Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Poojapitiya is a tranquil and culturally vibrant region that remains a hidden gem to most travelers. Just a short drive from Kandy, this scenic area is surrounded by tea estates, spice gardens, and misty landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. Falling under the administrative boundaries of the Kandy District, Poojapitiya is home to a proud community rooted in agriculture, education, and tradition.
Poojapitiya is known for its kind-hearted residents, close-knit communities, and a way of life deeply connected to nature and heritage. Many families rely on small-scale farming, tea plucking, and traditional industries for their livelihoods. Buddhist temples such as the historic Poojapitiya Sri Sumana Saman Viharaya serve as spiritual centers and gathering places for Vesak, Poson, and other cultural festivities that unite the community in joyful harmony.
While it may not boast the grandeur of popular tourist hubs, Poojapitiya’s charm lies in its authenticity and natural grace. Its proximity to sacred cities like Kandy makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring central Sri Lanka. With its peaceful environment, welcoming locals, and picturesque surroundings, Poojapitiya offers a perfect setting for cultural immersion, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying a walk through a hillside village path. Whether you’re sharing a meal with a local family, listening to temple chants echo through the valley, or exploring the rural trails, Poojapitiya leaves an imprint of warmth, simplicity, and lasting beauty.
Total Population
62,000
GN Divisions
67
🌿 Why is Poojapitiya – Sri Lanka Special?
A Hillside Haven with Heritage and Heart
Tucked amidst the green hills of the Central Province, Poojapitiya is a lesser-known gem just outside the city of Kandy. With winding roads bordered by tea gardens, pepper vines, and humble homesteads, Poojapitiya blends the serenity of rural life with the cultural richness of the hill country. It’s not flashy, but that’s its charm — a place where life moves gently, traditions are kept close, and the mountains whisper stories of the past.
🪴 Where Tradition Meets the Landscape
Agriculture runs deep in Poojapitiya. From paddy fields on valley floors to home gardens bursting with vegetables and spices, the land is lovingly tended by generations of farmers. Tea cultivation continues to play a major role, while coconut and areca nut palms sway gently in the breeze. For visitors seeking an authentic rural experience, the village offers a close-up look at everyday farming life in Sri Lanka’s hill country.
🛕 Sacred Spaces and Cultural Treasures
Poojapitiya is dotted with serene Buddhist temples and religious landmarks that date back decades — even centuries. Places like the Sri Sumana Saman Viharaya serve not only as places of worship but also as cultural centers that come alive during Poson, Vesak, and Esala celebrations. The spiritual energy here is quiet but powerful, grounded in daily rituals and a deeply held respect for tradition.
🍵 A Taste of Kandyan Hospitality
Meals in Poojapitiya are more than just food — they are moments of connection. Whether it’s steaming cowpea curry with red rice or hand-rolled string hoppers served with coconut sambol, every dish reflects local ingredients and long-standing culinary traditions. Fresh jackfruit, kenda porridge, and buffalo curd sweetened with treacle are local favourites not to be missed.
💛 People of Warmth and Wisdom
One of the most endearing features of Poojapitiya is its people. Known for their humility and hospitality, villagers are quick to greet you with a smile, share a story, or invite you for tea. Elders pass down folklore and customs, while young people take pride in balancing tradition with progress.
🌟 A Community Looking Ahead
Though steeped in heritage, Poojapitiya is not standing still. Local schools are active in leadership development and sports, while community centers offer programs in IT, language, and vocational skills. Environmental efforts like reforestation and sustainable gardening are growing roots. It’s a village that holds tight to its past while stepping thoughtfully into the future.
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Egodamulla North |
| 010 | Ihalamulla |
| 015 | Dehiwatta |
| 020 | Egodamulla South |
| 025 | Pahala Kithulgolla |
| 030 | Alawatta |
| 035 | Uda Kithulgolla |
| 040 | Ankumbura South |
| 045 | Ankumbura North |
| 050 | Uggala Janapadaya |
| 055 | Pahala Pallegama |
| 060 | Welgala |
| 065 | Ankumbura Udagama |
| 070 | Kovila muduna |
| 075 | Galhinna |
| 080 | Galkanda |
| 085 | Palliya Kotuwa |
| 090 | Batagolladeniya |
| 095 | Watagalathenna |
| 100 | Morankanda |
| 105 | Wewala North |
| 110 | Udahena |
| 115 | Siyapathgama |
| 120 | Pathirada |
| 125 | Udahigulwala |
| 130 | Pahala Hingulwala |
| 135 | Rambukewala |
| 140 | Godahena |
| 145 | Kahatagasthenna |
| 150 | Watagoda |
| 155 | Dolapihilla North |
| 160 | Dolapihilla South |
| 165 | Weligalla |
| 170 | Wewala |
| 175 | Bokkawala |
| 180 | Harankahawa |
| 185 | Henegama |
| 190 | Molagoda |
| 195 | Waldeniya |
| 200 | Medagoda |
| 205 | Diddeniya |
| 210 | Ovissa North |
| 215 | Ovissa South |
| 220 | Kiralagama |
| 225 | Palipana |
| 230 | Dombagammana |
| 235 | Ukgahakumbura |
| 240 | Marathugoda North |
| 245 | Marathugoda South |
| 250 | Ambaruppa |
| 255 | Gallella |
| 260 | Maruddana |
| 265 | Alagoda |
| 270 | Madadeniya |
| 275 | Warakadeniya |
| 280 | Batagalla North |
| 285 | Bamunupola |
| 290 | Batugoda North |
| 295 | Batagalla South |
| 300 | Batugoda South |
| 305 | Diwanawatta |
| 310 | Mullegama North |
| 315 | Kahawatta North |
| 320 | Kahawatta South |
| 325 | Mullegama South |
| 330 | Kaluwana South |
| 335 | Kaluwana North |
📊 Population Growth in Poojapitiya (2012–2024)
The population of Poojapitiya has shown steady growth over the years, reflecting stable living conditions, expanding services, and continued development in the Galnewa area.
| Year | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 34,756 (official census) |
| 2013 | 35,142 |
| 2014 | 35,533 |
| 2015 | 35,928 |
| 2016 | 36,329 |
| 2017 | 36,735 |
| 2018 | 37,147 |
| 2019 | 37,564 |
| 2020 | 37,986 |
| 2021 | 38,415 |
| 2022 | 38,663 (mid-year estimate) |
| 2023 | 38,968 |
| 2024 | 39,379 |
- Police Station: 0812307230
- Hospital: 0812461212
☀️Best Time to Visit Poojapitiya
🏞️ Poojapitiya, Central Sri Lanka’s Tranquil Hillscape
Poojapitiya, nestled within the cool highlands of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, experiences a mild climate throughout the year — making it a comfortable and refreshing getaway for travelers escaping the heat of the lowlands. The region enjoys misty mornings, gentle sunshine during the day, and cool, breezy evenings thanks to its elevated terrain.
The best time to visit Poojapitiya falls between December and April, during the region’s drier months. During this period, the skies are clear, the forested hills glow under golden light, and cultural life is in full bloom. It’s a great time to explore ancient village temples, visit nearby tea estates, hike through spice gardens, and enjoy peaceful walks along winding rural lanes.
🌸 Embracing Poojapitiya’s Mist and Monsoon
From May to September, the southwest monsoon season brings gentle showers that bathe the landscape in rich hues of green. Tea leaves glisten in the mist, streams swell with fresh mountain water, and small waterfalls spring to life across the hillsides. This is the time when Poojapitiya is at its most poetic — quiet, cloud-kissed, and ideal for writers, nature photographers, and anyone seeking stillness and solitude.
While occasional rain may slow your journey, it enhances the region’s beauty and rural charm. The scent of wet earth, the sound of birdsong after rain, and the sight of women plucking tea leaves against a misty backdrop create a soul-soothing atmosphere that’s hard to match.
🌍 Geographical Overview – poojapitiya
.Province: Central Province
.District: Kandy
.Divisional Secretariat: Poojapitiya Divisional Secretariat
🌾Poojapitiya: Agricultural Backbone of Poojapitiya
Nestled amidst the scenic highlands of the Central Province, Poojapitiya in the Kandy District is a region where agriculture is more than just a livelihood — it’s a way of life. With its undulating hills, fertile soils, and moderate climate, the area provides ideal conditions for diverse farming practices.
The majority of the community engages in paddy cultivation, vegetable farming, and fruit orchards, often on terraced fields. Home gardening is widespread, contributing to both food security and household income. Traditional knowledge blends with modern techniques, including organic composting, mulching, and rainwater harvesting.
Due to its proximity to Kandy city, farmers also benefit from accessible markets, where they sell fresh produce, spices, dairy products, and handmade goods. Local cooperatives and government initiatives play a strong role in empowering farmers with training, credit facilities, and infrastructure.
Poojapitiya stands as a vibrant example of a semi-urban agricultural hub where tradition meets innovation — sustaining both its people and the surrounding environment.
Education and Public Facilities – Poojapitiya
Poojapitiya, located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a developing rural area that offers a meaningful combination of educational and public facilities to support its community. Education plays a vital role in the region, with institutions like Poojapitiya Central College standing out as a key national school that provides learning up to the G.C.E. Advanced Level. It is supported by other schools such as Madadeniya Junior School and Poojapitiya Primary School, which ensure access to primary and junior education for children in the surrounding villages.
These schools also engage students in extracurricular activities like ICT clubs, sports, and cultural programs, contributing to a more well-rounded education. Public facilities in Poojapitiya are modest but functional. Healthcare is mainly delivered through local clinics, while major medical treatments typically require travel to larger cities such as Kandy.
Public transportation is provided mainly through bus services, although these can be limited in frequency and capacity. Despite its rural nature, the village has access to small retail shops, grocery outlets, and essential services that cater to residents’ daily needs. Overall, Poojapitiya reflects the characteristics of a steadily progressing village that values education, community wellbeing, and local development while preserving its peaceful rural identity.
🚍 Transportation and Accessibility – Poojapitiya
Poojapitiya, situated about 14 km from Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is primarily connected via rural buses and regional highways. The SLTB and private buses provide the main public transit service, particularly the route 601 Poojapitiya–Kandy These buses are essential but often infrequent, especially during off-peak hours, making planning challenging for daily commuters
Road conditions along national A and B‑grade roads can be reasonable near main arteries, but smaller rural roads may be poorly maintained, impacting comfort and travel reliability . Travel times vary significantly—for example, the roughly 140 km journey from Colombo to Poojapitiya takes between 2 hours 25 minutes to over 3 hours by road depending on traffic
Rail access exists via stations in Kandy and Peradeniya, but these are several kilometers away, requiring additional transport to reach them . Local residents often rely on tuk‑tuks or private vehicles for last-mile connections. Pedestrian infrastructure is sparse, making accessing bus stops and public spaces difficult, particularly for elderly or disabled individuals
Despite wide transport coverage, residents often face overcrowded buses and lack real-time schedule information, making the system frustrating to use for routine commuting Improvements in frequency, commuter information systems, and road infrastructure would significantly enhance accessibility and daily travel experiences in Poojapitiya.
🌿 Why Visit or Invest in Poojapitiya – Kandy District
Nestled in the central hills of Sri Lanka, Poojapitiya in the Kandy District combines serene natural beauty with growing development potential — making it an attractive hub for eco-tourism, sustainable farming, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
- 🏞️ Scenic highland charm: Surrounded by misty hills, paddy fields, and forested paths, Poojapitiya offers a peaceful and photogenic retreat.
- 🌾 Fertile agricultural base: Ideal for cultivating spices, tea, and organic vegetables with access to Kandy's urban markets.
- 💡 Community-driven potential: Educational institutions, cooperative societies, and youth-led programs foster a vibrant and resilient local economy.
Whether you're a visitor seeking authentic village life or an investor with a vision for rural development, Poojapitiya in the Kandy District is a destination of meaningful opportunity.