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Destination guide

Balangoda

Sabaragamuwa · Ratnapura

Balangoda is a Sri Lankan travel destination known for archaeology, mountain, nature.

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Balangoda

archaeology

Balangoda

Quick facts

Ideal stay

1 to 3 nights

Stay length

1-4 nights (2 recommended)

Timezone

Asia/Colombo

Elevation

533 m

Tourism region

Sabaragamuwa (Gem Country & Rainforest)

Budget level

Budget to midrange

Recommended pace

Relaxed

Popularity

6/10

Crowd level

Moderate

Difficulty

Easy

Coordinates

6.650143, 80.698566

Data status

Generated starter requires verification

Linked attractions

8

Connectivity

Internet quality

Average

Mobile coverage

Good

Airports

Nearest airport

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)

Distance from airport

~80 km

Recommended arrival airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Recommended departure airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

History

Balangoda gave its name to 'Balangoda Man', the prehistoric hunter-gatherers whose remains — some more than 30,000 years old — were found in caves across this part of Sabaragamuwa. The town sits on an old route between the lowlands and the Horton Plains plateau, in a landscape of gem pits, tea, and rubber.

Climate

wet zone

Best time to visit

Best months

JanuaryMarch

Avoid

MayOctoberNovember

Good for

Backpacker friendlyFamily friendlyCouple friendlySolo friendlySenior friendly

Interest scores

Nature

8/10

Photography

8/10

Relaxation

6/10

Culture

5/10

Food

5/10

Hidden gem

5/10

Adventure

4/10

Wildlife

3/10

Shopping

3/10

Nightlife

2/10

Beach

1/10

Known for

archaeologymountainnature

Nearby places

RatnapuraKitulgalaBelihuloyaPinnawala and Kegalle

Map view

Balangoda location

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DestinationAttraction6.6501, 80.6986

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