Belihuloya
Belihuloya is a village in the Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It is approximately south-east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of above sea level. This hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country. Belihuloya is derived from the Belih Oya, which flows through the area.
Transport
It is located on Colombo Batticaloa Hwy.Natural attractions
The area around Belihuloya contains a number of waterfalls, including:- Pahanthuda Ella - The base of this waterfall is shaped like an oil lamp. The name Pahanthuda is derived from the Sinhala word “pahana” for lamp. It is located approximately from Belihuloya.
- Bambarakanda Ella - The highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, it is in height and ranks as the 299th highest waterfall in the world. It is located approximately from Belihuloya.
- Surathalee Ella waterfall slides down along a rock wall on the eastern slope of Mt Ellamana for approximately, forming this waterfall. It is located from Belihuloya.
- Brampton Falls - The tributary of Weli Oya flows down the eastern slopes of Mt Papulagala forming several cascades among the trees of the surrounding monsoon forest. This fall is approximately in height and is located amongst several other smaller falls. It is located about from Belihuloya.
- Papulagala Ella - Located in the Brampton Estate on the slopes of Mt. Papulagala. During the rains a brook forms this waterfall, which is about high. It is located east of Belihuoya at Lower Hiralouvah
- Hirikatuwa Oya - It is located about from Belihuloya. Along the road to the Nonpareil estate about 2 km, a car park for this popular bathing place is found.
Physical attractions
- Samanala Dam is the second-largest hydroelectric scheme in Sri Lanka, generating 405 GWh of energy annually. The dam is located south of Belihuloya.