Hanguranketha: A Hidden Paradise

Hidden far away in the picturesque mountain ranges of Kandy is a small village unbeknownst to most Sri Lankans and tourists alike. A hidden gem in the Central Highlands, the city of Hanguranketha is a peaceful and serene village known for its beautiful paddy fields and its fresh produce. The “Hanguranketha” has been derived from the term “Sangaruwan Ketha”, meaning “thriving paddy field” and was also known by the name “Diyathilaka” in the past.  

I’ve been to a lot of mountainous villages in Sri Lanka but stepping into Hanguranketha was a completely different feeling. It was as if I entered a safe haven- a place where all my worries washed away in the calm, gentle breeze. I didn’t think places like that existed but I was proven wrong the minute I made my way up those mountains. 

Situated in the Nuwara Eliya district, this heaven on earth is approximately 29km southeast of Kandy and 106km northeast of Colombo. A scenic five-hour drive from Colombo would take you on a journey you’ll never forget. Visiting Hanguranketha is not just about visiting the town and seeing the popular destinations- it’s about enjoying the ride, getting lost in the beauty of nature, and discovering a whole new hidden world in the mountains of Kandy.

Although it is a lesser-known village in Sri Lanka, Hanguranketha has quite a rich history, dating back to the ancient Kandyan Kings. It was quite frequently used as a temporary capital of the Kingdom of Kandy- a place for Kings to flee to when the main city was under attack. Several Kings including King Senarath, King Rajasingha II, and King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe were known to be visitors to this serene village. 

At one point in history, this small village had entire palaces and courts built to accommodate the royalty but there are barely any ruins left for us to appreciate. If you ask any local however, you would be able to find enough and more spots with a rich history behind them- from ponds that contain treasure to hidden graveyards, Hanguranketha is a place full of mystery. The most random of places- glorified by the legends surrounding them. 

Getting a local tour guide and asking them to lead the way would be the best option in this tiny haven- that way you’d get to know stories worth telling and places worth seeing. A secret benefit of these locations? It’s completely free! Here are a few locations that you might want to visit:

Gala Uda Fortress

Diyatala Kanda near Hanguranketha city, is a famous mountain with a rich history. Climbing it can be tough, but the view from the top is worth it. At the summit, there used to be a fortress built by King Rajasinghe's era, destroyed later by King Wimaladharmasuriya. King Senarath rebuilt it to fend off Portuguese invasions. During rebellions, the fortress provided shelter for Kings like Rajasinghe II and his son in 1664. Today, only remnants of the protective wall, once over 500 meters long, remain from the fortress.

Pothgul Maliga Rajamaha Viharaya

The present Hanguranketha Pothgul Maliga Rajamaha Viharaya was established by a Buddhist monk in 1830. Legend has it that during a pilgrimage, the monk rested and placed his offering casket on this ground for the night. The following day, when he tried to move the casket, it wouldn't budge. Taking it as a sign, the monk pledged to construct a temple on that spot, which remains standing to this day. The temple earned the name "Pothgul Viharaya" because of the ancient Ola leaf manuscripts showcased in its library. Close to the temple, there stands an ambalama, a roadside rest traditionally used by travellers, which dates back to the Kandyan era. This open-air structure features stone pillars, an inner and outer chamber, and a clay tile roof, built in European-style architecture.

Vil Passa Viewpoint

While this spot has no rich history behind it, the view is to die for! Hidden among the countless trees and weeds, you’d find a magnificent viewpoint overlooking 5 of the most famous dams present in the area, namely, Randenigala, Rantambe, Victoria, Loggaloya, and Polgolla. Watching the sunset from this breathtaking viewpoint is one of the most fascinating and magical experiences I’ve had in my life. While it is accessible by vehicle, having a local guide you would help you find your way to this heavenly sight.

Pallegalauda Viewpoint (Secret Haven Hanguranketha)

This fascinating viewpoint overlooking the Randenigala reservoir is a scene straight out of a fairytale. Now converted into a resort, this location is the perfect spot to visit to take a glance at the crystal blue waters of one of the biggest dams in Sri Lanka.

In addition to these local attractions, you can also visit a few underrated locations close to Hanguranketha for a low price, to get the optimal experience on your journey to the mountains. Some of the best landmarks to visit include,

Loolkandura Estate- Kondagala

Situated just 16km from Hanguranketha, the Loolkandura Estate in Rikillagaskada holds the title of the country's first tea plantation estate. Among its many charms lies Kondagala, a captivating mountain towering just behind James Taylor's cottage on the estate grounds. Renowned as a favoured hiking destination, a relatively short 300-meter trek offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, especially when shrouded in mist. The mountain's elevation offers a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the picturesque valleys below, providing a mesmerizing view well worth the climb.

Mandaram Nuwara

Mandaram Nuwara is a charming village located at the base of the country's tallest peak, Pidurutalagala, just an hour’s drive away from Hanguranketha. This small city is surrounded by mountain ranges, which create a constant mist, leading to its affectionate nickname, the "Misty City". A leisurely hike in the area will take you to Kolapathana Ella, a beautiful waterfall that attracts visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. Kolapathana Ella is renowned for its natural beauty and is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the wonders of Mandaram Nuwara.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect place to travel with your family, the most adventurous hike, or simply a place to sit back and relax, Hanguranketha is the place for you. The colossal mountains, the serene atmosphere, the calm waters, and the gentle breeze will be your best friends in this paradise. This is a place to escape with nothing in your head and nothing in your wallet- a place to let yourself go and bask in the glory of nature. If you’re looking for your next beautiful and cost-effective travel destination, Hanguranketha is perfect for you. Happy travelling!