Walpolamulla: Sri Lanka’s Hidden, Smallest Abandoned Village

Walpolamulla is renowned as one of the smallest villages in Sri Lanka, and according to various sources, it may also hold the title of the smallest abandoned village in Asia. Nestled deep within the Knuckles Mountain Range in the Dumbara Valley, this village remains relatively undiscovered by tourists despite its location near the popular areas of Matale and Riverston. The unique beauty and untouched landscapes around Walpolamulla offer an awe-inspiring view of the Knuckles Reserve, making it a hidden gem of Sri Lankan heritage.

Journey to Walpolamulla
To reach this remote village, travelers begin from Matale, heading along the Rattota road, past Riverston and Pitawala Falls. The route continues along the Ilukkumbura road, eventually arriving at the scenic village of Atenwala. From here, the journey requires trekking through dense jungle paths, making the destination accessible only by foot. This isolation, along with the lack of transportation and the threat from wild elephants, has left Walpolamulla abandoned over time.

Abandonment and Remnants
In years past, a small number of families managed to call Walpolamulla home. However, due to the area’s isolation, scarcity of water, and frequent encounters with wildlife, the remaining inhabitants eventually left, leaving behind a few empty structures and barren paddy fields that once provided rice and betel nuts. Today, the village sits as a hauntingly beautiful ghost town, with a lone house, a deserted paddy field, and ruins that echo its rich yet challenging past.

The Majestic Scenery of Dumbara Valley
Walpolamulla is blessed with unparalleled scenery, facing the Dumbara Range in the Knuckles Reserve. The imposing peaks rise dramatically on one side, while stunning waterfalls cascade down from the dense jungle, creating a captivating landscape that unfolds throughout the valley. The remote and picturesque Mount Manigala, another local attraction, is nearby, adding to the area’s mystical charm.

Legacy and Mystery
Although specific data about Walpolamulla’s status as the smallest village in Asia is inconclusive, it is widely accepted as Sri Lanka’s smallest uninhabited village. Once an abundant land known for its rice and betel nuts, Walpolamulla is now a place of quiet solitude where time seems to have stood still. The surrounding caves, waterfalls, and mountain ranges make it a destination of intrigue for those who wish to explore Sri Lanka’s most secluded corners, bearing witness to the delicate balance between nature and past human habitation.

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📸 credit to photographers