Nestled in the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, Deraniyagala is a tranquil town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and agricultural richness. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, Deraniyagala remains one of the lesser-explored gems in the Kegalle District. It is a serene escape for those who yearn to step away from bustling city life and immerse themselves in the slow rhythm of village living. The area is primarily known for its fertile soil and abundant rainfall, making it ideal for cultivating tea, rubber, spices, and various tropical fruits. The Deraniyagala Tea Estates are particularly famous for producing high-quality Ceylon tea, often enjoyed both locally and internationally.
Nature lovers are often captivated by the biodiversity found in the surrounding Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches close to Deraniyagala. The nearby waterfalls such as Galboda Ella and Eli Hatha (Seven Falls) add to the town’s appeal, offering stunning views and refreshing spots for a dip. In addition to its natural splendor, Deraniyagala is steeped in rural traditions and Sri Lankan hospitality. Local festivals, temple rituals, and community gatherings reflect a vibrant cultural tapestry that connects generations.
The town is also a base for eco-tourism and adventure activities like hiking, birdwatching, and river bathing. With improvements in road infrastructure, Deraniyagala is becoming increasingly accessible to both domestic and international travelers. However, it still retains its untouched charm, free from over-commercialization. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend getaway, a chance to reconnect with nature, or an exploration of authentic Sri Lankan culture, Deraniyagala offers a unique and fulfilling experience. It’s a destination where time seems to slow down, and every sunrise over the misty hills feels like a gift.
Total Population
46,300.
GN Divisions
573
🐘 Why is Deraniyagala – Sri Lanka Special?
Deraniyagala, nestled at the foothills of the Sabaragamuwa Province, is more than a quiet town — it’s a soulful escape into Sri Lanka’s natural heartland. Surrounded by misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and traditional village life, Deraniyagala offers a peaceful retreat filled with untouched beauty, biodiversity, and cultural depth.
🌿 Where Greenery and Simplicity Reign
The landscapes of Deraniyagala are lush and vibrant, with rolling paddy fields, tea gardens, and rubber estates stretching toward the horizon. Agriculture is the lifeblood here — from cinnamon-scented spice patches to small chena fields carved into forest edges. Village trails, eco-lodges, and farm visits offer guests an intimate connection to nature.
🐘 The Gateway to Wilderness and Waterfalls
While it may not house elephants, Deraniyagala is a gateway to untamed nature. Hidden waterfalls like Galaboda Ella and forest reserves rich in wildlife make this town a nature lover’s paradise. The calls of birds echo through the trees, and streams run clear with mountain water — it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventure seekers and peace chasers alike.
🛕 Sacred Simplicity and Spiritual Traditions
Deraniyagala is dotted with small Buddhist temples, serene Bodhi trees, and village shrines that echo the rhythm of rural devotion. Here, religion is lived with quiet sincerity — morning chants, temple bells, and incense smoke remind visitors of a life grounded in respect and mindfulness.
🍲 Food That Warms the Heart
Meals in Deraniyagala are a celebration of freshness. Expect warm rice, spicy pol sambol, garden-fresh vegetables, and lentils simmered in clay pots. Traditional sweets like kavum, aluwa, and locally made buffalo curd with treacle are served with a village smile — often under a shady tree or beside a bubbling stream.
👪 Where Smiles Come Easy
In Deraniyagala, community is everything. Whether you’re walking down a gravel road or visiting a small shop, you’ll be greeted with kindness, curiosity, and hospitality. Homestays, local tea shops, and village hosts offer more than lodging — they offer connection, stories, and unforgettable experiences.
🌱 A Village Moving Forward, Gracefully
Deraniyagala is stepping into the future while deeply rooted in its traditions. With youth education programs, agriculture-based innovations, and a growing interest in eco-tourism, the town is shaping a sustainable, inclusive tomorrow. For mindful travellers, it offers a chance to witness progress in harmony with culture.
| GN Code | GN Division Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Ballehela |
| 010 | Behenella |
| 015 | Nilwala |
| 020 | Dodawatta |
| 025 | Basnagala |
| 030 | Keerihena |
| 035 | Udabage |
| 040 | Wattegedera |
| 045 | Deraniyagala |
| 050 | Lassegama |
| 055 | Anhettigama |
| 060 | Panakoora |
| 065 | Pandaha |
| 070 | Polgaswatta |
| 075 | Maliboda |
| 080 | Poddenikanda |
| 085 | Nakkavita |
| 090 | Miyanawita |
| 095 | Deraniyagala South |
| 100 | Rasnakkanda |
| 105 | Udapola |
| 110 | Demada |
| 115 | Kosgahakanda |
| 120 | Yatiwala |
| 125 | Magala |
| 130 | Dikellakanda |
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 840,648 |
| 2013 | 844,431 |
| 2014 | 848,231 |
| 2015 | 852,048 |
| 2016 | 855,882 |
| 2017 | 859,733 |
| 2018 | 863,602 |
| 2019 | 867,488 |
| 2020 | 871,392 |
| 2021 | 875,313 |
| 2022 | 879,252 |
| 2023 | 883,209 |
| 2024 | 887,184 |
- Police Station:
- 0362 249 222
- Hospital:0362 249 261
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Deraniyagala, Sri Lanka
Deraniyagala, located in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, experiences a tropical wet-zone climate with warm days, cool breezes, and a lush, evergreen setting year-round. However, the best time to visit Deraniyagala is between January and March, when the weather is relatively dry, skies are clear, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. During these months, travelers can comfortably explore scenic waterfalls like Galaboda Ella, walk through village markets, or enjoy peaceful stays surrounded by misty hills and rubber estates.
🌧️ Embracing Deraniyagala’s Seasonal Charm
For those who find beauty in the rhythm of the monsoon, May to July and October to December bring a different kind of enchantment. Frequent rains nourish the region’s paddy fields, rubber plantations, and home gardens, transforming the entire landscape into a vibrant palette of green. Rubber tapping season is in full swing, and the countryside takes on a slower, more meditative pace. Birdsong, emerging frogs, and rain-fresh forest trails invite you into a magical, living postcard. Although the rain showers are regular, they’re often brief — followed by cool mists and golden evening light.
Whether you’re hiking to hidden waterfalls, sipping fresh herbal tea from a homestay veranda, or photographing the morning mist drifting through the hills, Deraniyagala promises a soulful blend of nature and simplicity — no matter the season.
How to Reach Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala, located in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, lies peacefully between Kitulgala and Yatiyantota and offers a scenic escape to lush mountains, waterfalls, and rural tranquility. The town is connected via winding hill roads, primarily accessible from Awissawella, Kegalle, or Nuwara Eliya. Whether you’re arriving from Colombo, Ratnapura, or nearby towns like Dehiowita or Yatiyantota, Deraniyagala is an ideal destination for eco-travelers and nature lovers. Use the table below to explore distances, estimated travel times, and direct Google Maps links for your route planning.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 87 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | |
| Kegalle | 42 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | |
| Awissawella | 30 km | 1 – 1.5 hrs | |
| Yatiyantota | 20 km | 30 – 40 mins | |
| Nuwara Eliya | 65 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs |
📍 Interactive Route Map
📍 Location Details – Rabukkana
Province: Sabaragamuwa Province
District: Kegalle District
Divisional Secretariat: Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat
Neighbouring Areas:
Yatiyantota
Dehiowita
Kitulgala
Noori
🌍 Geographical Overview – Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala is a notable town in the Kegalle District of Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province. Geographically nestled at the edge of the central highlands, Deraniyagala is surrounded by lush hills, dense forest reserves, and fertile valleys. The area lies along the Kelani River basin, making it rich in natural water resources and scenic beauty. Unlike urbanized towns, Deraniyagala maintains a strong connection to its agricultural roots, with widespread tea plantations, rubber estates, and paddy fields defining the landscape. Its position along key regional roads ensures access from Awissawella, Yatiyantota, and Kitulgala, making it an important eco-tourism gateway for those exploring Sri Lanka’s lesser-traveled interior.
💼 Deraniyagala’s Local Economy and Livelihoods
Deraniyagala’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, small-scale trade, and forest-based livelihoods. The region is surrounded by fertile hills, supporting rubber estates, tea plantations, and paddy fields, which provide employment to a large portion of the local population. In nearby villages, families engage in vegetable farming, spice cultivation, and home gardening, contributing significantly to household income.
Unlike more commercialized towns, Deraniyagala thrives on sustainable rural practices. Rubber tapping, cinnamon peeling, and tea plucking are everyday occupations, while family-run industries like jaggery production, brick making, and bamboo crafts are still alive in the surrounding communities.
While tourism remains modest compared to larger towns, Deraniyagala’s potential as an eco-tourism destination is growing, especially with its proximity to scenic waterfalls, river trails, and nature reserves. Guesthouses and village stays are emerging slowly, offering authentic experiences to mindful travelers.
Deraniyagala’s economy is a blend of traditional rural livelihoods and slow-paced development, where community values, resilience, and natural harmony drive both survival and future potential.
🎓 Education & Public Services – Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala supports its residents through a network of government and private schools, offering education from early childhood through secondary levels. Prominent institutions like Deraniyagala Central College, Anhettigama Maha Vidyalaya, and other rural schools serve children from the town and neighboring villages. These schools emphasize not only academics but also cultural arts, environmental education, and sports, fostering the development of well-rounded, community-conscious students.
Public health services are centered around the Deraniyagala Base Hospital, supported by MOH clinics, rural dispensaries, and midwife services. The hospital offers 24-hour outpatient care, maternal and child health services, immunization programs, and basic diagnostics. Community health workers and public health midwives regularly visit outlying areas to conduct health education and vaccination clinics.
Deraniyagala is also home to essential government institutions such as the Divisional Secretariat, Police Station, Post Office, and Agricultural Service Centers. These offices manage vital services like social welfare programs, pension schemes, land registrations, and farmer support initiatives.
Youth organizations, women’s groups, and local NGOs play an active role in strengthening community services through literacy drives, vocational training in handcrafts and ICT, and environmental sustainability programs. This cohesive ecosystem of education and public service lays the groundwork for empowerment, socio-economic growth, and a resilient future for the people of Deraniyagala.
🚍 Transport & Connectivity – Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala offers essential transport links that support both daily life and regional access. While the town does not have a railway station of its own, it is conveniently reachable from nearby rail hubs such as Avissawella, Ruwanwella, and Kegalle, allowing connections to Colombo and Kandy via rail and road integration.
The town is well-served by a regular bus network, with frequent routes to Colombo, Awissawella, Yatiyantota, and Nuwara Eliya. Buses operate from the Deraniyagala central bus stand, offering both SLTB (state-run) and private services. These buses run throughout the day, making it convenient for commuters, students, and travelers navigating between towns and highland destinations.
For local travel, tuk-tuks and three-wheeler taxis are the primary mode of transport. These are readily available around the town center and offer short rides to markets, hospitals, schools, and village settlements. In recent years, ride-hailing apps are slowly gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with some drivers accepting cashless payments for added convenience.
Road infrastructure in Deraniyagala is steadily improving. The town connects to the broader network through roads leading to Awissawella (A7) and Yatiyantota, with smaller rural roads branching off toward villages, tea estates, and waterfalls. Ongoing road resurfacing and bridge upgrades have made remote areas more accessible for residents and eco-tourists alike.
This practical and evolving transport system—buses, tuk-tuks, roadways, and nearby train access—keeps Deraniyagala connected. It supports daily commuting, trade, and the emerging eco-tourism industry, offering smooth passage to natural attractions and a more sustainable rural future.
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala offers a rare blend of pristine nature, eco-tourism, and community-based development — making it an ideal place for exploration, relaxation, and sustainable investment.
- 🌿 Gateway to Natural Wonders: Close to Galaboda Ella and rainforests — perfect for eco-tourists and nature seekers.
- 🌾 Authentic rural experiences: Surrounded by tea estates, paddy fields, and forest trails ideal for agro and adventure tourism.
- 🚜 Community-centered commerce: With local markets, family industries, and developing eco-lodges, Deraniyagala supports grassroots entrepreneurs.
Deraniyagala welcomes you — whether you're here to explore, support rural communities, or inspire positive change.