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Destination guide

Kotmale

Central · Nuwara Eliya

Kotmale is a Sri Lankan travel destination known for reservoir, history, viewpoint.

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Kotmale

reservoir

Kotmale

Quick facts

Ideal stay

1 to 3 nights

Stay length

1-4 nights (2 recommended)

Timezone

Asia/Colombo

Elevation

879 m

Tourism region

Hill Country (Central Highlands)

Budget level

Budget to midrange

Recommended pace

Relaxed

Popularity

6/10

Crowd level

Moderate

Difficulty

Easy

Coordinates

7.065116, 80.683851

Data status

Generated starter requires verification

Linked attractions

7

Connectivity

Internet quality

Average

Mobile coverage

Good

Airports

Nearest airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Distance from airport

~110 km

Recommended arrival airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Recommended departure airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

History

The Kotmale valley is woven into legend as the refuge of the young prince Dutugemunu, and its terraced slopes fed the Kandyan kingdom. The Kotmale dam, completed in 1985 under the Mahaweli scheme, submerged villages and temples beneath its reservoir; the hilltop Mahaweli Maha Seya stupa commemorates them.

Climate

cool hill country

Best time to visit

Best months

JanuaryApril

Avoid

MayOctoberNovember

Good for

Backpacker friendlyFamily friendlyCouple friendlySolo friendlySenior friendly

Interest scores

Photography

8/10

Relaxation

6/10

Nature

5/10

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

reservoirhistoryviewpoint

Nearby places

KandyPeradeniyaGampolaNawalapitiyaDigana, Teldeniya and VictoriaKnuckles Range and Meemure

Map view

Kotmale location

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DestinationAttraction7.0651, 80.6839

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