By Jessica Mathiasz 

One of the biggest reasons I love this beautiful island is our mountains. Today, I want to share about Kalupahana, one of those special places hidden in the hills of the Badulla District.

There are three reasons why this area stands out. 1) It’s in my top three Sri Lankan mountain areas, after multiple visits, 2) I’ve maybe seen just 10% of it, and 3) every trip I’ve made there has revealed something new and breathtaking.

Kalupahana is magical. It never stops surprising me. So here are the highlights that made me fall in love with the area. 

Camping at Wangedigala

One of my favourite places to camp is Wangedigala. What makes it special isn't just the summit and the view from up there, but the whole hike up is incredible, with amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges at every turn. You don’t really feel too tired hiking up with all the camping gear because of all the viewpoints that bless your ascent. 

From the campsite, you can see both Lanka Ella and Bambarakanda Falls in the distance. The area is full of wildflowers, and there's nothing like sitting quietly watching eagles circle above the peaks.

But the real magic happens at night. Without any light pollution, the stars are unbelievable. So bright and dense, it looks like someone spilt sparkling dust across black paper. The fireflies dancing around just add to the experience. 

How could I forget the mesmerising sunset and the sunrise? At least once in your life, you should experience a sunrise and a sunset from a mountain top. Words can’t explain the beauty of it all. 
Always check the weather forecast before camping up there. Rain and thunderstorms on the ridge are no joke. 

Eco Wild Glamping 

If you’re not up for camping, I have the next best thing for you: Glamping. Kalupahana has one of THE best glamping spots I’ve been to. Eco Wild Glamping! If sleeping on the ground isn’t your thing, Eco Wild Glamping is the perfect compromise. You still get those jaw-dropping views of the Wangedigala range and Bambarakanda Falls in the distance, just from the comfort of a proper bed. The tents are cosy but far from basic. They have thick mattresses and warm blankets that make you forget you’re technically still outdoors. 

Let's talk about the food, because wow. This isn't your average camp meal. After a day in the mountains, their hot soups hit differently, warming you right up. I don’t even like soup, but I had theirs, it was that good. The Sri Lankan curries are some of the best I've ever had. The chicken curry, pol sambol, parippu and string hoppers combo was absolute perfection. Their food was 11 out of 10, no question. 

At night, you can step outside to that same incredible starry sky you’d get at the campsite, only now you’ve got a hot drink in hand and a real pillow waiting for you. It’s all the magic of Kalupahana, minus the rough edges.

Cascades in Kalupahana 

Bambarakanda Falls 
Bambarakanda is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen. Upper Bambarakanda is truly magical, though I think you need special permission to visit. You can ask the locals, or if you are staying at Eco Wild Glamping, see if they can arrange it for you. At the trailhead, there's a small shop serving the best roti and plain tea, plus parking. These are the kindest people, warm, welcoming, and helpful, without expecting anything. Don't forget to support their business if you can.

Lanka Ella falls 
It's a bit of a trek through pine forests and mountains, but you're rewarded with an amazing waterfall at the end. The plunge pool at the bottom of the waterfall looks incredibly tempting, but trust me, it's extremely dangerous. Best to admire its beauty from a safe distance.

Galapitiyaya waterfall
This place felt like stepping into Narnia or Middle-earth, completely magical. The rock formations, dragonflies, moss, and cascades create an unforgettable experience. The route is a bit tough; you'll need a local guide as you navigate through paddy fields and climb small rocks along the stream. The journey's challenging, but the view makes it all worthwhile.

Kalupahana’s magic isn’t just in the views, it’s in how untouched it feels. Do not litter, respect the trails, and keep those waterfalls pristine. So when you go to Kalupahana, do it right: “Take only photos, leave only footprints.”