Udadumbara

Avatar photo hashini sandeepani
July 24, 2025
12 min read

Udadumbara, located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque area known for its cool climate, lush greenery, and serene natural landscapes. Surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and tea plantations, it offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature. The region retains its traditional village lifestyle, with agriculture playing a central role. Its proximity to hiking trails and scenic spots makes it a favored destination for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures.

Total Population

30,000

GN Divisions

63

Where Nature and Tradition Thrive in the Highlands

A Sanctuary of Forests, Waterfalls, and Village Life

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Udadumbara is a scenic region known for its cool climate, verdant tea estates, and cascading waterfalls. This area blends traditional rural living with breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors a peaceful retreat amidst rolling hills and lush forests.

Spiritual Heritage and Sacred Places

Udadumbara is home to historic temples such as Rajagala Raja Maha Viharaya, where local Buddhist traditions and festivals continue to bind the community together through rituals, almsgiving, and seasonal ceremonies.

Nature’s Playground: Waterfalls and Trails

With its network of pristine waterfalls, including Delhousie Falls, and forest trails, Udadumbara attracts hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers who seek tranquility and adventure in equal measure.

Agriculture and Village Life

Tea cultivation, vegetable farming, and traditional home gardening sustain the local economy. The community is tightly knit, with cultural festivals and everyday cooperation strengthening bonds.

Education and Development

Schools and rural development programs in Udadumbara work towards improving literacy and promoting sustainable agriculture, empowering future generations to maintain their cultural heritage while embracing progress.

Transport and Access

  • 🚗 By Road: Well-connected to Kandy and nearby towns through provincial roads.
  • 🚌 By Bus: Frequent bus services link Udadumbara with regional hubs.
  • 🚆 By Train: Accessible via nearby railway stations with routes to major cities.

Cultural Harmony and Community Spirit

Udadumbara’s population, predominantly Sinhala, embraces diversity through shared celebrations such as New Year and Vesak, fostering unity and cultural pride.

A Serene Highland Treasure

With its pristine environment, spiritual traditions, and resilient communities, Udadumbara remains a serene and captivating part of Sri Lanka’s hill country legacy.

GN Code Name in English
005 Meemure
010 Kumbukgolla
015 Kaikawala
020 Pusse Ela
025 Karambaketiya
030 Gerandigala
035 Moonamalpelessa
040 Kalugala
045 Udailuka
050 Padupola
055 Udakumbura
060 Kalugaloya
065 Dumbaragama
070 Pallewela
075 Udawela
080 Kandegama
085 Wadawalakanda
090 Kobonilla
095 Pallekanda
100 Hanwella
105 Andideniya
110 Dambagahapitiya
115 Poppitiya
120 Oyathenna
125 Thalagune
130 Gedaramada
135 Kirigankumbura
140 Udadumbara
145 Nawanagala
150 Hunnasgiriya
155 Kiripattiya
160 Halyala
165 Mediriya
170 Gangoda
175 Udapitawala
180 Mahawala
185 Pitawala Udagammedda
190 Godakumbura
195 Mediwaka
200 Karandagolla
205 Rambukwella East
210 Rambukwella West
215 Denapitiya
220 Nugethenna East
225 Nugethenna West
230 Kevulgama
235 Ganegala
240 Minuwangamuwa
245 Kalalgamuwa
250 Pitawala
255 Dewahandiya East
260 Hapukanda East
265 Hapukanda West
270 Madugalla Udagammedda
275 Madugalla North
280 Madugalla South
285 Pamunethenna
290 Devinnegama
295 Bambarabedda East
300 Bambarabedda West
305 Pitigoda
310 Kalawala
315 Dewahandiya West

📞 Public Services – Pasbage Korale

Service Contact Number Additional Info
🚓 Galagedara Police Station +94 81 23 782 22 Covers parts of Pasbage Korale and nearby areas
🏥 Galagedara Divisional Hospital +94 81 23 782 91 Primary government healthcare facility in the area
🏥 Private Clinics (Galagedara Town) +94 81 23 782 35 Family care, lab tests, and medical consultations
🏛️ Pasbage Korale Divisional Secretariat +94 81 23 782 40 Civil registration, permits, social services
ℹ️ Local Government Office – Galagedara +94 81 23 782 55 Oversees infrastructure, waste management & housing
UDADUMBARA WEATHER

How to Reach Udadumbara

Udadumbara, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province within the Kandy District, is a tranquil highland area known for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, and stunning waterfalls. It lies near Delthota and Ginigathhena, with good road connections to Kandy and Nawalapitiya. Whether traveling by private car, bus, or train, Udadumbara is accessible yet peaceful.

📍 City 📏 Distance ⏱️ Time 🗺️ Route
Kandy 35 km 1 hr
Delthota 8 km 15 min
Nawalapitiya 45 km 1 hr 20 min
Colombo 125 km 4 hrs 15 min

🌍 Interactive Google Map

🌍 Geographical Overview – Udadumbara

Udadumbara is a picturesque and ecologically important area located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, within the Kandy District. Known for its cool climate, rolling tea plantations, and forested hills, it features parts of the Knuckles Mountain Range and several notable waterfalls such as Delhousie Falls. The region's rich biodiversity supports traditional agriculture and eco-tourism. With an estimated population of around 25,000 people (as of 2025), Udadumbara serves as a vital connection between rural communities like Delthota, Ginigathhena, and nearby urban centers.

🏛️ Administrative Information

  • Province: Central Province
  • District: Kandy District
  • Divisional Secretariat: Udadumbara Divisional Secretariat
  • Neighbouring Areas: Delthota, Ginigathhena, Medamahanuwara, Pathahewaheta

💼 Local Economy and Services – Udadumbara

Udadumbara’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and plantation activities, with tea cultivation being a key contributor. Smallholder farmers and estate workers cultivate tea alongside vegetable farming, spice cultivation, and home gardening, benefiting from the region’s cool climate and fertile soils.

The area also hosts cottage industries such as weaving, pottery, and traditional crafts, which help preserve cultural heritage while providing supplemental income to families. Local weekly markets offer fresh produce, handmade goods, and essential supplies, supporting community trade and daily life.

Essential services including schools, health clinics, and administrative offices are distributed across key villages. Good road connectivity links Udadumbara to towns like Delthota, Ginigathhena, and Kandy, facilitating access to broader markets, healthcare, and education, fostering steady socio-economic growth.

🤝 Community and Culture – Udadumbara

Udadumbara is home to a close-knit community that deeply values tradition, harmony, and cultural heritage. The majority of residents are Sinhala Buddhists, alongside Tamil and Muslim minorities, creating a diverse cultural tapestry. This diversity is celebrated through shared festivals and mutual respect among all groups.

The area features historic Buddhist temples and Hindu kovils that form the heart of religious and social life. Festivities such as Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, Deepavali, and local temple peraheras are observed with enthusiasm, highlighted by traditional music, dance, and communal gatherings.

Strong community ties are fostered through cooperative farming groups, temple societies, and regular village events. Oral traditions, folk arts, and local customs are cherished and passed down through generations, preserving Udadumbara’s unique cultural identity and warm hospitality.

🎉 Festivals & Culture – Udadumbara

Udadumbara’s cultural landscape is shaped by its rural traditions and spiritual diversity. The region embraces a variety of festivals rooted in Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic practices, alongside seasonal agricultural celebrations that reflect the close relationship between the people and the land.

Buddhist communities mark Vesak, Poson, and other Poya days with temple rituals, lantern displays, and almsgiving, while local peraheras light up village streets with vibrant processions and cultural performances. Temples such as those nestled in the hills serve as gathering places for both worship and festivity.

Hindu residents observe Deepavali and Thai Pongal with traditional offerings and celebrations held at village kovils. Meanwhile, the Muslim community comes together for Ramadan and Eid, promoting unity, charity, and shared meals across households.

Folk games, harvest festivals, and village fairs further enliven Udadumbara’s cultural rhythm, often featuring traditional dance, local music, and homegrown produce. These events highlight the region’s strong sense of identity and the joyful spirit of its people.

🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Udadumbara

Udadumbara, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is connected by a network of provincial and rural roads linking it to towns such as Teldeniya, Mahiyanganaya, and Kandy. The Mahiyangana-Kandy main road serves as a vital artery, passing through picturesque mountain terrain and enabling smooth regional travel.

Public transportation is primarily supported by SLTB and private buses that operate regular routes connecting Udadumbara to nearby urban centers. Local travel is facilitated by three-wheelers and motorcycles, which are common modes of transport for residents navigating the hilly village roads.

Although Udadumbara does not have direct access to a railway line, travelers can access the national rail network via Kandy or Peradeniya Junction. Despite its remote setting, Udadumbara’s road infrastructure and consistent bus services ensure it remains reasonably accessible within the Central Highlands.

🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Udadumbara

Udadumbara is a region of remarkable ecological value, nestled in the Central Highlands near the Knuckles Conservation Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mountainous terrain, river systems, and cloud forests form a critical part of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and climate regulation network.

Local communities rely on nature-sensitive livelihoods such as spice cultivation, traditional farming, and eco-tourism, with increasing emphasis on sustainable practices. Organic farming, forest preservation, and the use of eco-friendly techniques help maintain soil fertility, protect waterways, and conserve wildlife habitats.

Environmental awareness initiatives—ranging from reforestation efforts to community waste reduction programs—are helping Udadumbara maintain its pristine natural character. These grassroots efforts highlight the region’s commitment to sustainability and its vital role in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s central environmental corridors.

🌄 Tourism and Attractions – Udadumbara

Udadumbara captivates visitors with its unspoiled natural landscapes, dramatic mountain views, and quiet rural charm. As a gateway to the Knuckles Mountain Range, this highland area offers exceptional opportunities for eco-tourism, hiking, camping, and nature photography.

Attractions include breathtaking trekking routes through cloud forests, hidden waterfalls, and sacred Buddhist temples nestled in the hills. The region’s rich biodiversity and cool climate make it a haven for birdwatchers, botanists, and adventurers seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in local culture through traditional homestays, village tours, and seasonal festivals that showcase the area's rural heritage and warm hospitality. Markets and roadside stalls offer fresh produce, herbs, and local handicrafts unique to the area.

With its combination of natural beauty, ecological significance, and cultural depth, Udadumbara is an emerging destination for sustainable and meaningful travel in Sri Lanka’s Central Province.

🎓 Education and Institutions – Udadumbara

Udadumbara is home to a network of schools and educational institutions that serve its diverse and largely rural population. Key institutions like Udadumbara Central College and Madulkele Tamil Vidyalaya offer education from primary through secondary levels, promoting academic growth and community engagement.

Vocational training programs in farming, carpentry, and rural enterprise are available through regional centers, supporting youth and adults in developing practical skills aligned with local economic needs.

Educational outreach initiatives and school-community partnerships promote environmental awareness, cultural pride, and civic responsibility among students, helping shape well-rounded future citizens.

With its dedicated educators and expanding resources, Udadumbara’s educational landscape plays a crucial role in uplifting the region and empowering the next generation.

🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Udadumbara

Udadumbara’s healthcare needs are primarily served by the Udadumbara Divisional Hospital, which provides essential medical services including outpatient care, maternity services, minor surgeries, and immunization programs for the local population.

The area also benefits from rural health clinics, Ayurvedic dispensaries, and private practitioners who offer general medical consultations, contributing to a broader range of healthcare choices for residents.

Public health outreach programs, including mobile clinics, school health initiatives, and chronic disease awareness campaigns, play a key role in maintaining community wellness and ensuring preventive care reaches even remote areas.

🌄 Why Visit Udadumbara? Discover Highland Tranquility & Natural Splendor

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, Udadumbara offers breathtaking mountain views, misty forests, and cascading waterfalls that enchant nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
This rural gem is rich in cultural heritage, with Buddhist temples, traditional farming practices, and warm, close-knit village life that provide a meaningful connection to Sri Lanka’s roots.
Whether you seek adventure, quiet reflection, or a taste of authentic rural living, Udadumbara invites you to explore a hidden sanctuary of peace and natural beauty.

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