Joanna James
Set between two touristy cities – Nuwara Eliya and the capital of the central highlands that is Kandy – the small town of Pussellawa remains under the radar while being strung along a very beaten path of Sri Lanka. Come, immerse yourself in the untroubled tranquillity of the laid-back town.
Cascading at an altitude of 945 metres above sea level, the 109-metre-high Ramboda Falls is the 729th highest waterfall in the world and the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The trek from the A5 highway to the waterfall involves a good 2 kilometres, but the trail isn't the hardest to navigate, allowing all from the least to the most adventurous to reach the falls. Behold the cascading white curtain of water while the sound of water splashing on lichen-covered rocks serenades you, making your trip to Pussellawa truly memorable.
At an altitude of 1,518 metres above sea level, Peacock Hill is the highest peak in the small town of Pussellawa. Peacock Hill, locally known as "Monara Gala", which is Sinhalese for peacock hill, resembles the shape of a peacock when viewed at a distance; hence, the name Monara Gala or Peacock Hill. The serene hill may soar only 200 metres above Pussellawa city, but at the summit, you are greeted with views that extend all the way up to the Kotmale reservoir, Ramboda falls, and Kabaragala mountain, leaving you in complete awe.
Nestled high away in the misty hills of Pussellawa, Chariot Path, or Chariot Path of King Rawana as it is known historically, is the star attraction that puts Pussellawa on the map for almost all tourists to the small laid-back town. Chariot Path is acres of verdant grassland laid atop a mountain range, surrounded by a tiny piece of forest, making for an unreal mountainous paradise that's sure to make you feel a world far away from reality.
Perched on a hill just above the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya main road, a few kilometres away from Pussellawa, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil is a lovely Hanuman Temple in Sri Lanka. The highlight of the temple is the 18ft statue of Lord Hanuman, which is considered to be the tallest Hanuman statue in the island nation. From striking ancient architecture to mind-blowing scenic views of the mountainous surroundings, a visit to this picturesque temple is a magnificent feast for the eye.
As a hill station that's home to sprawling emerald-green tea fields, some of the best things to do in Pussellawa revolve around tea and what better place to visit than the Blue Field Tea Factory for all things tea. Treat yourself to a nice cup of tea as well as a guided tour of the factory and retreat to one of the finest hotels in the vicinity, such as The Lavender House, and call it a day.
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