Badulla is located 60 km southeast of Kandy, almost encircled by the Badulu Oya River, about 680 metres (2200 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains, most of which have tea plantations. It is located on the southeast of Kandy, almost encircled by the Badulu Oya River, about 680 metres (2200 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by tea plantations. The town is over
shadowed by the Namunukula range of mountains (highest peak 2,016 metres above sea level). It was a base of a pre-colonial Sinhalese local prince (regional king) who ruled the area under the main King in Kandy before it became part of the British Empire. Later, it became one of the provincial administrative hubs of the British rulers. The city was the end point of upcountry railway line built by the British in order to take mainly tea plantation products to Colombo. Badulla is about 230 km away from Colombo towards the eastern slopes of the central hills of Sri Lanka. From Colombo, one can travel via Ratnapura, Balangoda, Haputale, Bandarawela and HaliEla along A4 and A16 to Badulla which may take about 5–6 hours. From Kandy there are two routes. Either via "Victoria-Randenigala Raja Mawatha" or via Nuwara Eliya (route A5). From Galle, the best route is via Matara, Hambantota, Wellawaya, Ella, Demodara and HaliEla (route A2). All routes are scenic and one can get splendid views of geography which changes while travelling. Badulla and surroundings are highly recommended for eco-tourists as Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles mountains are few hours away. The main heritage sites in and around Badulla are ancient Muthiyangana (முத்தைய்யன் கணை)(Buddhist) temple, Dhowa temple, Bogoda ancient wooden bridge and Buddhist temple. The Muthiyangana temple is located in one end of the Badulla town, Dhova ancient temple is located by Badulla-Bandarawela road whereas Bogoda Wooden Bridge and temple is close to Hali-ela town. Ancient Rawana buddhist temple also famous among the tourists who visit Rawana water fall in Ella. Education
Dharmadutha National College, UVA College, Badulla Central College, Vishaka Girls High School, Viharamahadevi Girls School, Bandarawela Central College, Passara National College, Passara Tamil National College, Sri Ramakrishna College, Al Adhan Maha Vidyalaya and Saraswathy Central College are situated in this district. Electorate Divisions in Badulla District
Population by Religion
Budhists 612944 Hindus 170673 Muslims 81020 Roman Catholics 16396 Other Christinas 6187
Population by Religion %
Budhists 69.08 Hindus 19.24 Muslims 9.13 Roman Catholics 1.85 Other Christians 0.70
Important Locations in Badulla District
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Badulla
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya
Army Garrison Town, Diyatalawa
Namunukula Mountain Range
Lipton's Seat and Adisham Bunglow in Haputale
Railway bridge and Railway line in Demodara
Babarakanda, Diyaluma and Ravana Ella Waterfalls
Bogoda Wooden Bridge
Indigenous Vedda people, Dambana
