Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
The towns and cities of the Cultural Triangle are well connected by public and private
buses, and in some cases by train. Distances are not great and most roads are good, so get-
ting around the main destinations by public transport is relatively straightforward (al-
though buses can be very crowded at certain times of day and during holiday periods). De-
partures between major towns and tourist sites are fairly frequent.
As always, the easiest way to tour, however, is with a car and driver. You can reach the
area by train or bus and then arrange for a car and driver on a daily basis through your ac-
commodation.
For a reliable driver (around Rs 6000 per day) to cover the sites around the Cultural Tri-
Three-wheelers are readily available for short hops, too.
Matale
066 / Pop 46,000
This midsize regional city at the heart of the island lies in a broad, fertile valley at an elev-
ation of 300m. Matale is a featureless urban sprawl with a congested one-way system, so
you're unlikely to want to linger long. However, the road north of town is lined with
dozens of spice plantations (which welcome visitors) where vanilla, rubber, cinchona,
jackfruit, cocoa and cardamom thrive. The area is also famous for
kohila
(a type of water-
cress) and small, mild chillies.
A drive east through Knuckles Range, east of Matale, presents some remarkable moun-
tain views. The B38 heads uphill from the north end of town to a pass near Rattota, while
other roads head southwest to the hill villages of Elkaduwa and Karagahandala before
winding down to Kandy and the Victoria Reservoir.
Sights
Aluvihara
MONASTERY
