Mahaulpotha is a charming little town located approximately 3.5 km from Bandarawela. Rising above the town is Porogala, a spectacular but relatively little-known viewpoint. The name is derived from the rock’s resemblance to an axe head. From the viewpoint, visitors can enjoy expansive views of Bandarawela, Kinigama, Diyathalawa, Heel Oya, the railway line, and the distant mountain peaks of Nuwara Eliya.
Access to Porogala
To reach Porogala Viewpoint from Bandarawela town, take the road towards Kinigama. At Kinigama Junction, turn onto the road leading towards Mahaulpatha Sri Nigrodharama Maha Viharaya. The temple is approximately 2.8 km from Bandarawela town. A narrow concrete road runs alongside the temple wall for approximately 500 metres and ends at Porogala Rock.
Mountain Views
From Porogala Rock, looking towards the distant mountains on the upper left, visitors can see the Horton Plains plateau and Kirigalpoththa, which rises to 2,388 metres above mean sea level. It is the second-highest mountain in Sri Lanka and the highest mountain in the country whose summit is accessible to the general public. Beyond it is the Hakgala mountain range, rising to approximately 2,169 metres above mean sea level. Slightly to the right of Hakgala is Pidurutalagala, which reaches 2,524 metres and is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Looking down over the steep precipice below Porogala, the Badulla–Bandarawela railway line can be seen emerging from Tunnel No. 39 and continuing towards Heel Oya Railway Station. With a little luck, visitors may even catch an elevated view of a train travelling along the railway line.
Also See
- Attractions of Sri Lanka
- Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Waterfalls of Sri Lanka
- Nature and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Bandarawela Porogala Viewpoint
The map above also shows other places of interest within approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information on these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Driving Directions to Bandarawela Porogala Viewpoint
| Route from Bandarawela to Porogala Viewpoint |
| Through: Kinigama Road – Mahaulpatha Distance: 3.5 km Travel time: 15 mins Driving directions: see on Google Maps |
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