Lush forests and rubber plantations surround Horana, a small town just outside Colombo. Enjoy an excellent range of facilities, including local restaurants where you can try traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Venture into the countryside to discover hidden waterfalls and ancient Buddhist temples.
Things to do in Horana
Cool off at Ella Kanda, a miniature waterfall popular with local families. The falls cascade into a small pool surrounded by emerald-green trees and ferns. Pack lunch and enjoy a picnic on the rocks or ask a tuk-tuk driver to take you to the nearby lake if you want to swim.
Visit Lenawara Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple built into the side of an enormous rock wall. It dates back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa and features cave-like rooms decorated with Buddhist shrines, statues and paintings. The views are spectacular and stretch across fields of coconut palms to the distant mountains.
Getting around Horana
Horana is compact and easy to get around on foot, while taxis and tuk-tuks are a good way to cover longer distances. The town is a one-hour drive from Colombo and two hours by bus. Bandaranaike International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.