Morningside Deniyaya is situated off Suriyakanda, between Deniyaya and Rakwana, towards the east of the Sinharaja Rainforest in Southern Sri Lanka.

morningside deniyaya

It is a magical spot where you can explore the wonders of nature and go on exciting adventures.

Between Rakwana and Deniyaya is Suriyakanda, it is a tiny peaceful town with zero tourists. Morningside is about 7Kms from the town of Suriyakanda.

‘Morningside’ was so named because it feels like it is morning all day long.
Here, day and night seem to blend, the air is filled with the scent of cardamom, and rare birds serenade your senses. Morningside truly lives up to its name.

Beauty of the Morningside Deniyaya

Morningside, which contains natural pools of cold water streams through vegetation is replete with pure water and ventilation due to its location in a tropical rainforest. When walking along the gorges possessed of leeches, numerous species of fauna and flora endemic to Sri Lanka can be figured out in this forest.

The hilly virgin eco-region which possesses a climate equal to the Nuwara Eliya area is encircled in every direction by the Rakwana chain of mountains. The commonest mammals like rabbits, wild boar, leopards, sambars, and chipmunks can be seen banging around through the hazy aurora of the rising sun. Gigantic flora can be found at the Sinharaja forest and trees like Keena, sour guava, Modol, Diyapara, and Badulla are seen through the cardamom plantation.

History of Morningside Deniyaya

It was called ‘Morningside Estate’ by colonial planters who wanted to grow tea here. Today, it’s with cardamom, one of the world’s most valuable spices.

It is said that this valley was a tea estate of white masters in the colonial era though seemingly it is encircled by the peaks of the Rakwana range of mountains namely Iththekanda, Buthkanda, Ilumbakanda, and Sooriyakanda entirely blocking human contact.

Morningside was a part of the Sinharaja Forest during the bygone days but under the foreign invasions later it has been victimized by plantation culture.

Journey to Morningside Deniyaya

The forested Sinharaja wilderness sanctuary can be seen at Sooriyakanda. Morning Side Estate is located a short distance from Sooriyakanda in the Rakwana-Deniyaya route. Only about 7 km from the junction that turns Buluthota pass to Morningside.

A 4WD with high clearance can go all the way up to the bungalow. But if you would like, you can walk a 7 km distance through the tea plantation. The path to the bungalow is full of the most rare and wonderful fauna and flora.

It’s 7 kilometers away from the nearest village, with no mobile phone signals. Make sure to bring your supplies, as there’s no electricity. Extra batteries for devices like laptops and cameras are essential.

At the Morningside bungalow, you’ll find simplicity and tranquility. Solar power provides just enough electricity for a few evening lights, and there are no phones or reliable mobile signals. Here, you can disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature.

Key Points in Morningside Deniyaya

  • It is best for the people who are seeking a place for real Peace & Quiet resting.
  • There is no connection with the busy word at all. (7 km from the nearest village & no mobile phone signals).
  • You must bring all the food, medicine & other essential requirements.
  • No electricity power.(Extra batteries for your Laptop, Camera etc)
  • Only 4WD vehicles can go on this circuit. (Motorbikes are suitable).

How to Go Morningside Deniyaya

From Tangalle

To reach the Morningside, from Tangalle you have to take the Tangalle – Weeraketiya Road, Weeraketiya – Middeniya Road, Kotapola – Urubokka – Mulatiyana Road, Batandura Road, and Deniyaya – Galle Main Road, passing through Urubokka and Deniyaya. The Morningside is situated off ‘Suriyakanda’ between Deniyaya and Rakwana.

From Ratnapura

Your journey by road takes you through stunning landscapes. You’ll travel along the A4 road, pass through Ratnapura, and then take the A18 road. At the Madampe junction, turn onto the B17 road to Deniyaya. Brace yourself for a 35-kilometer adventure on winding roads, ending with a thrilling 7-kilometer ride on the roughest road in the country.

You can reserve the circuit bungalow from the forest department head office or Online reservation. Only 4WD vehicles can go on this circuit. If you are going by a normal car or a van you will have to park it at Iththakanda village. 4WD safari vehicles are available at Iththakanda village.

Morningside Photo Gallery

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN DENIYAYA