Hiriwadunna Rural Village in Sri Lanka

Traveling is all about the experiences. When it happens in a rural area entirely filled with nature and culture, it unplugs disturbed stuff in routine life of people. Being accustomed to mix culture, we as Sri Lankans have gradually lost our authentic life style.  Though, local rural living culture bound with nature has faded away, some of the countryside areas in Sri Lanka still keep it sustains for the future generation. “Hiriwadunna Village” near Habarana is evidencing the preceding culture of Sri Lanka.

‘Hiriwadunna’ as a sustainable touristic location makes many attempts to provide greater traditional experience for both local and foreign tourists applying cultural tourism concepts accompanied with eco-tourism and local hospitality. 

Accessibility to the place itself has become an attraction as bullock cart rides have been arranged at the entrance to the village.   After a trek spanned 1km away from the main road A6 (took the turn from the junction Hiriwadunna near Habarana) through a gravel street, carts are ready with their bulls; two well-built bulls per each cart. 

Cart ride is about 2km, ending at a huge, natural, green water tank with an incredible atmosphere which sums up to picturesque scenery. At this point, the traditional boat ride begins with zero harm to the existing eco-system.   Specially, the travelers have an unforgettable chance to see the world of nature from the surface of water.

During the travel, anyone can give a try to ride the boat with the support of “Habala” and the boat rider.  Since it is a risk-averse experience to many, travelers usually hesitate to ride. But, few with more curiosity do not like to ignore the chance; as a result usually phones slipped away cases to deep water are reported. After spending nearly 15-20 minutes on boat, it is directed to a foot path encouraging travelers to walk along. 

Further, the executors of this tourism project have also served the local cuisine at a food service establishment made of clay with a classic roof covered by woven coconut leaves. In front of that, ‘Pela”, tree house paired with a ladder to get in is established with wood. Rather tasting local foods like “Pol Roti”, “Kurakkan Roti” and “Belimal with Kithul Jaggery”, traditional food preparation equipment are displayed with the handling techniques.  

In addition, hospitality of village community of Hiriwadunna is one of the powerful motives to attract and retain people towards this operation.  To sum up, a visit to this site would be a journey to Sri Lankan roots with full of thrills, curiosities, and expectations.

K.A.S.N.Sathsarani,

Dept. of Tourism Studies,

Uva Wellassa University