for the forests, grasslands, and scrub forests of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Since this park is located in different ecological zones, tourists can get a lot of experience at once. Also, safaris allow you to see different types of animals up close. Lunugamvehera National Park has been designated as a valuable protected area in Sri Lanka         

7. Buduruwagala Rock Cavings.

          Buduruwagala Rock Cave is located about 7 km from Wellawaya on the Thanamalwila road. This ancient Buddhist temple houses a 51-foot-tall Buddha statue and seven rock-cut figures, all inspired by Mahayana Buddhist art. The mystical and religious significance of this place attracts devotees and visitors who are interested in this.

8. Udawalawe National Park.

         Udawalawe National Park, located in the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka, was created to protect wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park covers an area of ​​over 30,821 hectares and is home to the Asian elephant. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, bears, and many bird species, as well as deer, wild boar, and monkeys. Safaris can be enjoyed here, and it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. 

9. Katharagama Kiri Vehera.

        Kataragama Kirivehera is an ancient stupa located in Kataragama. It is believed to have been built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century BC. Kirivehera is one of the 16 most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in ancient Sri Lanka. Tourists can get a fresh experience as religious rituals of several religions are performed in this temple. It is 95 feet high and has a circumference of 280 feet. It is located near the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple.

10. Vadda’s Heritage Center.

         This is known as one of the places where the ancient Sri Lankan indigenous people lived. The Rathugala Vedda Heritage Centre contains remnants of their lifestyle. It is located near the road between Iginiyagala and Bibiya.

11. Senanayaka Samudrya.

         Built in 1956, this reservoir is named after Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister, D.S. Senanayake. It is one of the largest reservoirs. The Senanayake Sea is an essential reservoir for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Many migratory birds visit this scenic environment for their breeding. This reservoir contributes greatly to the agricultural activities of the country and has made a significant contribution to the history and development of the economy of Sri Lanka.

12. Hadapangala Dam.

          The Handapanagala Dam, located in the Uva Province, is an irrigation project that greatly helps local agriculture. It was designed to collect almost all the water resources of the area without wasting them. Many tourists come to experience the beauty of the reservoir of the Hadapanagala Dam.

13. Udawalawa Reservoir

           Built-in the 1960s, this reservoir is essential for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. It was designed to support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The scenic surroundings of the reservoir and the wildlife and birds here add to its beauty. It is a great place for photographers.

14. Maragala Mountain Rock statue.

           At 1090 feet high, this is the highest peak in the Monaragala district. There is a long rock at the top of the mountain. Although it is a difficult route to reach its peak, many people climb the mountain due to its beauty. This beautiful mountain range is located around the villages of Galabedda, Dunugolla village, and Obbegoda.

15. Manik Ganga.

          The Menik River, which originates from the Namunu Kula mountain range in the Uva Province, flows throughout the country. It is called the Menik River because of the valuable gemstones found in this river. It flows through Kataragama, adding immense value to the city of Kataragama.

Another reason to visit Monaragala,

• Rivers & Waterfalls:

     Menik Ganga, Hulanda oya, Gal oya, Heda oya, Wali oya, Kumbukkan oya, Kirinda oya, Rawana oya, Mallipotha Lake, Galabedda Waterfall, Visari Waterfall, Yudaganawa Wawa, Pareiyan Ella Falls,Kehellanda Wewa, Gigiri Ella, Ellewala Waterfall

• Hiking Places:

      Govinda Hela, Galoya Forest View Place, Maragala Mountain, Rockststue, Siripathula Mountain

• Historical Sites:

      Kebiliththa Dewalaya, Lakshmi Dewalaya, Galabedda Archaeological Site, Mayuragiriya Ancient Temple, Wattarama Rajamaha Viharaya, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Wadasiti Kanda Temple

• Marine Reservoir:     

       Senanayake Reservoir, Muthukandiya Reservoir, Weheragala Reservoir, Hadapangala Reservoir, Udawalawa Reservoir, Alikota Reservoir, Meegahara Reservoir

• Village Life:

       You can visit the beauty of the villages around Monaragala town.

       You can see their culture.

       You can taste their unique cuisine.

Cities in Monaragala

• Biblia

• Buththala

• Wellawaya

• Katharagama

• Siyabalanduwa

• Medagama

• Thanamalvila

• Badalkubura

• Sevanagala

• Madulla

Bibila.

     A town in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka, and a rapidly developing urban center. Bibila town is a trade and commercial center, which builds connections between villages and cities.

Katharagama.

     Kataragama is one of the major cities in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Kataragama is famous for the Kataragama Temple. Hindu and Sinhalese devotees come to this temple to worship. Indigenous people also come to the Kataragama Temple to perform religious rituals. Kataragama is also famous for the Menik River.

Thanamalvila.

     Thanamalwila is another town in the Uva Province. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks near this town. It is a bit difficult town as it has a dry climate. Their main source of income is farming.

Badalkubura.

     Badalkumbura town is a very rural town and is also located in the Monaragala district. Their main livelihood is vegetable cultivation and farming. It is a very beautiful town and has a peaceful environment.

Madulla.  

     Madulla town is a peaceful village in the Monaragala district. Their main livelihood is farming, and Madulla town is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and scenic surroundings.

Are you ready to visit Monaragala?

Although there are several things to do in Monaragala city. Your involvement in such a thing during your Monaragala visit will surely become an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.