Nestled in the heart of the famous Dumbara valley, a land of misty hills and ancient history, lies the captivating Heeloya Tourism Village. This small hamlet, once a strategically important and cherished land for the kings of the Kandyan kingdom, offers a truly authentic and enriching experience far removed from the beaten path. Surrounded by a magnificent landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush green forests, and terraced paddy fields, Heeloya is a sanctuary of nature, culture, and tradition.

Introducing a New Era of Tourism: Apitourism at Heeloya. Heeloya is at the forefront of a new and exciting tourism trend in Sri Lanka: Apitourism. This innovative concept combines travel with the fascinating world of beekeeping, offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience that goes beyond a simple tour.

Sri Lanka, as a tropical country, is blessed with incredible biodiversity, and its natural wealth is a treasure trove of medicinal plants and fruits. This rich ecosystem is the secret behind the high demand and nutritional benefits of "Sri Lankan Bee Honey." Our local "Hela Weda" (Sri Lanka's indigenous medicine) and "Ayurveda" systems have long utilized the hidden medicinal properties of these plants, and the pure, golden honey produced by the bees is a concentrated essence of this natural goodness. At Heeloya, you can now experience this firsthand. This isn't just about tasting honey; it's about connecting with a traditional practice that sustains both the community and the environment. You'll learn about the life of a beekeeper, understand the vital role bees play in the ecosystem, and appreciate how this small village is creating a new and sustainable path for tourism.

A Glimpse into a Rich History.

Heeloya's history is as deep-rooted as the mountains that embrace it. The village's fertile paddy lands were dedicated to the Bambaragala cave temple by ancient kings as early as the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. Brahmi inscriptions on the cave's rock face stand as silent witnesses to this royal bequest. Evidence of this historical connection remains visible today in the ruins of an ancient granary and a renovated granary, which once stored the village's bountiful harvests for the temple. King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1782 AD) even developed the water canals here, using the water from the mystical Kaludiya Wala (Black Water Pool) to irrigate the temple lands, a testament to the village's enduring significance.

Immerse Yourself in the Natural.

Wonders Heeloya is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The village is blessed with a stunning array of natural features, including the crystal-clear waters of Poddalgoda Oya, Heeloya, and Galmal Oya, which flow through the landscape, irrigating the terraced paddy fields.

Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Pool): Venture on a thrilling hike to this spectacularly deep pool, found halfway along the Heeloya river. The silent, dark waters reflect the surrounding greenery, creating a tranquil and mesmerizing scene. Below the 28-meter-high "Ran Ella" falls, the Black Pool glitters like a giant, sparkling black gem.

Perumal Wetuna Ella: A smaller, beautiful waterfall along the Heeloya stream, this spot is named after a local laborer named Perumal who, according to folklore, tragically fell here. The journey to the fall is a delightful walk along the stream, rewarded by the sight of sprinkling water creating misty bubbles as it slides down the rock.

The Knuckles Range: Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Heeloya serves as a perfect base for expeditions into the Knuckles mountain range. The trails from the lower slopes to the higher elevations offer an exciting chance to witness incredible biodiversity, including endemic plant species, birds, mammals, and even unique freshwater aquatic life.

Traditional Paddy Cultivation: Witness the time-honored methods of farming, from tilling the land with a garden hoe to ploughing with buffalos. You can learn about the "Kamatha," or thrashing floor, a place of great respect and tradition where harvests are processed according to astrological auspicious times.

Wariga Sabhawa (Clan Assembly): Discover the ancient village council, a small group communication system used for centuries for community participation and governance. This open-air assembly area, with its unique carved seats, is a fascinating look into Sri Lanka's indigenous ruling systems.

Kadathura Gal Lena (The Cave with Curtains): Explore this legendary cave, believed to have been a hiding place for the last king of the Kandyan kingdom. The name, derived from the Sinhala word for curtains ("Kadathira"), refers to the belief that the main opening was once covered to conceal the entrance.

Heeloya Tourism Village is situated along Poddalgoda Road in the Medadumbara Division of Kandy district, approximately 33.2 km (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) from Kandy city. To get there from Kandy, simply travel along the Kandy-Mahiyangane-Padiyatalawa Highway, passing through Balagolla, Digana, Teldeniya, and Karalliyadda. The village welcomes visitors with a small bridge over the Poddalgoda Oya, the gateway to this tranquil haven. Heeloya is a place you will never want to miss on your Sri Lanka tour. It is a journey into an untouched paradise, where adventure meets culture, and ancient wisdom harmonizes with modern sustainable practices. Come and discover the living heart of Sri Lanka, and find out why this special place is at the forefront of a new wave of eco-conscious tourism.
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