Seethawaka-Avissawella tourism zone

Seethawaka-Avissawella tourism zone

On 21st June 2024, the Seethawaka-Avissawella tourism zone was officially declared a Sustainable Tourism Destination with the esteemed participation of the Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana. As part of this initiative, the Seethawaka Odyssey tourism train was launched, marking a key step in promoting the Seethawaka tourism zone.

The Seethawaka Odyssey train departs from Colombo at 7:15 a.m. and returns from Avissawella at 5:20 p.m. every Sunday. During the tour, passengers get to visit four beautiful places: the Seethawaka Wet Zone, Kalatuwa Reservoir, Ranmudu Ella, and Wel Palama. This luxury train journey offers a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Avissawella Wet Zone.

The train journey offers different classes with varying ticket prices:

• First class (A/C) costs 800 LKR per person

• Second class costs 500 LKR per person

• Third class costs 300 LKR per person

Tickets can be easily booked online through the Sri Lanka Railways official website or at railway stations with seat reservation services. 

https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr

Additionally, tourists can take transport from the Waga Railway Station, where A/C luxury buses are available at 800 LKR per person, and regular buses are available at 600 LKR per person.

I believe the ticket prices are affordable, though they may change over time. This train journey offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the scenic Seethawaka-Avissawella area.

• Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden is located in Illukovita village, near Avissawella. To get there, the easiest route is to turn at the Puwakpitiya station. If you are driving from Colombo to Avissawella on the high-level road, you will see Puwakpitiya station on your left. After that, take the next junction on the right, follow the Puwakpitiya-Thummodara road for about 3 kilometers, and you will find the garden on your right.

The construction of Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden began in 2008, and it now covers 106 acres of land. Unlike gardens such as Peradeniya or Hakgala, which have a variety of flowers, Seethawaka focuses mainly on trees. While there is a small area for flowers, the main purpose of this garden is to conserve the wet lowland forest plants that are endangered. This makes it different from other gardens. The goal is to protect these important plants for future generations.

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden is the fifth botanical garden under the Department of National Botanic Gardens in Sri Lanka. It was the first garden made specifically to conserve wet zone flora. The garden is located next to the Indikada Mukalana Forest Reserve in Avissawella, a suburban area of Colombo. Although the garden's development started in 2008, it was opened to the public in 2015.

If you plan to visit, you can purchase tickets from this site, and the ticket prices may vary depending on the category

https://www.botanicgardens.gov.lk/product/wet-zone-botanical-garden-avissawella/

• Ranmudu Ella

Ranmudu Ella Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Thunmodara. It is a tributary of the Wakganga River, which flows into the Kelani River. This scenic spot is just about 2 kilometers from the Seethawaka Botanical Garden, making it a great place for nature lovers to visit.

Image Source: Supun Tharaka

If you visit on a weekend, the area might be a bit crowded. Many younger visitors come to enjoy food, singing, and outdoor parties. The lively atmosphere adds fun to the peaceful surroundings. On weekends and Poya days, local villagers also sell traditional foods like manioc with lunumiris, fresh vegetables, and homemade meals. One unique experience is enjoying rice wrapped in banana leaves while sitting by the water, giving you a true taste of the local culture.+

Ranmudu Ella is also a safe spot for a refreshing waterfall bath. The best place to bathe is downstream from the bridge, where there is a small pool and a high-pressure waterfall that feels like a natural shower. However, you need to be careful during the rainy season, as the water can rise quickly and become dangerous.

Overall, Ranmudu Ella is a natural treasure that continues to attract visitors with its beauty and cool, refreshing waters. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway into nature, it's the perfect destination.

• Kalatuwa Reservoir

Kalatuwawa Reservoir, constructed in 1960, is located in the Labugama Kalatuwawa Forest Reserve. This reservoir plays a vital role as it is used solely to supply drinking water to Colombo’s suburbs. It is managed by the Ministry of Water Supply & Drainage.

The dam at Kalatuwawa is quite impressive, with a length of 950 feet, a height of 66 feet, and a width of 8 feet. It’s built using a type of construction known as Cyclopean Rubble. The reservoir itself covers a submerged area of 482 acres, with a catchment area of 3,320 acres. It can hold an incredible 3,100 million gallons of water.

Since the reservoir is crucial for water supply, getting permission to visit can be difficult. However, if you book a Seethawaka Odyssey trip, you may have the opportunity to visit this fascinating and important site. It’s a unique chance to see the natural beauty of the area while also appreciating the vital role the reservoir plays in providing water to the region.