Undiscovered Wellawaya with Jetwing Kaduruketha
Wellawaya is simply a major cross road and the starting point of the southern dry plains. It is the last point of the A2 highway, popularly known as Colombo- Galle- Hambantota Road. The road to north from Wellawaya via spectacular Ella Gap goes to Bandarawela and the hill country, west to Koslanda and turn east to beautiful Arugam Bay.
But for most travellers, Wellawaya is just a central town that is passed through en route to the East Coast. Jetwing Kaduruketha, the first agro-tourism property, is looking to change that. Located in Wellawaya just 4 kms off Northern Ella road, the Resort features 25 dwellings overlooking fields of paddy.
A major portion of the land has been given over to the cultivation and harvesting of paddy, giving guests the opportunity to experience the culture and daily life of a traditional farming community. Set in the midst of a fertile paddy farmland and natural forest overlooking misty Poonagala Mountain range, Kaduruketha was once belonged solely to the Kadurugama family from the area.
The terrain makes it ideal for hiking and trekking, activities that the associates of Jetwing Kaduruketha can readily arrange.
The Assistant Manager Hasantha Lokugamage is an expert on the wonderful things Wellawaya has to offer. An avid trekker and environmentalist, his wealth of knowledge can craft an itinerary that is suited to any type of traveller. He highly recommends his personal favourite – a hike to the upper part of Diyaluma Falls. Nestled in the tea estates of Koslanda, the second tallest waterfall in the country is a captivating experience that is relatively unknown amongst travellers.
Buduruwagala
The trek begins through a mountain forest, rising and falling till the sound of rushing water signals the destination. A blue pool, its waters freezing cold, are ideal for a swim and an ideal location for the overnight camp that Jetwing can arrange for adventurers. A careful walk close to the edge of the ridge takes one to where the water drops from the height to create the actual fall, a treacherous yet thrilling phenomenon to witness.
A few minutes away from the hotel is the hidden Elle Wala waterfall, a popular spot for locals in the region to swim and relax. There is a small hike to the waterfall itself but any fatigue is immediately washed away at the sight of the cascade crashing into a vibrant blue pool, surrounded by the mountain on three sides.
For those more awed by historical landmarks and sites, the region of Wellawaya bordering Buttala is home to architectural and cultural gems from lesser-known periods of Sri Lankan history. The ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala is fine example of artistic and engineering technology as far back as the 10th century, the stonework a testament to t he craftsmen who worked on the temple.
Yudaganava, one of the largest temples in Sri Lanka and the site of a famous 2nd century battle can be seen on a drive along the Wellawaya – Buttala road. The largest free-standing Buddha statue in the country is located in the Maligawila sacred grounds. These are but a few of the historic locations that can be admired around Wellawaya.
In addition to the excursions in the area, Wellawaya is centrally placed to allow guests to revel in a host of Sri Lanka’s finest experiences – the nature trails that begin in the town of Ella, the Uda Walawe elephant transit home and the national parks further south.
Day trips to these locations can be arranged by the ever-accommodating staff who are committed to ensuring that your stay with Jetwing is one that is luxurious, adventurous and unforgettable.
By Sanath WeerasuriyaWellawaya is simply a major cross road and the starting point of the southern dry plains. It is the last point of the A2 highway, popularly known as Colombo- Galle- Hambantota Road. The road to north from Wellawaya via spectacular Ella Gap goes to Bandarawela and the hill country, west to Koslanda and turn east to beautiful Arugam Bay. But for most travellers, Wellawaya is just a central town that is passed through en route to the East Coast. Jetwing Kaduruketha, the first agro-tourism property, is looking to change that. Located in Wellawaya just 4 kms off Northern Ella road, the Resort features 25 dwellings overlooking fields of paddy. A major portion of the land has been given over to the cultivation and harvesting of paddy, giving guests the opportunity to experience the culture and daily life of a traditional farming community. Set in the midst of a fertile paddy farmland and natural forest overlooking misty Poonagala Mountain range, Kaduruketha was once belonged solely to the Kadurugama family from the area. The terrain makes it ideal for hiking and trekking, activities that the associates of Jetwing Kaduruketha can readily arrange. The Assistant Manager Hasantha Lokugamage is an expert on the wonderful things Wellawaya has to offer. An avid trekker and environmentalist, his wealth of knowledge can craft an itinerary that is suited to any type of traveller. He highly recommends his personal favourite – a hike to the upper part of Diyaluma Falls. Nestled in the tea estates of Koslanda, the second tallest waterfall in the country is a captivating experience that is relatively unknown amongst travellers. The trek begins through a mountain forest, rising and falling till the sound of rushing water signals the destination. A blue pool, its waters freezing cold, are ideal for a swim and an ideal location for the overnight camp that Jetwing can arrange for adventurers. A careful walk close to the edge of the ridge takes one to where the water drops from the height to create the actual fall, a treacherous yet thrilling phenomenon to witness.A few minutes away from the hotel is the hidden Elle Wala waterfall, a popular spot for locals in the region to swim and relax. There is a small hike to the waterfall itself but any fatigue is immediately washed away at the sight of the cascade crashing into a vibrant blue pool, surrounded by the mountain on three sides.For those more awed by historical landmarks and sites, the region of Wellawaya bordering Buttala is home to architectural and cultural gems from lesser-known periods of Sri Lankan history. The ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala is fine example of artistic and engineering technology as far back as the 10th century, the stonework a testament to t he craftsmen who worked on the temple. Yudaganava, one of the largest temples in Sri Lanka and the site of a famous 2nd century battle can be seen on a drive along the Wellawaya – Buttala road. The largest free-standing Buddha statue in the country is located in the Maligawila sacred grounds. These are but a few of the historic locations that can be admired around Wellawaya.In addition to the excursions in the area, Wellawaya is centrally placed to allow guests to revel in a host of Sri Lanka’s finest experiences – the nature trails that begin in the town of Ella, the Uda Walawe elephant transit home and the national parks further south. Day trips to these locations can be arranged by the ever-accommodating staff who are committed to ensuring that your stay with Jetwing is one that is luxurious, adventurous and unforgettable.