Mandaramnuwara is a village in the mountains of Sri Lanka. It is called the Misty City because the big mountains around it block the sun and make it foggy all the time. This village is at the foot of Pidurutalagala, the mountain in Sri Lanka. The name Mandaramnuwara means the City of Rainy Sky in the Sinhala language. This is a name because it rains a lot there and the sun only comes out for a little while each day. If you want to get from the busy tourist places Mandaramnuwara is a great place to go. It has a lot of beauty like rivers and waterfalls and you can see how the local people live.
Discovering the Wonders of Mandaramnuwara
The mountains around Mandaramnuwara make a lot of waterfalls. There are fourteen waterfalls in total. One of the famous waterfalls is Kolapathana Falls. It is fifty meters high. Comes from a protected forest. To get to Kolapathana Falls you have to hike through the forest and buy a ticket at a kiosk. Another nice place to visit is Kabaragala Ella. It is near a tea field. You can get there by walking on a rough road. You can also see Upper Ellamulla Falls from the road or you can hike to Kalu Palama Ella. If you want to see the village you can hike to the Mandaramnuwara View Point. From there you can see the fields where people grow leeks, carrots and beans.
How to Reach the Misty City
It is not easy to get to Mandaramnuwara because the roads are winding and rough. If you are coming from Kandy you have to go through Hanguranketha and Rikillagaskada before you get to Padiyapelella. Then you have to turn and drive on a special mountain road that takes you to the village. If you are coming from Nuwara Eliya you have to drive on a road that goes through Kandapola and then down into the valley. There are buses that go from Kandy to Padiyapelella. Then you can take a local bus to the village.. It is better to have a car or hire a taxi because it is more comfortable and easier to get around.
Weather and Travel Logistics
The weather in Mandaramnuwara is cool and wet all year round. You have to be prepared for rain and cold temperatures so you should pack clothes and good shoes. There are not fancy hotels in Mandaramnuwara, which makes it a more authentic place to visit. You can stay in an eco-resort, a homestay or a campsite. If you are traveling on your own you should plan your meals ahead of time. Be careful not to litter. You should also ask guides before you go swimming in the rock pools. Mandaramnuwara is a place to visit if you like nature and want to get away, from the busy city.
