Pallepola

Avatar photo hashini sandeepani
July 24, 2025
12 min read

Pallepola, nestled in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a serene rural town surrounded by scenic landscapes, paddy fields, and forested hills. Located near Matale, it offers a glimpse into traditional village life, with ancient temples, local markets, and a strong agricultural heritage. Its calm atmosphere and cultural richness make Pallepola a perfect retreat for visitors seeking authenticity and tranquility in the central region.

Total Population

31,545

GN Divisions

44

Where Village Tranquility Meets Highland Heritage

A Hidden Gem of Tradition, Agriculture, and Natural Beauty

Located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province near Matale, Pallepola is a peaceful inland town known for its lush surroundings, strong community spirit, and agricultural roots. With an estimated population of around 31,500 (2025), Pallepola offers an authentic village atmosphere set against a backdrop of greenery and tradition.

Cultural Traditions and Places of Worship

The town is dotted with serene Buddhist temples, including traditional village viharayas that serve as spiritual and cultural centers. These sacred spaces preserve the values of rural Sinhala Buddhist life, while fostering a strong sense of identity.

Scenic Landscapes and Local Charm

Surrounded by paddy fields, coconut groves, and distant hills, Pallepola’s natural beauty is best appreciated through quiet walks, scenic drives, and seasonal festivals that highlight rural harmony and rhythm.

Farming and Self-Sufficiency

Agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, with residents cultivating rice, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Home gardens and small-scale farming sustain both livelihoods and a deep connection to the land.

Education and Rural Development

Schools like Pallepola Central College play a pivotal role in community development, with initiatives focused on improving literacy, technical skills, and youth engagement.

Access and Transportation

  • 🚗 By Road: Pallepola is accessible via regional roads connecting to Matale, Naula, and Dambulla.
  • 🚌 By Bus: Local and regional buses offer reliable transport for residents and visitors alike.

Everyday Life and Community Spirit

Life in Pallepola is guided by simplicity, respect, and strong neighborly bonds. Village events, religious festivals, and local markets offer a glimpse into the warmth and resilience of rural life.

A Restful Retreat in the Central Highlands

Ideal for travelers seeking serenity and authenticity, Pallepola invites you to experience the beauty of Sri Lankan highland life—unhurried, grounded, and deeply connected to the land and its traditions.

📞 Public Services – Pallepola

Service Contact Number Additional Info
🚓 Pallepola Police Station +94 66 22 385 00 Ensures law enforcement and public safety in the area
🏥 Pallepola Divisional Hospital +94 66 22 385 20 Provides essential healthcare services to local residents
🏥 Rural Clinics & Dispensaries +94 66 22 385 25 Supportive medical care in surrounding villages
🏛️ Pallepola Divisional Secretariat +94 66 22 385 10 Manages civil admin, welfare programs, and permits
ℹ️ Local Government Office – Pallepola +94 66 22 385 30 Responsible for local development and public services
GN Code Name in English
005Janakagama
010Nilannoruwa Janapathaya
015Aluthgama
020Demada Oya
025Mananwatta
030Nilannoruwa
035Thalakiriyawa
040Kirioruwa
045Kosgolla
050Nagahapola
055Bomeruwa
060Kobbewehera
065Millawana Pahalagama
070Millawana Medhagama
075Kandewatta
080Mahayayawatta
085Medalanda
090Walmoruwa
095Moragaspitiya
100Akuramboda
105Dewarammulla
110Millawana Ihalagama
115Ambokka
120Maningamuwa West
125Maningamuwa East
130Koswatta
135Ekamuthugama
140Ambokudena
145Koholanwela
150Udurampelassa
155Ehelepola
160Pallepola North
165Monaruwila
170Galahitiyagama
175Rusigama Ihalagama
180Rusigama Pahalagama
185Pallepola South
190Kinigama
195Paldeniya
200Dodamgasyaya
205Ariyagama
210Polwatta
215Thembilideniya North
220Dimbulgamuwa

How to Reach Pallepola

Pallepola is a scenic inland town in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, located near Naula and Matale. It is accessible via regional roads branching off from the A9 highway, making it easy to reach from cities such as Matale, Dambulla, Kandy, and Kurunegala. The routes offer pleasant drives through forest patches, village settlements, and cultivated landscapes.

📍 City 📏 Distance ⏱️ Time 🗺️ Route
Naula 8 km 15 min
Matale 28 km 40 min
Dambulla 30 km 45 min
Kandy 55 km 1 hr 30 min

🌍 Interactive Google Map

🌍 Geographical Overview – Pallepola

Pallepola is a tranquil rural town in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, situated in the Matale District. Positioned at an elevation of approximately 350–470 m above sea level, it lies just west of Naula and north of Matale. The area is characterized by undulating hills, fertile paddy fields, and small forest patches, creating a serene and agriculturally rich environment. Pallepola enjoys a mild, intermediate climate and is nestled between key cultural and highland destinations.

🏛️ Administrative Information

  • Province: Central Province
  • District: Matale District
  • Divisional Secretariat: Pallepola Divisional Secretariat
  • Geographical Coordinates: ~7°43′ N, 80°38′ E
  • Elevation: ~350 m (1,148 ft) to ~470 m (1,542 ft) above sea level

📍 Nearby Highlights

  • Naula: ~8 km east, accessible via local roads
  • Matale: ~28 km southeast, the district capital
  • Bowathenna Reservoir: A major water body near the region, important for irrigation
  • Kalundewa & Ukuwela: Nearby villages known for farming and nature spots

👥 Population Estimate – 2025

According to the 2012 census, the Pallepola Divisional Secretariat had a population of 29,565. With an average estimated annual growth rate of approximately 0.5%, the population in 2025 is projected to be around 31,500 residents.

💼 Local Economy and Services – Pallepola

Pallepola’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with a focus on paddy cultivation, home gardening, and spice crops such as pepper, clove, and nutmeg. The region’s gently sloping terrain and reliable rainfall create ideal conditions for smallholder farming, which forms the backbone of local livelihoods.

In addition to farming, residents engage in cottage industries like coir production, traditional craftwork, and rural retail businesses. Local fairs and weekly markets serve as vibrant trade points for exchanging produce, household items, and artisanal goods with nearby communities.

Public facilities in Pallepola include schools, rural hospitals, post offices, and the Divisional Secretariat office. Roads linking to Matale and Naula enhance access to broader services, making Pallepola a well-connected yet peaceful rural hub in the Central Province.

🤝 Community and Culture – Pallepola

Pallepola is a close-knit rural community rooted in traditional values and cultural harmony. The majority of residents are Sinhala Buddhists, with smaller groups of Hindus and Muslims contributing to the social fabric. Religious respect and neighborly cooperation define everyday interactions.

The area hosts several village temples and shrines where annual peraheras, almsgivings, and meditation programs are held. Key cultural festivals like Vesak, Poson, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year are celebrated with vibrant rituals, traditional games, and shared meals that strengthen community bonds.

Cultural life in Pallepola is enriched by folk music, local dances, storytelling, and rural art forms. Community halls, schools, and youth groups often organize events that encourage participation and preserve heritage, reinforcing the village’s identity and intergenerational unity.

🎉 Festivals & Culture – Pallepola

Pallepola celebrates a variety of traditional and religious festivals that reflect its rural roots and multicultural spirit. These events serve as vital expressions of faith, seasonal cycles, and communal solidarity.

Prominent Sinhala Buddhist festivals like Vesak, Poson, and Esala are marked with devotional rituals, lantern displays, and processions organized by local temples. These occasions bring together families, youth, and elders in acts of generosity and reflection.

Hindu and Muslim minorities in the area celebrate Deepavali, Thai Pongal, Ramadan, and Eid with colorful ceremonies, traditional meals, and interfaith respect. These festivities add diversity to Pallepola’s cultural landscape and promote community harmony.

Harvest celebrations, New Year games, and village fairs showcase local customs and artistry, including folk dances, drumming, and rural sports. These joyful events highlight Pallepola’s deep connection to nature, tradition, and togetherness.

🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Pallepola

Pallepola is connected by a network of provincial roads that link it to nearby towns such as Matale, Galewela, and Naula. These roads provide essential access for residents, traders, and travelers navigating through the central highlands.

Public transportation is available through regular SLTB and private bus services, offering routes to regional centers like Matale and Dambulla. Three-wheelers and motorcycles are popular for short-distance travel and rural access.

While Pallepola does not have a direct railway station, nearby stations such as Matale provide train connectivity to Kandy and Colombo. This multi-modal transport access helps integrate Pallepola into Sri Lanka’s broader transportation grid.

🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Pallepola

Pallepola is nestled amidst fertile agricultural lands, small forest patches, and water resources including local streams feeding into the Bowathenna reservoir. These natural features play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

The farming community increasingly adopts sustainable practices such as organic cultivation, integrated pest management, and efficient water use to protect soil fertility and minimize ecological impact. These efforts contribute to the long-term health of Pallepola’s environment.

Local environmental initiatives focus on reforestation, waste management, and community education about conservation. Collaboration between residents, schools, and governmental bodies fosters a shared commitment to preserving Pallepola’s natural heritage and promoting sustainability.

🌄 Tourism and Attractions – Pallepola

Pallepola offers visitors a peaceful rural experience surrounded by lush paddy fields, traditional villages, and nearby forested hills. The area is well suited for nature walks, bird watching, and engaging with authentic village life.

Key attractions include local Buddhist temples, traditional craft workshops, and vibrant weekly markets where visitors can explore handmade products, fresh agricultural produce, and sample regional cuisine. These provide insight into Pallepola’s rich cultural heritage.

With convenient road links to Matale and Naula, Pallepola serves as a quiet retreat for travelers interested in rural tourism, cultural immersion, and ecologically conscious travel experiences.

The village’s natural beauty and welcoming community make it an emerging destination for sustainable tourism initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Central Province.

🎓 Education and Institutions – Pallepola

Pallepola is served by several respected schools offering education from primary to secondary levels. Key institutions such as Pallepola Central College and nearby village schools provide a solid academic foundation along with extracurricular programs promoting holistic student development.

Vocational training and skill development centers support the community by offering courses in agriculture, craftsmanship, and basic technology, helping improve local employment opportunities and economic resilience.

Community initiatives encourage youth participation in cultural activities, sports, and leadership workshops, strengthening social ties and fostering well-rounded growth in Pallepola.

The educational infrastructure in Pallepola plays a crucial role in empowering the local population and nurturing future generations within the Matale District.

🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Pallepola

Pallepola is supported by healthcare facilities including local clinics and a primary health care center that offer outpatient services, maternal and child health care, and basic emergency treatment to the community.

Alongside government-run services, several private medical practitioners and pharmacies provide accessible healthcare options, supplemented by traditional medicine practitioners serving the local population.

Preventive health initiatives such as vaccination programs, health education, and community outreach are actively promoted to enhance public health awareness and disease prevention in Pallepola.

🌿 Why Visit Pallepola? Discover Tranquility, Culture & Authentic Village Life

Experience the serene rural landscapes of Pallepola, surrounded by lush paddy fields and gentle hills in Sri Lanka’s Central Province.
Engage with vibrant local traditions, colorful festivals, and a warm, close-knit community that welcomes visitors with genuine hospitality.
Enjoy peaceful nature walks, authentic village crafts, and fresh regional cuisine, making Pallepola a charming destination for cultural and eco-tourism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Travel Pages . Developed by Traventy Australia Pty Ltd | About Us|Contact Us|Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition

Proudly powered by Traventy

 

 / 

Sign in

Sign in

Send Message

My favorites