Escape to Waliwanguwa, where breathtaking mountain views and starry skies create the perfect camping experience in Sri Lanka!
If you love camping in breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful places, Waliwanguwa should be on your list! It’s located along the Devil’s Staircase road that connects Ohiya to Kalupahana. The spot is known for its incredible mountain views and starry night skies. However, it’s also a windy area, so finding a good camping spot sheltered from the wind is important.
How to Get to Waliwanguwa
There are two main routes to Waliwanguwa:
1. From Ohiya through Devil’s Staircase
This is the more adventurous route! The Devil’s Staircase is a tough and bumpy road, so you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle, safari jeep, or a motorbike to navigate it. Cars won’t make it through this challenging path.
2. From Kalupahana
This route is much easier in comparison. Regular cars can drive up to the end of the car-accessible part of the road, where a concrete road begins. If your vehicle has good ground clearance, you can drive all the way to Waliwanguwa. There’s one slightly tricky spot where the road crosses a water stream, but even vans can handle it without much trouble.
Once you reach Waliwanguwa, you’ll find plenty of space to park or turn your vehicle around.
Camping at Waliwanguwa
Waliwanguwa has multiple camping spots to choose from:
- The main campsite can accommodate 3–4 tents comfortably.
- If you prefer a more isolated experience, there are three additional campsites nearby. You can climb up to these spots for extra privacy. (I’ll include a map below to show their locations.)
The area is often covered in mist and has a chilly, windy climate, so pack accordingly to stay warm and comfortable.
Facilities and Water Source
There is one toilet near the road, but it is usually locked. According to the locals, the estate workers control access to it, and you may need to get the key from the guard who goes off duty around 5 PM. However, be cautious as some villagers might offer unnecessary “services” like accommodation, food, or guidance in exchange for money. Politely decline their offers as they’re usually not helpful.
For water, you can refill at the stream where the road crosses the water. It’s a clean and convenient spot for your needs.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The natural beauty of Waliwanguwa is unmatched, but please respect and protect the environment.
- Do not litter or damage the area in any way. I’ve noticed broken glass bottles left behind by careless visitors, which can harm the animals and even other campers. If you can’t follow basic rules of keeping the area clean, it’s better not to go at all.
A Message to Campers
Waliwanguwa offers a serene and magical camping experience with its stunning views and cool climate. Whether you’re an adventurer taking the challenging Devil’s Staircase or a casual camper coming from Kalupahana, the journey is well worth it.
Remember, camping is about enjoying nature, so let’s do our part to preserve it for future generations. Happy camping!
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka!
To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
