Diyatalawa

Diyatalawa (Sinhala: දියතලාව) is a town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, located about 15 km southwest of Bandarawela. It sits at an elevation of 1,200 m in the Uva highlands. The name means "the plain irrigated by water" in Sinhala. Diyatalawa is a popular hill station known for its cool climate and scenic surroundings.

During British rule, Diyatalawa served as a military garrison and internment camp for Boer prisoners during the Second Boer War. The Diyatalawa Army Training School remains an important military facility. The area is known for tea plantations and vegetable farming. Climate is cool year-round, with temperatures 15–25°C.

By Plane

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA) is 200 km west.

By Train

Diyatalawa Railway Station is on the Colombo–Badulla line. Trains from Colombo take 7–8 hours (Rs 600–2,000). The scenic journey passes through Ella and Bandarawela.

By Car / Road

Diyatalawa is 15 km southwest of Bandarawela and 200 km from Colombo. Buses from Bandarawela take 20 minutes.

Tuk-tuks.

Diyatalawa Town — A quiet hill station with colonial-era buildings. Diyatalawa Army Training School — A historic military camp. Tea plantations — Surrounding green hills covered with tea. Bandarawela — 15 km northeast, a larger hill station. Lipton's Seat — 25 km east, a viewpoint associated with Sir Thomas Lipton.

Enjoy the cool climate. Walk through tea plantations. Visit nearby Ella and Bandarawela.

Local restaurants serve rice and curry, string hoppers, and Sri Lankan short eats.

Ceylon tea is a must. Tap water not safe.

• Budget: Guesthouses from Rs 2,000–3,500/night.
• Mid-range: Limited options.
• Upscale: Most luxury accommodation is in nearby Bandarawela or Ella.

Tea, fresh vegetables, and fruits from local markets.

• Bandarawela (15 km northeast, 20 min) — Hill station.
• Ella (25 km northwest, 40 min) — Famous hill country village with hiking.
• Badulla (30 km east, 45 min) — Uva capital.
• Haputale (20 km southwest, 30 min) — Scenic viewpoint town.
• Lipton's Seat (25 km east, 40 min) — Tea plantation viewpoint.