Yatawatta, a peaceful town in Sri Lanka's Central Province, lies amidst rolling hills and verdant countryside near Matale. Known for its quiet charm, traditional temples, and close-knit community, Yatawatta offers a genuine village experience. Its picturesque surroundings, cultural landmarks, and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and rural authenticity.
Total Population
30,100
GN Divisions
56
Where Highland Simplicity Embraces Deep-Rooted Tradition
Yatawatta – A Quiet Village Rich in Culture and Natural Charm
Tucked into the scenic hills of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Yatawatta is a peaceful town near Matale, known for its cultural legacy, religious heritage, and strong community bonds. With a population of around 23,000 (2025), Yatawatta remains a serene destination rooted in tradition and rural beauty.
Spiritual Roots and Historic Temples
The town is home to several Buddhist temples and shrines, including ancient cave temples and village viharayas. These sacred sites not only serve spiritual needs but also reflect Yatawatta’s deep historical ties to Buddhism.
Natural Beauty and Highland Scenery
Surrounded by forested ridges, streams, and fertile fields, Yatawatta offers a calm landscape ideal for quiet walks, village photography, and nature appreciation. The fresh air and greenery create an ideal backdrop for relaxation.
Agriculture and Village Livelihoods
Traditional farming—especially rice, vegetables, and spices—is central to Yatawatta’s way of life. The local economy thrives on smallholder agriculture, sustaining both families and centuries-old practices.
Education and Social Development
Schools such as Yatawatta Central College support youth development and education, helping uplift the rural community with knowledge, discipline, and opportunities for growth.
Transportation and Accessibility
- 🚗 By Road: Yatawatta is connected to Matale, Ukuwela, and Pallepola via well-maintained roads.
- 🚌 By Bus: Frequent bus services link the town to nearby urban and rural areas.
Community Life and Traditions
Yatawatta maintains a close-knit social fabric, with temple events, harvest festivals, and community gatherings keeping traditions alive. Generations live side by side, passing on values of humility and togetherness.
Experience the Heart of the Highlands
For those seeking a quiet rural escape filled with heritage and heart, Yatawatta offers the perfect highland retreat—unassuming, welcoming, and deeply tied to the rhythms of village life.
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Udagama West |
| 010 | Selagama |
| 015 | Selagama East |
| 020 | Thembilideniya |
| 025 | North Matale |
| 030 | Kawudupelella |
| 035 | Mahawela |
| 040 | Mahawela West |
| 045 | Delgolla |
| 050 | Galagama |
| 055 | Nagolla |
| 060 | Udagama |
| 065 | Urulewatta |
| 070 | Yatawatta |
| 075 | Mediyapola |
| 080 | Nikagolla |
| 085 | Nikagolla North |
| 090 | Dikkumbura West |
| 095 | Rathalawewa |
| 100 | Dikkumbura |
| 105 | Wattegedara |
| 110 | Galaliyadda |
| 115 | Muruthawatta |
| 120 | Deevilla South |
| 125 | Deevilla |
| 130 | Dungan Place |
| 135 | Alokagama |
| 140 | Walpola |
| 145 | Maligathenna |
| 150 | Aluthwatta |
| 155 | Ambanpola |
| 160 | Lakshahena |
| 165 | Deevilla North |
| 170 | Gammulla |
| 175 | Mottuwela |
| 180 | Idangama |
| 185 | Udasgiriya |
| 190 | Ethipallawala |
| 195 | Aluthgama North |
| 200 | Aluthgama |
| 205 | Pamunuwa |
| 210 | Walawela |
| 215 | Unaweruwa |
| 220 | Madadeniya |
| 225 | Mathalapitiya |
| 230 | Mathalapitiya South |
| 235 | Rathninda |
| 240 | Asgiri Dorakumbura |
| 245 | Asgiri Dorakumbura East |
| 250 | Polwatta |
| 255 | Dullewa |
| 260 | Dullewa East |
| 265 | Thalgahagoda |
| 270 | Daluwela |
| 275 | Ethipola |
| 280 | Ethipola West |
📞 Public Services – Yatawatta
| Service | Contact Number | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| 🚓 Yatawatta Police Station | +94 66 22 410 22 | Maintains public safety and law enforcement in Yatawatta |
| 🏥 Yatawatta Divisional Hospital | +94 66 22 410 28 | Provides medical care and outpatient services for residents |
| 🏛️ Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat | +94 66 22 410 10 | Handles administrative services, welfare schemes, and permits |
| ℹ️ Local Government Office – Yatawatta | +94 66 22 410 30 | Oversees local infrastructure, development, and services |
| 🏣 Post Office – Yatawatta | +94 66 22 410 15 | Mail services and basic banking support for the area |
How to Reach Yatawatta
Yatawatta, nestled in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, is a peaceful village town located near Matale. The town is accessible by regional roads connecting from Matale, Ukuwela, and nearby towns such as Pallepola and Naula. Its elevated terrain, scenic countryside, and temple-filled surroundings offer travelers a pleasant rural drive through lush greenery and winding hills.
| 📍 City | 📏 Distance | ⏱️ Time | 🗺️ Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matale | 14 km | 25 min | |
| Ukuwela | 10 km | 20 min | |
| Naula | 18 km | 30 min | |
| Kandy | 45 km | 1 hr 15 min |
🌍 Interactive Google Map
🌍 Geographical Overview – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is a peaceful highland town in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, located within the Matale District. Nestled at an average elevation of around 450–600 m above sea level, the area is surrounded by rolling hills, tea estates, forest patches, and rural farmland. Yatawatta serves as the administrative and cultural hub of the Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat, which includes several surrounding GN Divisions.
🏛️ Administrative Information
- Province: Central Province
- District: Matale District
- Divisional Secretariat: Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat
- Geographical Coordinates: ~7°34′ N, 80°33′ E
- Elevation: ~450 m to ~600 m above sea level
📍 Nearby Highlights
- Matale: ~13 km east, the district capital
- Pallepola: ~10 km north, another rural township in the region
- Reverston & Knuckles: Popular eco-tourism destinations accessible via nearby routes
- Ambana Temple: A notable cultural and spiritual landmark
👥 Population Estimate – 2025
Based on the 2012 census, the Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat had a population of 18,413. Applying an estimated annual growth rate of 0.5%–0.6%, the projected population in 2025 is approximately 19,600–19,900 residents.
💼 Local Economy and Services – Yatawatta
Yatawatta’s economy is centered around agriculture, with key crops including rice, vegetables, and spices such as pepper and cardamom. The region’s fertile soil and moderate climate support year-round cultivation, and many households maintain small-scale home gardens for both food and income.
Small businesses, traditional industries, and local trading centers also play a role in the economy. Weekly markets provide an essential platform for farmers and artisans to sell fresh produce, spices, garments, and handicrafts, fostering a vibrant village economy rooted in self-reliance.
Public amenities include primary and secondary schools, regional health clinics, a police station, post office, and the Yatawatta Divisional Secretariat. Well-maintained roads connect the town to Matale and neighboring rural areas, ensuring access to government services and commercial hubs.
🤝 Community and Culture – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is a vibrant rural community with deep-rooted traditional values and a spirit of cooperation. The majority of its residents are Sinhala Buddhists, alongside Hindu and Muslim minorities who contribute to the area's cultural diversity and social harmony.
The town features several historic temples and religious sites where festivals such as Vesak, Poson, and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year are celebrated with lively rituals, processions, and communal gatherings. These events play a central role in strengthening social ties and preserving spiritual traditions.
Local culture thrives through folk music, traditional dances, and storytelling. Community centers, schools, and youth organizations regularly host cultural programs, supporting the preservation of heritage and fostering a sense of unity across generations.
🎉 Festivals & Culture – Yatawatta
Yatawatta hosts a rich calendar of traditional and religious festivals that reflect its rural heritage and multicultural community. These celebrations are key moments for expressing faith, marking seasons, and strengthening social bonds.
Major Sinhala Buddhist festivals such as Vesak, Poson, and Esala are observed with devotional ceremonies, lantern parades, and temple processions. These events bring together people of all ages in acts of generosity, meditation, and cultural pride.
Hindu and Muslim communities celebrate festivals like Deepavali, Thai Pongal, Ramadan, and Eid with vibrant rituals, traditional feasts, and mutual respect, enriching Yatawatta’s diverse cultural fabric.
Seasonal harvest festivals, Sinhala and Tamil New Year games, and village fairs showcase traditional music, dance, folk arts, and rural sports. These joyful occasions reflect Yatawatta’s enduring connection to its land, customs, and community spirit.
🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is well-connected by a network of provincial roads linking it to Matale, Naula, and surrounding villages. These roads are vital for daily commuting, agricultural transport, and access to markets in the central highlands.
Public transport services include regular SLTB and private buses that run routes to major regional hubs such as Matale and Dambulla. Three-wheelers and motorcycles are commonly used for short trips and navigating rural terrain.
Although Yatawatta does not have its own railway station, residents can access nearby stations in Matale and Ambana for train connections to Kandy, Colombo, and other parts of the country, supporting convenient multi-modal travel options.
🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is surrounded by a mosaic of agricultural lands, forest reserves, and streams that contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity and water security. These natural assets are vital for supporting local livelihoods and maintaining ecological balance.
Sustainable agricultural methods, including organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation, are increasingly embraced by farmers to enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact. Such practices help safeguard Yatawatta’s natural resources for future generations.
Community-driven efforts in reforestation, solid waste management, and environmental awareness programs actively promote conservation. Partnerships between local residents, schools, and authorities strengthen the commitment to preserving Yatawatta’s environmental heritage and fostering sustainability.
🌄 Tourism and Attractions – Yatawatta
Yatawatta offers visitors an authentic rural experience amidst scenic agricultural landscapes, traditional villages, and nearby hills rich with biodiversity. It is ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring Sri Lanka’s highland village life.
Notable attractions include historic Buddhist temples, local artisan workshops, and bustling weekly markets where visitors can discover handcrafted goods, fresh produce, and taste regional delicacies, all reflecting Yatawatta’s cultural heritage.
Well-connected by road to Matale and Naula, Yatawatta provides a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking cultural immersion, rural tourism, and eco-friendly travel experiences.
The welcoming community and natural surroundings make Yatawatta a growing destination for sustainable tourism initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Central Province.
🎓 Education and Institutions – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is served by several well-regarded schools providing education from primary to secondary levels. Institutions such as Yatawatta Maha Vidyalaya and surrounding village schools offer strong academic programs alongside extracurricular activities that support holistic student development.
Vocational training centers and skill development programs focus on agriculture, traditional crafts, and basic technology, helping enhance employment opportunities and economic resilience in the community.
Community-driven initiatives promote youth engagement in cultural events, sports, and leadership workshops, fostering strong social bonds and well-rounded personal growth in Yatawatta.
The educational infrastructure in Yatawatta plays a vital role in empowering local residents and nurturing future generations within the Matale District.
🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Yatawatta
Yatawatta is supported by several healthcare facilities including local clinics and a divisional hospital offering outpatient care, maternal and child health services, and basic emergency treatment to the community.
In addition to government health services, private medical practitioners and pharmacies provide accessible healthcare options, complemented by traditional and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners serving local residents.
Preventive health programs such as vaccination drives, health education, and community outreach activities are actively promoted to improve public health awareness and disease prevention in Yatawatta.