Introduction to Deniyaya
Deniyaya is a small town located in the Matara District of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by the Sinharaja Rainforest, and the climate is relatively cool. Deniyaya, also known as Punchi Nuwara Eliya, has become extremely popular with tourists due to its biodiversity and beauty. Travel in deniyaya is a great travel experience one can get in the life.
Coming from Matara to Akuressa, take the Deniyaya Road from Akuressa, and after passing several towns such as Pitabeddara, Morawaka, and Kotapola you will come across Deniyaya which is one of the coldest places in the South, attracting a large number of foreign tourists. On the way to Deniyaya and in Deniyaya you will often see tea estates. Coming here, you can see the roadside out of the large tea estates just like Nuwara Eliya. Also, Akuressa Deniyaya Road is a winding, hilly road and when going to Deniyaya, you should be aware of the slope that is often seen on the right side of the road.
Places to Visit in Deniyaya
Olu Dola
Olu Dola is not a big place. But it is a very beautiful place. Where water also flows, it naturally forms like a small lake. It’s a great place to bathe. This is in the area called Hulandawa which is found on the Deniyaya road from Akuressa. You have to go here on a vine bridge. The journey to Olu Dola will be an unforgettable one.
Elamaldeniya Rajamaha Viharaya
If you want to visit the Elamaldeniya Temple, you have to change the road at Pitabeddara and go a little further on Siyambalagoda Road. When you turn off at Paragasthenna Junction you will find the Elamaldeniya Temple. It is said that this temple is a Rajamaha Vihara built during the reign of King Walagamba.This temple was dedicated to the god Rajjuru Bandara. Therefore, many sad people come to this temple to express their grief to God. It is said that they often received help. The temple has a series of long steps that can be seen from the top. But we can not take responsibility for the leeches hanging on the leg.
Gatabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya
The historic “Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya” and the temple of god “Rajjuru Bandara” are located on the Gatabaru hill, 1500 feet above sea level, on the Galle-Deniyaya road at the village of kotapola
Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya was constructed during the reign of King Wattagamini Abhaya and houses a large recumbent statue of the Buddha. Devalaya adjoining the temple is dedicated to Rajjuru Bandara Deviyo (God) a regional deity of Ruhuna and is well known for its miraculous powers. Value of Gatabaru Rajamaha Viharaya is also popular for its annual Esala Perahera which is known as the largest Perahera (procession) in the Matara District.
Patna Sliding Rock
Located in the middle of the Enasalwatta Estate in the Pallegama area of Deniyaya. It is a natural place for water sports. This can be described as a very nice place for the whole family to have a great water fun.
Patna also has a wonderful location. There is a large boulder with a small amount of water flowing through it that can slide down. It’s like slipping in a seso and coming down. It is a unique place you should visit in your life time.
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Sinharaja Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enter to Sinharaja Forest from Weddagala, Lankagama, Deniyaya, or Rakwana entrances. Sinharaja is the home of a majority of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of animals.
One of the gateways to the Sinharaja Forest, a world-renowned biodiversity system, is located in the Pallegama area of Deniyaya. You don’t need to say anything strange about Sinharaja. The Sinharaja Forest, which belongs to the category of tropical rainforests, is a marvelous creation of nature with a large number of waterfalls, wildlife, and plants hidden in its lap.
There are a number of quality accommodation facilities built to cater to those who visit Deniyaya. If you visit Sinharaja you can also stay inside the lodge.
Also, when Sinharaja enters, the signal on your phone is completely lost. If you are going to visit Sinharaja then let your relatives know about it.
Morningside Deniyaya
Morningside Deniyaya is situated close to Suriyakanda, between Deniyaya and Rakwana, towards the east of the Sinharaja Forest. It is an astonishing place where you can feel the nature very closely.
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.
Waterfalls around Deniyaya
Kurulu Ella Sinharaja
The beautiful, cool, and clean waterfall where people do not often hang out.
Bambaragala Estate Waterfall
This is a private waterfall belonging to the Bambaragala Estate. You can visit this waterfall only if you book the Bambaragala Estate Bungalow. It is only 10 minute walk from the bungalow to the waterfall. So peaceful and you can have the waterfall all for yourself
Sathmala Ella – Seven-Story Waterfall
Sathmale Falls is located in a beautiful and unique landscape, a short distance from Deniyaya town, Pallegama Sub-town. It is a must-see waterfall. A path with safety steps has been constructed to visit it. You will surely be mesmerized by watching this
You may ask what is so special about this. A waterfall is a place where water usually rises and falls. But the water in this waterfall falls from layer to layer. It is also known as Hathmale Falls which has seven floors. A beautiful place to go and see. Do not wait for the bath. A little scary.
Athamala Falls
This Athamala Falls is found on the Deniyaya Road, a short distance down the road to the right near the Nil Ella Estate, which is found while passing Pitabeddara. It is said that the Athamala Falls because an elephant died here in the past. It is a beautiful waterfall that is not very tall. But you also need to be reminded that this place is not good for bathing.
Biso Ella Waterfall
A good waterfall. The access road is okay. A good safe place to bathe on top of the waterfall. Can’t reach the bottom of the waterfall and it is quite dangerous.
Sari Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya: 16km
Ulliduwawa area
This waterfall is called the Sari Ella Waterfall. The water flows in two levels of this waterfall. Both levels are very beautiful but you can’t see the first waterfall when you watch the second waterfall. To visit the upper waterfall you can walk through the forest on the left side. If you visit this waterfall you will think for a moment that you are dreaming of another world. Definitely ask for the help of a tour guide while visiting this waterfall.
Rajaawetuna Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya: 9.3km
Beverly area
RajaaWatunu Ella is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Deniyaya area, and It has a very strong stream. The water in this stream is very clean. Also, there is a natural swimming pool in the upper part of this waterfall. The first pool is not deep and the second pool is deep and the water takes a dark color. Definitely ask for the help of a tour guide while visiting this waterfall.
Pusma Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya: 8km
Higurahena village
Pusma Ella waterfall is located in Higurahena village about 10 Km from Deniyaya. This waterfall is a tall waterfall and the water capacity is also large. The Shape of this waterfall is very mind-blowing. Definitely take the help of a tour guide while visiting this waterfall. If you decide to visit this you will be able to see other waterfalls besides this Waterfall in this area. To See the full form of this waterfall, you have to walk down a cliff. If you are an avid traveler who has faced adventures before you can easily overcome this challenge.
Yodha Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya: 9km
Higuragena village
Yodha Ella Waterfall is located in Higuragena, which is about 8km away from Deniyaya. This is not a traditional waterfall. It is a waterfall hidden by a large rock and it is amazing. If you visit this waterfall, you will feel this feeling. you will feel that you have entered another world, and you can forget yourself for a moment. a waterfall that can treat your mind.
Uguduwa Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya: 8km
Higuragena village
This place is located in Higuragena village, which is about 8 km from Deniyaya. If you travel to this place you can see three waterfalls. But this place is difficult to find alone. Many tourists love the pool at the second waterfall here. Definitely ask for the help of a tour guide while visiting this waterfall.
Kekuna Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya:13km
Kekuna Ella Waterfall is in the Sinharaja rainforest. There is a large stream of water with a lot of cool and it is a favorite waterfall for many tourists.
Malmora Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya:13km
Malmora Ella Waterfall is located in the Sinharaja rain forest, to find this waterfall you have to enter from the Sinharaja Pitadeniya gate and do an exploratory walk for about 5 km. You will have a real experience of the rainforest during this trip. You need to find an experienced tour guide to explore this waterfall.
Pathanoya Ella Waterfall
Distance from Deniyaya:13km
Pathanoya Ella Waterfall is located in the Sinharaja rainforest. To find this waterfall you have to enter from the Sinharaja Pitadeniya gate and do an exploratory walk for about 2.5 km. Many tourists love this waterfall. Some tourists go to this waterfall for fish therapy So they spend a lot of time in this place.
Brahakmana Ella Waterfall
Lankagama Village
This is also very a very beautiful waterfall which has a very clean water stream. You have to buy a ticket to visit this waterfall after entering this place.
MOUNTAINS
Dothalu Gala Rock
Thalapalakanda Village
It is a another amazing place in deniyaya, known as dothalu gala (dothalu rock). This place is located in a village called Thalapalakanda, which is about 8km from Deniyaya. This is exactly like a natural stone tower. It is really amazing, the top of this rock is a great place to watch the surrounding.
Gongala Mountain
Gongala mountain, which is opposed to the small Kandy light in the south, is a beautiful mountain class found on the Deniyaya Rakwana road located on the border of southern and Sabaragamuwa province.
It is the 15th highest mountain in Sri Lanka with a height of about 4455 feet. Gongala hill is a isolated mountain area from the Sinharaja forest and this mountain is named Gongala because it is located as a big rock on the head of a bull.
This cold fog-frozen hill area is still protected by nature as there is not much eye collision of local tourists but many local tourists are now crossing this Mountain because of its beauty.
Kurulugala Mountaion
This high rock is located about 10km from Deniyaya. The way to this high mountain top is through the main entrance to Samangala, Sinharaja.
