Embilipitiya: A Hidden Paradise Gem in Southern Sri Lanka
Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka is a town located in the province of Sabaragamuwa and the district of Ratnapura. It once started as a small town having no more than five small boutiques. It was then developed into a modern town with numerous hotels, inns, shops, and restaurants around. While reaching the town in the 1970s proved to be difficult, the transportation in the area has dramatically improved over the years, making Embilipitiya reachable from Colombo and Ratnapura.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re visiting Embilipitiya for the outdoors, best to book your Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka hotels months between late May to mid-August when the weather is relatively better compared to the rest of the year. This also coincides with the celebration of a huge festival in July in the nearby town of Kataragama, around an hour away from the city. During the Kataragama Festival, Hindu devotees do a ritual self-mutilation such as fire-walking and skin piercing. Expect low tourist population in Embilipitiya during this time of year. However, tourism season starts peaking come October and December.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Kalu's Hideaway is located half an hour away from Embilipitiya. This hotel offers airport transfers to the Mattala International Airport and rewards guests with a private balcony and an in-house library. There is also a wide array of cuisines guests can pick at the restaurant. Meanwhile, Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort and Big Game Camp Udawalawe are both excellent choices for traveling families and are near Udawalawe National Park.