Joanna James
The spectacular mountainous town of Ramboda serves as a launch pad to many scenic tours around the hill country. Some of the best attractions in town are followed.
The Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple is a staple visit for guests at Ramboda hotels for its historical and cultural significance. The temple lies in an idyllic location that overlooks a section of the equally picturesque valley. According to legend, the presiding deity of the temple Hanuman searched for Sitadevi in the jungles surrounding the temple. The Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka was responsible for having the temple constructed in homage to the legend. It is home to a statue of Hanuman that is believed to be over 40 feet tall. Some accounts of the legend suggest the hills of Ramboda were where Hanuman searched for Sitadevi. When full moons are sighted, visitors will be privy to special poojas that are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Ramboda Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls and is visible from the Ramboda Pass in the Pussellawa section of Nuwara Eliya. The waterfall is also called Ramboda Ella or Puna Ella, and derives the alternative names from their source river. This river is the Puna Oya that is a tributary of Kotmale Oya. The Puna Oya, entwined with Dunsinane Falls, in turn, flows from the Pundalu Oya which is another tributary river of the Kotmale River. At 109 m in height, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Nature lovers appreciate Ramboda Falls for its inherent value as well as its aesthetically pleasing attributes. Tourists and travellers residing at nearby hotels and resorts such as Oak Ray Tea Bush should definitely trek to the falls.
Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat! The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is not too far from Ramboda. The course lies in the hill station of Nuwara Eliya and is one of the nation’s oldest golf clubs. Amateur golfers can partake in classes to get them up to speed, while advanced players will find every amenity they need for an enjoyable game of golf. The golf course encompasses around 100 acres of land and sits at an altitude of 1830 metres above sea level. Stunning panoramic views are, therefore, a guaranteed.
The Horton Plains is one of the coldest and windiest locations in Sri Lanka. Comprising of myriad ecosystems from montane evergreen forests to grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystems, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Located within reasonable reach of Ramboda, it is a must-visit for its natural beauty, ambient atmosphere and ecological significance. Animal lovers will see many species of endemic fauna up close and personal. Views of the surrounding landscape are on offer with the plains seated at 2100 metres above sea level. A tour of the Horton Plains will give visitors of Ramboda a deeper insight to Sri Lanka’s rich bio-diversity and allow them to better acquaint themselves with the vivid outdoors that is characteristic of this part of the country.
Sri Lanka’s central highlands are home to the Kotmale Reservoir that lies nestled between hills. Beneath the azure waters of the reservoir lie the ruins of various temples and ancient human settlements. Its historical heritage has made it a point of interest to travellers. To date, tens of tea estates, ancient temples and villages have been estimated to have been submerged in the water during the construction of the reservoir. Among other ruins, the ruins of the Kadadora Vihara stand out, particularly the sculptures and statues of the Buddha and other deities. When in Ramboda, adding the Kotmale Reservoir to your bucket list would add some historical spice to your tropical holiday.
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