Porawagala View Point
Breathtaking panoramic views of tea estates and mountains, especially magical during misty sunrises and sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dramatic mist and soft light
Porawagala View Point
Best Time
Dramatic mist and soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Breathtaking panoramic views of tea estates and mountains, especially magical during misty sunrises and sunsets.
"A peaceful spot offering sweeping views of tea estates, valleys, and distant mountain ranges."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially for vans. Arrive 10 minutes before sunrise/sunset to secure a spot.
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The altitude means cooler temperatures, so a light jacket is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Tea Estate Vistas
Main viewpoint
Sweeping views of lush tea estates, rolling valleys, and distant mountain ranges. A photographer's dream!
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle
Main viewpoint
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, often enhanced by dramatic mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Scenic Bridge and Facilities
Near entrance
Enjoy the picturesque bridge and well-maintained facilities, adding to the comfort of your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Best Views
Easy Access, Big Rewards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially for vans. Arrive 10 minutes before sunrise/sunset to secure a spot.
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The altitude means cooler temperatures, so a light jacket is recommended for comfort.
📱 Bring a Phone Stand
Perfect for capturing stunning timelapses and freeing your hands to enjoy the view.
📸 Ask About Sunrise/Sunset Spot
The ticket counter staff can advise on the best position for sunrise or sunset as it changes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, especially for vans. Arrive 10 minutes before sunrise/sunset to secure a spot.
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The altitude means cooler temperatures, so a light jacket is recommended for comfort.
📱 Bring a Phone Stand
Perfect for capturing stunning timelapses and freeing your hands to enjoy the view.
📸 Ask About Sunrise/Sunset Spot
The ticket counter staff can advise on the best position for sunrise or sunset as it changes.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A nominal fee grants access to this beautifully developed tourist spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Porawagala View Point's breathtaking panoramic views of tea estates and mountains, especially during misty sunrises and sunsets. The well-maintained facilities and easy accessibility from Bandarawela are highly praised, making it a worthwhile stop for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
"A peaceful spot just a few minutes’ drive from Bandarawela town. At about 1,300 m above sea level, the viewpoint opens up to sweeping views of tea estates, valleys, and distant mountain ranges. On clear days you can even glimpse as far as the southern coastline.
The entrance fee is only Rs. 100, and the site is well kept with benches, a small bridge, restrooms, and a few snack stalls. Roads are a little narrow, so parking can feel tight, but the atmosphere at the top is calm and not overly crowded.
The best time to visit is early morning or late evening. Mist and low light make the scenery even more dramatic, and it’s a great place for photography. The air is cool, so a light jacket helps.
Overall, Porawagala is an easy and worthwhile stop if you’re in Bandarawela or Ella, offering some of the best panoramic views in the Uva region without the long hikes many other viewpoints require."
විදුරංග සේනානායක
"This is a highlight of your trip to Bandarawela. Be prepared with the exact time of sunrise and sunset in Bandarawela as it will slightly different from your city. Come 10 minutes early. Parking is limited. Ticket counter is open at reasonable prices.
I would highly recommend to bring a phone stand to take a stunning timelapse which is a memory and also removes the phone from your hand, allowing you to take in the view. Ask the ticket counter the exact position of the sunrise or sunset as it changes."
Rikaz Sheriff
"Porawagala View Point in Bandarawela has truly transformed into a beautiful tourist spot.
The government has developed the area with great improvements like a scenic bridge and better facilities, making it more attractive and comfortable for visitors.
Even though there's now a small entry fee, the experience is still worth it. The view is breathtaking, and it’s making it a perfect quick getaway. A great spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of Bandarawela.
It can be easily visible tree railway stations from this porawagala viewpoint.
It’s very worth to visit during the misty time then you may feel like you’re in freezing territory."
Amila Prasad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porawagala View Point is a short drive from Bandarawela town. You can take a tuk-tuk or a private vehicle. For those using public transport, getting off at Kinigama railway station and taking a tuk-tuk is an option. Buses might have to park before the narrow road leading to the viewpoint. +1
The final 500 meters of the road are narrow. Vans and bikes can navigate it, but it can be tough for larger buses. It's advisable to park buses before this narrow stretch.
While direct bus access to the very top might be challenging due to narrow roads, you can get close by alighting at Kinigama railway station and taking a tuk-tuk. +1
Porawagala View Point is a convenient stop if you are traveling between Bandarawela and Ella, offering stunning views without a strenuous hike.
Many visitors opt for tuk-tuks or private vehicles for direct access and flexibility. The scenic drive itself is part of the experience. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee, reported to be around Rs. 100, which contributes to the upkeep and development of the site. +1
The viewpoint is generally accessible during daylight hours, with early morning and late evening being the most popular times for visitors.
Advance booking is typically not required. Tickets can be purchased at the counter upon arrival.
The ticket counter is open at reasonable prices, and it's advisable to check for any specific timings if you plan to visit very early or late.
The fee grants access to the viewpoint area, which has been developed with facilities like benches, a bridge, and restrooms.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for photography, especially when mist rolls in, creating dramatic and ethereal scenes. The golden hour light during sunset is also spectacular.
You can capture stunning panoramic shots of tea estates, valleys, distant mountains, and even the southern coastline on clear days. The scenic bridge also makes for great photos.
Consider bringing a phone stand for timelapses and to keep your hands free to enjoy the view. Ask the ticket counter for the best spots for sunrise/sunset.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available, so it's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
While many visitors capture great shots with their phones,
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The viewpoint is well-maintained and offers benches for resting, a picturesque bridge, restrooms, and a few snack stalls for refreshments. +1
While it's a popular spot, it's generally not overly crowded, especially if you visit during off-peak hours like early mornings.
The atmosphere is described as peaceful and calm, offering a serene experience to enjoy the natural beauty.
Yes, you can see several tree railway stations from this viewpoint, adding a unique element to the landscape.
Absolutely! Visiting during misty times can make you feel like you're in a 'freezing territory' with a uniquely dramatic landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a few snack stalls at the viewpoint where you can purchase refreshments.
While there are snack stalls, it's not a full-service restaurant. You can eat your lunch here, so packing your own is an option.
Snack stalls typically offer local refreshments and light snacks. It's best to check what's available upon your visit.
Bandarawela town, which is a short drive away, offers a wider range of dining options from local eateries to more established restaurants.
The snack stalls offer convenience for a quick bite. For a full meal, dining in Bandarawela town is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun. While there are snack stalls, packing some favorite snacks and drinks for the children is always a good idea. The relatively low crowds during off-peak times also mean kids have space to move around safely.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water will further reduce expenses. The breathtaking views are the main attraction, and they come at a fraction of the cost of many other viewpoints that require extensive travel or trekking. It's a perfect addition to an itinerary without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The misty mornings and dramatic sunsets provide unique atmospheric conditions that can elevate your photography. Don't forget to bring a tripod for low-light conditions and consider a wide-angle lens. A phone stand is also a great tool for capturing timelapses. Asking locals or staff about the best angles for sunrise and sunset can yield spectacular results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Misty Mornings
When the mist begins to clear, it reveals the vibrant greens of the tea plantations and the intricate patterns of the rolling hills. This gradual unveiling adds another layer of beauty to the view. Many visitors find this time to be the most rewarding, offering a sense of tranquility and awe. It's a moment where the natural beauty of Sri Lanka is on full display, enhanced by the atmospheric conditions.
+1To make the most of these misty conditions, it's advisable to arrive early. The interplay of light and mist can be particularly stunning during the golden hour just after sunrise. Remember to dress warmly, as the humidity can make the air feel colder. The dramatic visuals captured during these times are frequently shared on social media, highlighting the unique appeal of Porawagala's misty mornings.
Photography Tips for Stunning Shots
+1When it comes to capturing the dramatic sunrises and sunsets, timing is crucial. The golden hour light casts a warm glow over the landscape, enhancing colors and creating beautiful shadows. Consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially in low light conditions. Many visitors also find success with smartphone photography, so don't underestimate the power of your mobile device.
A unique tip from travelers is to bring a phone stand for capturing timelapses. This not only allows for professional-looking videos but also frees up your hands to fully appreciate the breathtaking views. Don't hesitate to ask the ticket counter staff for advice on the best vantage points for sunrise or sunset, as their positions can shift slightly.
Accessibility and Development
While the road leading to the viewpoint is narrow for the last 500 meters, it is generally accessible for vans and bikes. For larger vehicles like buses, parking may be required before this stretch, with visitors then able to take a tuk-tuk or walk the remainder. This accessibility makes it a convenient stop for many travelers.
The small entrance fee is a testament to the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the site. This investment ensures that the natural beauty is preserved while providing a pleasant experience for everyone. The development has made Porawagala a highlight for those visiting Bandarawela, offering stunning views without the need for strenuous hikes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit