Ohiya
Ohiya is a small village in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, which is one of the most famous off-beat destinations for tours famous among bag packers and solo travelers as well as those who want to get themselves lost to nature. It is a refreshing retreat for those who are desperately looking for means to unwind their souls, usually tired of the hectic city life and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Ohiya is mainly a trekking and nature hotspot and an ultimate destination for those who have a fetish for trekking, hiking and mountaineering, especially through dense, thick green forests while being surrounded by thick fog which sets chills down your body.
Ohiya is without any doubt one of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka and the most amazing aspect of it is that no matter what the weather is, you will see views which will be imprinted on your minds for your entire life. No matter how many days you spend at this tranquil destination, you will always wish to extend your trip on the last day, because there is nothing like a holiday destination with so much of peace and calm for its guests.
Ohiya FAQ's
Travel Advice
Locals of Ohiya are very possessive about their culture and hence, you should not disrespect it directly or indirectly.
Do not wear expensive jewelry on the trip and do not carry excessive cash while you are out.
When you book your accommodation for stay, make sure that you review it online before booking.
Check if you need to get local permits for sight-seeing and make sure you have all of it sorted.
If you are going to rent a car for driving it yourself, make sure that you have a valid driving license which fits in the local traffic rules.
Ohiya is a naturally rich place and hence, you are advised to respect the purity of the place by not littering it.
Drinking Laws
The minimum legal age to consume alcohol in Ohiya and all over the country of Sri Lanka is 21 years of age.
Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?
Horton Plains National Park
It is a protected forest area and National park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Covered by a grassland and a forest of clouds, this place is situated at an altitude of 2200 meters from the sea levels. Rich in biodiversity, this place makes you feel like you are walking through clouds. The dense green forests around you will showcase some of the mammals like Sambar deer and also some species of snakes if you are lucky.
Devil’s Staircase
It is a road which drops down 1,100 meters in less than 12 kilometers and hence, you can guess why this place is known by such a name. You indeed need to have strong guts if you want to get down through this down-falling road but indeed, the feat lasts just for a while and later all you can feel is thrill and excitement.
Baker’s Falls
If you want to take a relaxing stroll amid nature and unwind your soul to experience sheer peace, you should visit this place. This waterfall looks mesmerizing with white frothy waters gushing out with force. If you wish to drench yourself in the water, you are advised to carry rain gear as the water makes you completely wet.
World’s End
Sounds scary, right? But it is not as scary as you guess it to be! It is a point from where you can get some of the most scenic views in Ohiya. The way to this point leads through a thick fog and if you start your trip in the morning, it is going to be a refreshing experience on the way and you are guaranteed to experience a unique tranquility when you reach the final point.
Bambarakanda Waterfalls
Bambarakanda Waterfalls is one of the most breathtaking sight-seeing destinations in Ohiya. It is the tallest waterfall n Sri Lanka, cascading from 263 meters through the grand mountains. Located in a forest of pine trees, this waterfall is one of the most picture perfect locations in Ohiya.
Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail
One of the most serene natural trails famous all over Sri Lanka, the Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail is one of the easy route hike to the 3rd largest mountain of Sri Lanka. While walking through the bushes and wet misty forests, you will get the feel of walking through some of the most adventurous rainforests of the world, like the Amazon.
What you will like there?
Dense Forests
The pine trees, dense rain forests through trekking trail routes and waterfalls emerging out of them is a site which leaves every tourist awe-struck. Something very peculiar about these forests is that they are always capable of refreshing you and rejuvenating your soul, no matter how physically tired you are.
Peaceful and calm atmosphere
When you are in Ohiya, all you can see around you is magnificent mountains and greenery surrounded by misty fog. This atmosphere indeed makes you feel fresh and gives you some of the most amazing faces of nature to witness.
Local culture
Ohiya is a rural place which is not very urbanized and hence, you will get to see a reflection of some of the most ancient Sri Lankan cultures and traditions in these villages. People still speak their original language, eat traditional food and live in village-constructed houses with tiled roofs and this will make you feel like you are on a themed movie set.
Adventurous hikes
Ohiya is a destination famous for some of the tallest and most adventure filled hiking routes in Sri Lanka. This place offers you easy to medium terrain to hike on, through dense fog, green bushes and pine trees, to give you an abundance of gifts from nature.