Looking for a cool camping spot with jaw-dropping views? 🌿⛺ Haritha Kanda, also known as Sri Lanka’s Mini New Zealand, is the perfect getaway for hikers and adventure lovers!
Haritha Kanda, also known as “Green Mountain”, is a beautiful hiking and camping spot hidden between Agarapathana and Bopaththalawa plains in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Standing at about 1,800 meters high, this mountain is surrounded by lush greenery, open grasslands, and breathtaking views.
Because of its cool weather and stunning landscapes, many hikers call it “Mini New Zealand”. It’s also a favourite camping site for beginners who want to try hiking and enjoy a night under the stars.
🌿 Haritha Kanda Peak (Bopaththalawa Peak)
Haritha Kanda Peak is also known as Bopaththalawa Peak ⛰️. The reason behind this name is quite special — the mountain looks rocky but has an area shaped like a Bo leaf (Bodhi leaf) 🍃. It’s also a clear plain at the top, which adds to its unique beauty.
Most people believe the name “Bopaththalawa” comes from this shape 🌱. However, you won’t find “Haritha Kanda” on Google Maps — instead, it’s marked as Bopaththalawa Peak 📍.
How to Get There 🚉🛺
📝 Permission Required
Before starting your hike, you must get permission from the Agarapathana Police Station:
- 🖊️ Fill in: Name, NIC, Address, and Contact Number.
- 📄 Two copies need to be prepared: one for the police, one for you.
- ✅ This letter must be shown at the NLDB Farm Gate to get your tickets.
📝 Getting Permission from Agarapathana Police Station.
To camp at Haritha Kanda, you’ll need permission from the Agarapathana Police Station 🚓. Don’t worry—it’s a simple process!
👉 You only need to visit the police station on the day before your camping trip (no need to go earlier).
📍 I’ll share the Google Map location here for easy reference.
When you arrive, just tell them you’re going for Haritha Kanda camping 🏕️. They’ll give you a form to fill out—provide your Name, NIC, Address, and Contact Number. Once completed, they’ll give you a copy for yourself, and the rest will be handled by them.
✅ That’s it—quick, simple, and nothing to worry about!
You can reach Haritha Kanda by two main routes:
1️⃣ From Bogawanthalawa (via the Pekoe Trail)
- From Kandy by train:
Take the Badulla train from Kandy. The route passes through Peradeniya, Gampola, Ulapane, Nawalapitiya, Galboda, Watawala, and finally Hatton.
(Tip: The views after Nawalapitiya are some of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, so keep your camera ready 📸.) - From Hatton to Bogawantalawa:
From Hatton, take a bus to Bogawantalawa Town. - 🚶 Start from Bogawanthalawa Town.
- 📏 It’s about 7 km to the Haritha Kanda hike starting point.
- Tuk tuk (three-wheeler) cost: around Rs. 1000.
- If you’re driving or biking, you can also reach Bogawantalawa Estate directly. Just ask locals or tuk-tuk drivers—they know the exact starting spot for the hike.
- 🌿 This trail is part of the Pekoe Trail and is very scenic.
- 🚫 Vehicles are not allowed on the trail, so you must walk and hike.
- 🎟️ No Ticket required.
🚕 Bogawanthalawa Town → Lynsted Bungalow
From Bogawanthalawa town, you can easily reach Lynsted Bungalow by vehicle or tuk-tuk. If you’re in a tuk-tuk, you can usually go a bit further up the road. I’m not fully sure about the current road condition since I haven’t been there very recently, but a tuk-tuk should definitely make it. 🚙 If you enjoy walking, you can simply hike along the path—it’s only about 4.5 km and makes for a nice start to your journey. 🚶♂️🌿
🌄 Lynsted Bungalow → Bogawanthalawa Campsite 01
From Lynsted Bungalow, you’ll need to leave your vehicles behind and follow the hiking trail to reach Campsite 01. 🚫🚗 The trail is only accessible on foot, but that’s the charm—it’s a scenic and peaceful walk surrounded by nature. 🌳✨ This stretch is one of the most beautiful parts of the hike, so take your time and enjoy the views. 🥾🍃
2️⃣ From Bopaththalawa Side
- 🛻 This is the easier route.
- 🚗 Earlier, cars could reach close to the campsite.
- 🪨 Now, some parts of the road are damaged and muddy.
- 🚙 You’ll need a 4×4 off-road vehicle to reach the campsite.
- 📍 From the Bopaththalawa side, just follow Google Maps to the NLDB Farm Gate.
- The NLDB farm gate isn’t marked on Google Maps yet ❌🗺️. But don’t worry—I’ll add the location soon.
- 👉 For now, just follow the road to NLDB Bopaththalawa Farm 🚗. Along the way, you’ll come across the gate without any trouble.
- Update – I have marked the NLDB farm main gate Ticket office. Please find the location marker below
🎟️ Ticket Information
At the NLDB Bopaththalawa Farm Gate counter, you must buy tickets:
- 👤 Per person: Rs. 250
- 🚗 Car/Van: Rs. 500
- 🛺 Three-wheeler: Rs. 250
- 🏍️ Motorbike: Rs. 100
- (Last update 2025.09.03)
🚗 From NLDB Bopaththalawa Farm Gate to the Marked Location
From the main gate, you can easily drive up to the marked spot by car—no worries at all. In fact, years ago, vehicles could even reach the campsite itself. I even found old photos on Google showing that, which is why I decided to try going by car.
🎟️ At the ticket counter, I asked about the road, and they also told me “no problem.” So, without any warning about the road condition, I continued toward the campsite by car.
🛞 Road Condition
Unfortunately, parts of the road are now heavily damaged. You cannot continue safely unless your vehicle has good ground clearance. I managed to get fairly close to the campsite, but a worker there warned me not to go further. He explained that just the day before, a van had gotten stuck in the mud and required a big effort to pull it back.
I walked ahead to check—and yes, it was true. The road was simply too muddy and broken. I parked my car at a safe spot and continued on foot to reach the campsite.
⚠️ Important Warnings for Car Travellers
- ❌ Do not try to drive through the muddy, damaged section. Park your car safely nearby and walk.
- The next day, when I returned after my hike, the road had become even worse because a backhoe and lorries had passed through, damaging it further. Getting the car back to the main road was very difficult.
- ✅ If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you can try—but proceed with caution.
- 🌉 Near the campsite, there is a wooden bridge that is broken. Do not risk crossing it by any vehicle. I will mark its location below.
📝 Final Note
Sadly, many travellers get stuck here because there’s little to no information available about the broken road. Since NLDB charges tickets, they really should maintain this route properly. Hopefully, one day the path will be rebuilt.
📅 Information updated on 13 September 2025.
Camping at Haritha Kanda ⛺🔥
Haritha Kanda is one of the most popular camping spots in Sri Lanka. Many people come here for one-day hikes or overnight camping trips.
- The grass-covered mountain top makes a perfect campsite.
- Mornings are freezing, but if the sky is clear, you’ll get an unforgettable sunrise.
- At night, you’ll feel the silence of the hills, with mist floating all around.
⚠️ Safety Tip:
There are stories about jungle animals like wild cats (sometimes called jungle tigers). So, don’t camp alone. Go in a group of at least 5–6 people and avoid walking too far at night.
🏕️ Campsites at Haritha Kanda
There are several campsites around Haritha Kanda, accessible from both the Bogawanthalawa side and the Bopaththalawa side. Each area has a different feel, so it’s worth knowing the pros and cons before you pitch your tent.
🌲 Bopaththalawa Side Campsites
- The most popular campsites are on the Bopaththalawa side, managed by the NLDB Bopaththalawa Farm.
- Since they issue tickets at the main gate, these are considered “official” campsites.
- Facilities (past vs present):
- Long ago, toilets and basic facilities were built here.
- Sadly, today they are broken, with no running water, and seem neglected—possibly damaged over time by careless campers.
- When I asked at the NLDB farm ticket counter, they told me there were toilets. Technically, yes, but they were unusable. I complained about this on my way back, because if tickets are being issued, proper maintenance is a must.
- Campsite layout:
- All the campsites here are grouped in one area.
- Some are very small (just for 1–2 tents), while others are big enough for up to 4 tents.
- The sites are surrounded by pine trees, making it possible to hang a hammock, too.
🏞️ Bogawanthalawa Side Campsites
- The campsites on the Bogawanthalawa side are free and more isolated from each other.
- These spots are incredibly scenic, giving you a much more private camping experience.
- However, there are no facilities at all:
- ❌ No water source nearby.
- ❌ No trees around the campsites (so, less shade and no hammocks).
- One standout spot is a campsite located right in the middle of the Haritha Kanda mountain hike.
- It’s absolutely stunning, but it comes with challenges:
- ❌ No toilets
- ❌ No water
- 🌬️ Very high winds
- You need to be well-prepared if camping here (carry enough water and windproof gear).
- It’s absolutely stunning, but it comes with challenges:
✅ Tip: If you’re choosing between the two sides, go for Bopaththalawa if you want convenience (and don’t mind crowds + lack of proper facilities). If you want peace and beauty, the Bogawanthalawa side wins—but you’ll have to be completely self-sufficient.
🌲 My Experience Camping at Haritha Kanda
I reached the campsite around 3:00 pm, just after lunch. The sky looked heavy, as if rain was on its way, so the very first thing I did was set up my tent. The air was cool, and the wind was strong, making a loud rushing sound as it passed through the pine forest. Sometimes tiny drops of water came with the wind, almost like a mist carried from the trees.
After pitching the tent, I went looking for a water source to prepare my dinner before dark. Unfortunately, the campsite doesn’t have any nearby water points. I walked toward Haritha Kanda mountain and heard the sound of running water, but it disappeared underground, impossible to reach.
Time was running out, and the light was fading. While searching, I also saw a group of wild boars running close to my path—so I decided to return quickly. The only accessible water I could find was near the broken wooden bridge, where a small stream flowed. The water didn’t seem very clean—it had a muddy smell—so I only collected some for washing my hands and dishes. I saved the bottled water I had brought for drinking.
Back at camp, I set up my hammock between the pines and spent the evening relaxing with the stunning views of Haritha Kanda. As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply. The sky was clear, the stars bright, and the silence deep. Around midnight, it got even colder—much colder than I expected.
The morning was freezing, too, but the views made it worth it. At the Bopaththalawa campsite, you can’t clearly see sunrise or sunset because the mountains and forests block the horizon, but the atmosphere is still magical.
Since I went on a weekday, it was a bit quieter, though one more group joined later in the evening. On my way back the next day, I noticed a big crowd of bikers heading up—so I can imagine these campsites get very crowded on weekends.
An Unexpected Camp Site Experience 🏕️
One morning, around 10 AM, while I was at the Bopaththalawa campsite, a little boy came by. He didn’t speak a word—just stood there quietly, watching us. I thought maybe he was hungry, so I gave him some snacks, biscuits, and whatever I had with me. After that, he left.
Later, as I was packing my backpack and tent to head back, I noticed something strange—our trash bag was missing. I had tied it to a tree, so it couldn’t have just fallen off. I searched everywhere but couldn’t find it.
On my way back, I finally saw it. The bag had been torn apart and left some distance away. That’s when I realised what must have happened: the same little boy probably thought the bag contained food. He had taken it, opened it, and when he saw it was just trash, he left it behind.
It broke my heart a little—maybe he was very hungry, maybe just curious. But at the same time, stealing, even by mistake, is not acceptable.
👉 Important reminder for campers:
- Do not leave valuables unattended at your campsite.
- Keep your belongings safe, even if the area feels peaceful.
- Always pack your trash with you instead of leaving it hanging around.
This experience reminded me that while the mountains are beautiful and peaceful, you also need to stay alert and camp smart.
The Hike 🥾
- Trail length: About 1 km (takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour).
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – perfect for beginners.
- Path: Clear trail, and you can always ask friendly locals for directions.
- Weather: Cold, misty, and windy. Bring warm clothes, especially for the night.
- Water: There are streams nearby, but it’s safer to bring your own drinking water or a filter.
🏔️ Hiking the Haritha Kanda Trail (Bopaththalawa Peak)
The Haritha Kanda trail can be started from two main entry points:
- Bogawanthalawa Campsite 01
- Bopaththalawa famous campsites area (managed by the NLDB farm)
Both trails eventually merge at the Bogawanthalawa mountain campsite, and from there, a single trail leads to the Haritha Kanda peak (also called Bopaththalawa Peak).
Haritha Kanda Trekking GPS coordinates 🎒🏕️📸
For your reference, I will put the Haritha Kanda trail from the Bopaththalawa famous camp site, route GPS coordinates in GPX format.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
This is a short and easy hike. From either starting point, it takes around 1 hour to reach the peak.
The distance is about 1.5 km, but the elevation gain is high. If you’re fit and have good cardio, you could even jog up the trail—but be careful, because the path has loose rocks and rocky plains that can be slippery.
🌤️ Best Time to Hike
- Morning is the best time. The air is cool, the mist rolls across the hills, and the climb feels refreshing. Starting late means you’ll be under the direct sun, and the heat plus rocky terrain can cause bruises or discomfort.
- Evening is also good if you want to enjoy the sunset from the peak, but don’t stay too late—after dark, it’s easy to lose your way, and it can get risky.
🥾 Trail Experience
- The trail is clear and visible—no need to worry about getting lost. Even if you don’t have GPS, just keep heading towards the peak.
- At the Bogawanthalawa mountain campsite, there’s a beautiful viewpoint worth stopping at.
- From there, the last section to the peak is mainly a rocky slope with steep elevation. You don’t need ropes or climbing gear—just walk carefully and watch your step.
🌄 At the Peak
The summit usually has a misty and cloudy atmosphere, but not so much that it blocks the view completely. Instead, it creates an amazing, dreamy feeling—a mix of mountain breeze, floating clouds, and wide-open scenery.
🌤️ Tips for Hikers
✔️ Best Season – Visit during December to March or July to September when the weather is clearer 🌞.
✔️ Leech Protection – This area has leeches 🪱, especially in rainy season. Carry salt, lime, or leech socks.
✔️ Pack Essentials – Bring enough water, snacks, warm clothes, and a raincoat ☔. Nights can get very cold 🥶.
✔️ Camping Gear – If you plan to camp ⛺, carry proper tents and sleeping bags.
✔️ Safety First – Avoid hiking alone, and always inform someone about your trip 📱.
✔️ Leave No Trace – Keep the mountain clean. Take your garbage back 🗑️.
Haritha Kanda live weather update 🛰️
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- Precipitation
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🔥 Campfire Guidelines at Haritha Kanda
- 🪵 Collect Firewood Carefully – Use only dry wood found on the ground. Never cut trees or damage plants.
- 🏕️ Choose a Safe Spot – Make your campfire away from tents and not on grassy patches. Pick a clear, flat area.
- 💧 Keep Water Nearby – Always keep a bucket of water or soil ready to control the fire if needed.
- 🌙 Use Small Fires – Don’t make a big fire. A small, controlled fire is enough for warmth and cooking.
- 🚫 No Plastic Burning – Never burn plastic, polythene, or bottles. It harms nature and releases toxic smoke.
- 💤 Put Out Completely – Before sleeping or leaving, pour water until the fire and ashes are fully cool.
- ♻️ Leave No Trace – Clean the spot before leaving. Make sure no embers or trash remain.
⚠️ Safety Warnings at Haritha Kanda
- 🌫️ Fog & Mist – The area often gets covered in thick fog. Stay on the trail to avoid getting lost.
- 🧗 Steep Slopes – Some parts are very steep and slippery, especially after rain. Walk carefully and wear proper shoes.
- 🐒 Wild Animals – You may spot monkeys, porcupines, or even wild boars. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them.
- 🌙 Cold Nights – The temperature drops quickly at night. Carry warm clothes and sleeping gear.
- 📵 No Signal – Mobile phone signals are weak or sometimes not available. Inform family or friends before you start hiking.
- 💦 Water Safety – If you collect water from streams, boil or filter it before drinking.
- 👣 Stay Together – Always hike in groups. Do not wander alone, especially near the cliff edges.
Responsible Travel 🌍💚
Haritha Kanda is still clean and untouched. Please help keep it that way:
🌿 Environmental Care / Leave No Trace
- 🗑️ Take Back Your Trash – Carry all plastic, bottles, and food wrappers back with you.
- 🔇 Respect the Silence – Keep noise low. Enjoy the natural sounds of birds and wind.
- 🚯 No Littering – Do not throw garbage into streams, bushes, or the trail.
- 🔥 Campfires – Only light fires in safe spots. Put them out completely before leaving.
- 🌱 Protect Nature – Do not damage trees, plants, or flowers.
- 🐾 Wildlife Respect – Do not disturb or feed animals.
- ⛺ Camping Spots – Use existing campsites instead of making new ones to protect the land.
🚯 A Note on Trash at Bopaththalawa Campsites
One thing that really disappointed me during my visit was seeing lots of trash left behind by other campers at the Bopaththalawa famous campsites. 💔 Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and random waste were scattered around.
I honestly don’t understand why some people choose to destroy such a beautiful place. If you come here, please don’t leave trash behind. Carry a bag, collect your waste, and take it back with you. It’s the least we can do to protect these natural sites. 🌿
Even though the campsites are managed by the NLDB Bopaththalawa Farm and they charge money for tickets, the reality is that they do not maintain the campsites properly. Facilities are broken, and cleaning is clearly neglected. So the responsibility falls on us as visitors to camp responsibly.
👉 Please, if you love nature, respect it. Don’t leave a mess for the next camper. Let’s keep Haritha Kanda and its surroundings as clean and peaceful as they deserve to be. ✨
✨ Why Visit Haritha Kanda?
If you’re looking for a place with cool weather, easy hiking, and stunning views, this is the perfect choice. It’s like stepping into a little piece of New Zealand, right here in Sri Lanka!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Haritha Kanda
👉 Where is Haritha Kanda located?
Haritha Kanda (Green Mountain) is in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, between Agarapathana and Bopaththalawa plains, close to Bogawanthalawa.
👉 How tall is Haritha Kanda?
It stands at about 1,800 meters above sea level, offering cool weather and grassy mountain views.
👉 How long is the Haritha Kanda hike?
The hike is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The trail is clear and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for first-time hikers.
👉 Is Haritha Kanda good for camping?
Yes! Haritha Kanda is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular camping sites. Many people even call it “Mini New Zealand” because of its wide green slopes and misty mornings.
👉 What should I bring for the hike?
- Warm clothes (it gets very cold, especially in the morning)
- Drinking water (or a filter if you prefer using natural sources)
- Snacks and camping gear if you’re staying overnight
- A camera for the amazing sunrise 🌄
👉 Is Haritha Kanda safe?
Yes, but it’s always better to hike in a group. Nights can get very cold, and wild animals (like jungle cats) may be around. If camping, go with at least 5–6 people and avoid wandering at night.
Plan Your Adventure: Explore Our Interactive Map!
To make your journey even easier, check out our interactive map, where we’ve marked all these amazing destinations. Use it to plan your trip and discover more hidden gems in Sri Lanka! To plan your trip with public transportation in Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Railways for train schedules.
📸 Lots of Photos from My Journey!
I’ve captured many beautiful and unforgettable moments during this trip. 🌿🏞️✨
👉 You can check out all my photos on my Facebook profile here:
🔗 My Facebook Photo Albums
💚 If you enjoyed them, don’t forget to follow me for more travel stories, adventures, and hidden gems from Sri Lanka! 🌍✈️📷
