Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Buttala is a charming town known for its rich cultural heritage, serene landscapes, and strategic location near major archaeological sites. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, mountain ranges, and ancient temples, Buttala offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking an authentic village experience. The town serves as a gateway to Yudaganawa, an ancient Buddhist site featuring one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, believed to be linked to royal battles of ancient times. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to the Gal Oya National Park, home to elephants and rare bird species, as well as the scenic routes leading to Monaragala, Kataragama, and Wellawaya. Buttala is also a great base for exploring rural life, local farming traditions, and wildlife sanctuaries. With its blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, Buttala is an ideal stop for both cultural tourists and eco-travelers. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage, photography tour, or just looking to unwind in a calm setting, Buttala welcomes you with warm hospitality and timeless charm. For those exploring the southern interior of Sri Lanka, Buttala is truly a hidden gem worth discovering.
Total Population
~61,326
GN Divisions
29
🌾 Why is Buttala – Sri Lanka Special?
Where Ancient Legends Meet Rural Serenity
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Buttala is a quiet, soulful town that bridges the mystical past with the peaceful rhythms of rural life. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, Buttala is a hidden treasure that invites you to slow down and discover the sacred, the scenic, and the sustainable — all in one place.
🏞️ Gateway to Sacred Sites and Scenic Trails
Buttala’s landscape is a tapestry of fertile paddy fields, gently sloping hills, and ancient temple ruins. It’s the starting point for travelers heading to iconic sites like Yudaganawa, home to one of Sri Lanka’s largest stupas. Whether you’re on a spiritual journey or a nature walk through sugarcane farms and dry-zone woodlands, Buttala provides a peaceful backdrop rich in history and natural beauty.
🕊️ Where Legends Still Whisper
This region is steeped in folklore — believed to be connected to royal battles and ancient Buddhist kingdoms. Yudaganawa Stupa, just minutes from the town center, is a silent testament to Sri Lanka’s ancient past, said to mark the site of a royal conflict between King Dutugemunu and Prince Saddatissa.
🍛 Authentic Flavours of Uva’s Heartland
Buttala’s cuisine is humble yet rich in flavour. Think red rice and dhal, spicy fish ambulthiyal, and heirloom vegetable curries. The local pola (market) bustles with fresh produce, woven mats, clay pots, and friendly faces. Don’t miss out on kithul treacle or wood apple juice — made from ingredients grown in home gardens or nearby forest edges.
👨🌾 A Community Rooted in Culture
Buttala is more than a town — it’s a close-knit village ecosystem. From sunrise rituals at temples to farmers tending to fields with traditional tools, every part of life here flows in harmony with age-old customs. Elders share folk tales under mango trees, while youth engage in sports, arts, and vocational education supported by local initiatives.
🌿 Nurturing Tomorrow, the Rural Way
While deeply traditional, Buttala is also embracing change. It’s home to small-scale entrepreneurs, youth cooperatives, and eco-education projects. From sustainable farming to craft production, the people of Buttala are quietly building a future grounded in self-reliance and eco-conscious living.
🤝 Where Visitors Become Family
What truly makes Buttala special is its hospitality. You won’t find luxury hotels — but you will find smiles, stories, and shared meals. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a nature enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, you’ll be welcomed into homes, offered jackfruit or tea, and treated like one of their own.
Buttala isn’t a place you just visit — it’s a place you feel. Its energy lingers in the quiet evenings, in the temple chants, and in the hearts of those who call it home. If you’re seeking authentic Sri Lanka, far from the crowds, Buttala is your sanctuary.
| GN Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Uda Arawa |
| 010 | Horabokka |
| 015 | Unawatuna |
| 020 | Yudaganawa |
| 025 | Dikyaya |
| 030 | Udagama |
| 035 | Mahagodayaya |
| 040 | Gaminipura |
| 045 | Okkampitiya |
| 050 | Galtemmandiya |
| 055 | Ulugala |
| 060 | Maligavila |
| 065 | Minipuragama |
| 070 | Buruthagolla |
| 075 | Pahalagama |
| 080 | Konketiya |
| 085 | Medagama |
| 090 | Pettagamwela |
| 095 | Puhulkotuwa |
| 100 | Veheragala |
| 105 | Pelwatta |
| 110 | Mahasenpura |
| 115 | Kumaragama |
| 120 | Kukurampola |
| 125 | Kumarapura |
| 130 | Yatiyallathota |
| 135 | Waguruwela |
| 140 | Gonagan Ara |
| 145 | Rahathangama |
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 53,084 (official Census count) |
| 2024 (estimated) | ~61,326 (projected using an annual growth rate of ~1.21%) |
- Police Station:055-2273922/ 071-8591543
- Hospital: 071 805 5389
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Buttala
Planning your trip to Buttala? Here's everything you need to know about the climate and best months to explore this peaceful town in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province.
☀️ May to September – Best Weather
- Sunny, dry days ideal for exploring ancient sites like Yudaganawa.
- Average temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C.
- Great for photography, hiking, and birdwatching.
🌧️ October to January – Rainy but Beautiful
- Inter-monsoon rains make the area lush and green.
- Less crowded — ideal for peaceful travel experiences.
- Perfect for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
🌿 February to April – Mild & Balanced
- Pleasant mix of sun and occasional showers.
- Local festivals and traditional farming cycles visible.
- Recommended for cultural and community exploration.
- Best months: May to September
- Climate type: Dry Zone – warm and sunny
- Avoid: Heavy rains in late October to early December
🛏️ Search Places to Stay in Buttala
🗺️ Geographical Overview of Buttala
Located in Sri Lanka’s southeastern interior, Buttala is a peaceful town within the Monaragala District of the Uva Province. It sits along the A4 highway, connecting major cities like Monaragala, Wellawaya, and Kataragama, and acts as a cultural and transport hub in the region.
📍 Key Location Details:
- Province: Uva
- District: Monaragala
- DS Division: Buttala Divisional Secretariat
- Coordinates: 6.7500° N, 81.2500° E
- Elevation: ~140m above sea level
🌿 Landscape & Climate:
- Semi-arid, dry zone climate with seasonal rains
- Surrounded by paddy fields, chena lands, and forest reserves
- Ideal for agriculture, especially rice, sugarcane, and vegetables
🏞️ Nearby Highlights:
- Yudaganawa Stupa: Ancient Buddhist structure with historical significance
- Gal Oya National Park: Accessible for wildlife and nature experiences
- Kataragama: Southern pilgrimage site easily reached via local routes
- Ella & Badulla: Northern towns with scenic rail links
- Buttala is a centrally positioned town in Uva Province.
- Climate is dry and warm, ideal for farming.
- Well-connected via the A4 highway to Monaragala, Kataragama, and Ella.
🌾 Local Economy and Agriculture in Buttala
Buttala, located in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, thrives primarily on agriculture and small-scale trade. Its economy is deeply rooted in rural farming practices, supported by fertile lands, irrigation tanks, and community labor. The town acts as a key contributor to the district’s agricultural output, while also showing signs of sustainable development and youth-led initiatives.
🚜 Key Agricultural Products:
- Paddy (rice): The most cultivated crop, supported by traditional tank irrigation systems.
- Sugarcane: A major cash crop grown across vast dry-zone fields.
- Vegetables & Fruits: Chilli, brinjal, tomatoes, bananas, jackfruit, and papaya.
- Kurakkan (finger millet): A traditional crop grown in chena (shifting) lands.
💼 Local Livelihoods and Industries:
- Majority of the population are engaged in farming, harvesting, and seasonal labor.
- Small-scale coconut product manufacturers, weavers, and food processors exist in villages.
- Weekly markets (pola) serve as trading hubs for produce and goods.
- Youth-led ventures in spice farming, dairy, and eco-tourism are emerging.
💧 Irrigation and Sustainability:
- Traditional tank systems (wewas) like Yudaganawa Wewa play a key role in water supply.
- Farmers follow age-old water-sharing rituals and seasonal planting cycles.
- Local NGOs promote organic farming, composting, and soil conservation training.
- Buttala’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with rice and sugarcane as staples.
- Livelihoods are supported by local markets, crafts, and farming cooperatives.
- Efforts are being made toward sustainable and youth-driven development.
👪 Community and Culture in Buttala
Buttala is a town rich in cultural heritage and close-knit community values. Life here flows in harmony with tradition, religion, and agricultural rhythms. From age-old rituals at Buddhist temples to intergenerational farming customs, the social fabric of Buttala reflects Sri Lanka’s rural soul.
🛕 Religious Harmony and Traditions
- Buddhism is the dominant religion, with temples like Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya being central to community life.
- Daily offerings, full moon (Poya) observances, and temple festivals foster strong spiritual bonds.
- Families participate in annual dansalas, alms-giving, and religious parades.
🧶 Local Customs and Rural Living
- Traditional knowledge is passed down through elders — from farming techniques to herbal medicine.
- Village homes often host visitors with tea, jackfruit, or sweets as a gesture of hospitality.
- Community halls are used for weddings, cultural dances, and folk drama (kolam and nadagam).
🎓 Education and Youth Involvement
- Local schools promote both academic learning and cultural values.
- Youth groups engage in sports, tree-planting, and IT training programs supported by NGOs.
- Vocational training centres empower school leavers with skills in agriculture, carpentry, and sewing.
- Buttala’s community is built on respect, tradition, and hospitality.
- Temples, family rituals, and shared farming are central to village life.
- Youth-led initiatives are shaping a bridge between tradition and progress.
🏫 Education and Public Facilities in Buttala
Buttala is home to a range of educational institutions and essential public services that support both daily life and long-term development. The town prioritizes rural education, vocational training, healthcare access, and administrative services to uplift its community.
📘 Education in Buttala
- Buttala Madya Maha Vidyalaya (MMV): The leading government school offering classes up to GCE A/L.
- Primary and Rural Schools: Several village-level schools provide education in Sinhala medium with basic facilities.
- Technical Colleges: Vocational education centers offer training in agriculture, carpentry, IT, and tailoring for school leavers.
- Early Childhood Development: Preschools and community-run daycare centers operate under divisional programs.
🏥 Health and Emergency Services
- Buttala District Hospital: A key public healthcare institution providing OPD, maternity, and emergency services.
- Rural health clinics and midwife services are available across surrounding villages.
- Pharmacies and Ayurvedic dispensaries complement modern healthcare with traditional remedies.
🏛️ Other Public Services
- Buttala Divisional Secretariat: Administrative center handling civil services, agriculture programs, and social welfare.
- Post Office & Banks: Available for communication, finance, and pension needs.
- Police Station: Ensures law enforcement and community safety (📞 +94 55 227 6222).
- Public Library: Offers reading materials, study areas, and community awareness programs.
- Buttala supports educational growth from preschool to vocational level.
- Essential public services like hospitals, police, and banks are active and accessible.
- Local governance and community infrastructure are steadily improving with rural development plans.
🚍 Transportation and Accessibility in Buttala
Buttala is a well-connected town located on the A4 (Colombo–Batticaloa) highway, making it a strategic stopover for travelers heading to the Central Highlands, Southern temples, or Eastern coast. Its position makes it both accessible and convenient for public and private transportation.
🛣️ Road Connectivity
- A4 Highway: Buttala is directly located on the A4 road, connecting Colombo, Badulla, Monaragala, Wellawaya, and Batticaloa.
- Buttala–Kataragama Road: A popular route for pilgrims heading south to the sacred city of Kataragama.
- Rural Roads: Well-developed network of internal roads linking villages, farms, and schools.
🚌 Public Transport
- CTB & Private Buses: Regular bus services available to Monaragala, Badulla, Ella, and Colombo.
- Bus Stand: Centrally located, serving both long-distance and local routes.
- Three-wheelers (tuk-tuks): Readily available for short trips and rural transport needs.
🚆 Railway & Future Access
- Buttala does not have a railway station, but nearby stations in Ella and Badulla are accessible via road (approx. 45–60 minutes).
- Long-distance train travelers can transfer from Badulla Railway Station and reach Buttala by bus or taxi.
- Buttala is directly connected via A4 highway, with access to key cities.
- Public buses and tuk-tuks offer affordable, regular transportation.
- Nearest railway access is in Ella or Badulla for scenic upcountry train routes.
How to Reach Buttala
Buttala, nestled in the Uva Province, is easily accessible from major towns like Monaragala, Wellawaya, Kataragama, and Colombo. Located along the A4 highway, it serves as a convenient junction connecting travelers to both sacred and scenic destinations in Sri Lanka. Use the table below to explore distances, estimated travel times, and Google Maps directions from various starting points.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 240 km | 6 – 7 hrs | |
| Monaragala | 14 km | 20 mins | |
| Wellawaya | 18 km | 25 – 30 mins | |
| Kataragama | 56 km | 1 hr 20 mins | |
| Ella | 45 km | 1 hr 15 mins |
📍 Interactive Route Map
🌿 Why Visit or Invest in Buttala
Buttala is a tranquil town in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province — known for its ancient heritage, spiritual landmarks, and agricultural potential. It is an emerging destination for cultural explorers and sustainable investors alike.
- 🛕 Spiritual Significance: Home to Yudaganawa Stupa and sacred Buddhist sites with historical depth.
- 🌾 Rich Agricultural Base: Fertile lands ideal for rice, sugarcane, vegetables, and eco-farming.
- 🛣️ Strategic Location: Well connected via A4 highway to Monaragala, Ella, and Kataragama.
Discover Buttala — where ancient stories and rural opportunity meet under open skies.