Sooriyakanda: A Misty Paradise Hidden in Sri
Lanka’s Mini 18-Bends
Located in the Ratnapura District between Rakwana and
Deniyaya, Sooriyakanda is a breathtaking, chilly hill-country destination
nestled right on the eastern border of the iconic Sinharaja Rain Forest.
🚦 How to Get to Sooriyakanda
From Colombo: Travel to Pelmadulla, then proceed through Kahawatta and
Rakwana. From Rakwana, drive up via the scenic 10-Hairpin Bends. The road is
fully carpeted and in great condition, making it easily accessible by car, van,
or motorbike.
From Matara / South: Travel to Deniyaya town, and proceed directly up to
Sooriyakanda from there.
Local Travel Tip: If you plan to explore Morningside or Gongala Mountain from
Sooriyakanda, the roads become narrow and rocky. It is highly recommended to
use a three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) or motorbike for those stretches.
📍 Top Attractions in Sooriyakanda
🛣️ Rakwana 10-Hairpin Bends (Mini 18-Bends)
Scenic Drive: This stunning stretch of road winds through lush tea estates
and mountain ranges. Known as the "Mini 18-Bends," it consists of 10
dramatic hairpin turns between Rakwana and Sooriyakanda.
Atmosphere: During the early morning and late evening, the entire route
is enveloped in a cool breeze and thick fog.
🌲 Morningside
Unique Ecosystem: Located near the eastern edge of the Sinharaja Rain Forest,
Morningside is a unique high-altitude sanctuary.
Highlights: Enshrouded in mist throughout the day, it features a serene
pine forest, exotic wild orchid species, and rare endemic wildlife.
⛰️ Gongala Mountain
High-Altitude Views: Rising 1,358 meters above sea level, Gongala is one of the
highest peaks in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the highest elevation bordering
the Sinharaja Rain Forest.
360-Degree Panorama: The summit offers a sweeping 360-degree view encompassing
Ratnapura, Deniyaya, and the vast Sinharaja forest canopy. On a clear day, you
can spot the southern coastline, Udawalawe Reservoir, and surrounding tea
plantations.
Key Landmarks: The peak houses television transmission towers and a Sri
Lanka Air Force post.
💦 Handapan Ella Waterfall
Cascading Beauty: Originating from Gongala Mountain, this beautiful waterfall
cascades down approximately 23 meters.
🍃 Hayes Estate Viewpoint
Scenic Lookout: A picture-perfect viewpoint surrounded by rolling tea
plantations and pine trees.
🍵 World-Famous Rakwana Tea Estates
Colonial Heritage: Sooriyakanda’s high elevation was heavily utilized for tea
cultivation during the British colonial era. Historic estates such as
Enselwatte, Sooriyakanda, and Hayes can be explored here.
🏡 Planters' Bungalows
Architecture: Traditional tea planters' bungalows constructed during
British rule still dot the landscape.
🌳 Pitadeniya Sinharaja Entrance
Proximity: From Sooriyakanda, you can reach the Pitadeniya entrance of
the Sinharaja Forest Reserve via Deniyaya in about an hour.
🛕 Rakwana Sri Muthukumari Amman Kovil
Cultural History: A historic Hindu temple located in Rakwana town, built by
Indian estate workers brought over during the British era. Daily pujas are
conducted morning and evening, and the annual Vel festival is celebrated with
great grandeur.
🗺️ Recommended 1-Day Itinerary
Morning (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Start your journey up the 10-Hairpin
Bends from Rakwana, taking photos of the mountain scenery along the way.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Trek through Morningside and explore
the pine forest.
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Enjoy a quiet lunch. (Note: There
are no major restaurants in Sooriyakanda, so be sure to pack your own meals and
bottled water.)
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM): Head up to Gongala Mountain, and
visit Handapan Ella and Galdola Ella waterfalls.
Departure (4:00 PM): Conclude your day trip and begin driving back toward Rakwana
or your next destination.
🏨 Where to Stay
If you wish to spend the night, camping is allowed near the
Morningside area. Alternatively, you can book one of these popular
accommodations:
Tara Waterfall Hotel: A popular hotel located very close to the Rakwana 10-Hairpin
Bends.
Sinharaja Tea Garden Hotel: Highly rated by travelers for its location surrounded
by tea plantations.
Cinnamon Village Sinharaja: An eco-friendly hotel set in a tranquil natural
environment.
Sinharaja Forest Lodge: A scenic lodge located directly on the border of the
Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Morningside Bungalow: A historic colonial bungalow managed by the Department of
Forest Conservation. (Prior approval/booking from the Forest Department is
strictly required.)
