Kothmale

Photo d'avatar hashini sandeepani
28 juillet 2025
14 min de lecture

Population totale

110,900

Divisions du GN

96

🌿 Where Heritage, Hills, and Hydropower Converge

Kothmale – A Sacred Valley of History and Nature

Nestled in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Kothmale is a region steeped in ancient legend, royal refuge, and natural splendor. With an estimated population of around 111,000 as of 2025, it blends the majesty of misty hills, cascading rivers, and centuries-old Buddhist heritage.

📜 History and Sacred Significance

Kothmale is deeply rooted in folklore and royal history — once believed to have sheltered King Dutugemunu and the Sacred Tooth Relic. Iconic sites like Pusulpitiya Raja Maha Vihara and the towering Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya reflect its spiritual legacy and reverence for heritage.

⚡ Hydropower and Engineering Marvels

The region is home to the impressive Kothmale Dam and Hydropower Plant, a major component of the Mahaweli Development Programme. This massive reservoir not only supplies electricity but also supports irrigation and water management in the hill country.

🌱 Scenic Beauty and Agriculture

Surrounded by tea estates, pine forests, and waterfalls, Kothmale’s cool climate fosters both breathtaking landscapes and thriving agriculture. Tea, vegetables, and spices form the agricultural backbone of many rural communities in the area.

🎎 Culture and Rural Life

The valley is home to Sinhala and Tamil communities living in harmony, maintaining age-old customs and seasonal celebrations. Local temples and schools support community cohesion, while traditional livelihoods like farming and tea plucking continue to shape daily life.

🛣️ Transport and Accessibility

  • 🚗 Par la route : Accessible via Gampola, Nawalapitiya, and Nuwara Eliya with routes passing through scenic mountain roads.
  • 🚌 En bus : Inter-town bus services connect Kothmale with Kandy, Ginigathena, and Hatton.

🌄 A Tranquil Haven in the Central Highlands

Whether you are exploring spiritual sites, marveling at engineering feats, or enjoying lush hill country views, Kothmale offers a peaceful retreat filled with cultural pride and natural elegance.

Code GN Nom en anglais
040Nawamorape
045Nawa Kadadora
050Delta Gemunupura
055Helboda
060Karagasthalawa
065Protoft
070Ramboda
075Sangilipalama
080Panamgammana
085Katukithula
090Helsirigama
095Kothmalgama
100Raja Ela
105Mawela East
110Mawela West
195Maswela
205Mawela Kanda
215Gomburuoya
220Wewahinna
225Delunthalamada
230Ambathalawa
235Malhewa
240Rambodagama
245Wedamulla
250Palagolla
255Niyamgamdora
350Kiridiwela
355Kumbaloluwa
360Médakanda
365Egodawela
370Pundaluoya North
375Labukele
380Kudaoya
385Saman Eliya
390Kikiliyamana
395Dansinan
400Sheen
405Sheengama
410Pundaluoya South
415Kadadorapitiya
420Kosgaha Pathana
425Karagahayatathenna
430Bogahawela
435Halpola
440Madakumbura
475Dunukedeniya
480Medakumbura North
005Ranwanthalawa
010Kadadora
015Kotagepitiya South
020Kotagepitiya North
025Nayapana
030Hapugasthalawa
035Doruwadeniya
040Kolapathana
045Ruwanpura
050Dambagolla
055Kaludemada
060Mallanda
065Kataboola
070Hunugalloya
075Thelissagala
080Ihala Gorakaoya
085Polwathura
090Pahala Gorakaoya
095Queensberry
100Harangala
105Harangala South
110Kirimetiyawa
115Halgolla
120Werella Pathana
125Thispanekanda
130Godamadiththa
135Katugolla
140Wataddara
145Nawangama
150Kalapitiya East
155Hedunuwewe
160Rojasangama North
165Kalapitiya West
170Rojasangama South
175Wethalawa
180Koththunugoda
185Weerasekarapura
190Dombagasthalawa
195Meathagama
200Maldeniya
205Katarandana
210Rawanagoda East
215Vijayabahu Kanda
220Beramana
225Beramana South
230Beramana North
235Rawanagoda West
240Udagammedda
245Weerapura
005Hingurukaduwa
010Ambewela
015Welikada
020Idamalanda
025Adikarigama
030Karalliyedda
035Bogahalanda
040Hakuruthale
045Maliyadda
050Mirahampe
055Pussalamankada
210Goradihela
215Seethaeliya
220Sandathenna
225Kelegala
230Kalukele
235Magasthota
240Ruwaneliya
245Perakumpura
250Kirimetiya
290Magoda
295Mihindupura
300Meepilimana
305Ambewela
310Pattipola
005Lindula
010Hallbrook
015Elbedda
020Agarapathana
025Dayagama West
030Nagasena
035Eildonhall
040Rahanwatta
045Waltrim
050Glasgow
055Albian
060Lippakelle
065Thangakele
070Henfold
075Braemore
080Balmoral
085Sandrinhem
090Dayagama East
095Weverly
100Kotagala
105Kudu Oya
110Dimbula
115Devon
120Watagoda
125Thalawakele
130Stonycliff
135Dreton
140Bogahawatta
145Mount Vernon
150Coombewood
155Hollyrood
160Bearwell
165Yulefield
170Great Western
005Kalugala
010Pittawala
015Boulathgama
020Gonawala
025Ambagamuwa North
030Sellipigama
035Ambagamuwa East
040Ambagamuwa South
045Rampadeniya
050Millagahamulla
055Dhagampitiya
060Polpitiya
065Minuwandeniya
070Hitegegama
075Kehelwarawa
080Homagama
085Hebbekanda
090Samansirigama
095Theeniyagala
100Ginigathhena
105Dehigasthenna
110Kalaweldeniya
115Morahenagama
120Hangarapitiya
125Jambuthenna
130Kothellena
135Waggama
140Laxapana
145Kiriwaneliya
150Vidhulipura South
155Vidulipura North
160Watawala
005Dickoya
010Dickoya South
015Hatton North
020Hatton West
025Hatton South
030Hatton East
035Bogawanthalawa South
040Kirkoswald
045New Valley Gama
050Annfield
055Wanarajah
060Lethenty
065Ingestre
070Tillerie
075Bogawana
080Loinorn
085Kotiyagala
090Norwood
095Maskeliya
100Seethagangula
105Gouravilla
110Sthrathspey
115Rozella
120Ruwanpura
125Morray
130Mousakelle
135Alten
140Mahanelu
145Venture
150Brunswick
155Brownlow
160Shannon
165Vellioya
170Mocha
175Panmor

📞 Public Services – Kothmale

Service Numéro de contact Informations complémentaires
🚓 Kothmale Police Station +94 52 22 352 22 Ensures public safety, traffic control, and crime prevention in the region
🏥 Kothmale Base Hospital +94 52 22 353 45 Provides general outpatient, maternity, and emergency medical services
🏛️ Kothmale Divisional Secretariat +94 52 22 350 01 Manages GN divisions, documentation, and social programs
ℹ️ Kothmale Pradeshiya Sabha +94 52 22 350 15 Responsible for local development, sanitation, and infrastructure
🏣 Post Office – Kothmale +94 52 22 353 60 Offers postal services, money orders, and bill payments

🕰️ Best Time to Visit Kothmale, Sri Lanka

Le moment idéal pour visiter Kothmale est pendant le saison sèche de décembre à avril, when the weather is cool, pleasant, and ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring historical sites. During these months, the skies are generally clear, making it perfect for enjoying panoramic views of the misty hills, waterfalls, and the majestic Kotmale Reservoir.

La saison de la mousson, depuis Mai à septembre, brings heavier rains, which may limit outdoor activities but enhances the lush greenery and waterfall flows—perfect for photographers and nature lovers who don’t mind a little rain.

If you enjoy local culture, consider visiting during Buddhist festivals ou harvest periods, when village life becomes more vibrant with traditions and celebrations.

How to Reach Kothmale

Kothmale is a scenic region in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, accessible via winding mountain roads and well-connected bus routes. Its proximity to Gampola, Nawalapitiya, and Nuwara Eliya makes it an ideal destination for travelers exploring the hill country.

📍 Ville 📏 Distance ⏱️ Heure 🗺️ Itinéraire
Gampola ≈ 18 km ≈ 40 min
Nawalapitiya ≈ 25 km ≈ 45 min
Nuwara Eliya ≈ 45 km ≈ 1h 20m

🌍 Carte Google interactive

🏞️ Geographical Overview – Kothmale

Kothmale is situated in Sri Lanka’s Central Province within the Nuwara Eliya District. It lies approximately between 7.0°–7.1° N latitude et 80.7°–80.8° E longitude, nestled amidst misty hills and deep river valleys of the central highlands.

The region stands at an average elevation of about 900–1,200 m (2,950–3,940 ft), featuring rugged terrain, dense forests, and vast tea plantations that cascade along the slopes of surrounding mountains.

Kothmale experiences a cool, wet climate with annual rainfall often exceeding 2,500 mm. Temperatures generally range from 16–22 °C, with frequent mist and cooler weather prevailing throughout the year due to its highland location.

The area is enriched with rivers, waterfalls, and the large Kothmale Reservoir, which contributes to the region’s unique hydrology and scenic beauty. Its proximity to forest reserves offers diverse flora and fauna, attracting eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts.

This geographical setting supports tea cultivation, vegetable farming, and rural livelihoods, making Kothmale a vital part of Sri Lanka’s hill country ecosystem and cultural landscape.

💼 Local Economy and Services – Kothmale

L'économie de Kothmale est principalement motivé par tea plantations, vegetable farming, and spice cultivation. The region’s cool climate and fertile mountain soils create ideal conditions for high-quality tea production, alongside crops like cardamom, pepper, and various vegetables.

Hydropower generation from the Kothmale Dam also contributes to the local economy, providing electricity and supporting irrigation systems that benefit agriculture.

Local markets, small businesses, and cottage industries, including traditional handicrafts, support the livelihoods of many residents. Community services such as schools, healthcare centers, rural banks, and divisional secretariat offices ensure social welfare and development.

Infrastructure improvements focusing on road connectivity, electricity, and water management aim to enhance living standards while maintaining the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.

🤝 Community and Culture – Kothmale

La communauté de Kothmale is characterized by a rich tapestry of traditions, where Buddhist and Hindu heritage intertwine alongside rural customs that reflect centuries of coexistence and shared history.

La vie culturelle s'articule autour ancient temples, seasonal festivals, and religious observances, including important events at the Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya and local village temples, which host ceremonies, processions, and devotional rituals drawing both locals and pilgrims.

Traditional knowledge in agriculture, herbal medicine, and handicrafts is preserved through family lineages, while communal gatherings strengthen bonds through music, dance, and storytelling rooted in folklore.

Residents take great pride in their cultural heritage and the pristine natural environment, nurturing a lifestyle that balances spiritual devotion, community solidarity, and respect for the hill country’s unique landscapes.

🎉 Festivals & Culture – Kothmale

Kothmale celebrates a rich tapestry of festivals deeply connected to its religious heritage and agrarian lifestyle. The Nouvel An cinghalais et tamoul (Avurudu) is widely observed with traditional rituals, communal feasts, and folk games that bring the community together.

The region is known for its vibrant Peraheras—processions featuring decorated elephants, traditional drumming, Kandyan dance, and temple ceremonies—especially at historic sites like the Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya and local Buddhist temples.

The cultural fabric of Kothmale blends Buddhist devotion, Hindu influences, and indigenous customs, often reflected in seasonal festivals, nature worship, and folk arts unique to the central highlands.

Festivals here act as lively expressions of local identity and spiritual continuity, harmonizing ancestral traditions with daily rural life.

🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Kothmale

Kothmale is accessible via scenic mountain roads connecting it to major towns such as Gampola, Nawalapitiya, and Nuwara Eliya, making it a tranquil yet well-connected destination in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.

Public transportation includes regular services de bus linking Kothmale with nearby hubs like Kandy, Ginigathena, and Hatton. While there is no direct railway station in Kothmale, nearby towns provide rail access, complemented by frequent three-wheelers and taxis for local travel.

The region’s road network supports the movement of agricultural goods, tourists, and residents, balancing accessibility with preservation of its natural and cultural environment.

🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Kothmale

Located within Sri Lanka’s central hill country, Kothmale is surrounded by misty mountains, forest reserves, and vital watersheds that support rich biodiversity including endemic plants and wildlife unique to the region.

The Kothmale Reservoir and surrounding waterways play a crucial role in irrigation, hydropower, and maintaining ecological balance. Traditional agricultural practices alongside modern water management contribute to sustainable land use.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting forest habitats, promoting organic and shade-grown tea cultivation, and reducing environmental impact from development projects. Community-driven eco-initiatives foster awareness and preserve the natural heritage.

Kothmale’s environmental significance lies in its delicate balance of hydropower infrastructure, agricultural livelihoods, and conservation of the central highlands’ unique ecosystems.

🏞️ Tourism and Attractions – Kothmale

Kothmale serves as a serene gateway to Sri Lanka’s central hill country, offering visitors a blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage. Its proximity to misty mountains, tea estates, and forest reserves provides ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Key attractions include the iconic Kothmale Dam and Reservoir, historic temples such as Pusulpitiya Raja Maha Vihara, and scenic waterfalls nestled within lush greenery. Trekking trails and nature walks offer immersive experiences in the region’s biodiversity.

Visitors can also enjoy authentic village stays, witnessing traditional agricultural practices and local crafts that reflect the area’s rich rural lifestyle.

With its harmonious mix of heritage, environment, and warm community spirit, Kothmale is a rewarding destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural depth in Sri Lanka’s highlands.

📚 Education and Institutions – Kothmale

Kothmale is served by a network of educational institutions including primary schools, secondary schools, and central colleges that adhere to Sri Lanka’s national curriculum, catering to the region’s diverse communities.

Many schools emphasize science, environmental studies, and agriculture education, preparing students to engage with the local economy and sustainable practices.

Centres de formation professionnelle et technical institutes provide courses in areas such as hydropower, eco-tourism, IT, and traditional crafts, fostering skills development and local entrepreneurship.

Additionally, community libraries and adult education programs support lifelong learning and empower residents with knowledge and resources for personal and social advancement.

🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Kothmale

Kothmale is supported by a network of healthcare facilities providing a wide range of medical services to both town and rural populations. The key institution, Kothmale District Hospital, offers inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, maternity services, and diagnostic facilities.

Numerous Peripheral Units, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices, and rural clinics extend healthcare access to outlying villages and remote communities.

Traditional medicine remains integral to local health, with several Ayurvedic centers and herbal practitioners offering complementary treatments rooted in indigenous knowledge.

Public health programs focusing on immunization, maternal and child health, sanitation, and disease prevention are actively implemented, supported by dedicated public health workers and volunteers across the region.

🌿 Kothmale – Valley of Heritage, Hydropower & Highland Serenity

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Kothmale combines breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, highlighted by its misty hills, tea estates, and sacred temples.
The region is renowned for the Kothmale Dam and Hydropower Plant, an engineering marvel that supports sustainable development while honoring its spiritual landmarks.
Kothmale offers visitors a tranquil escape into Sri Lanka’s hill country, blending tradition, environment, and community life for a truly authentic experience.

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