Meemure, the highest village in the country is one of the 37 ancient villages in Sri Lanka, and is situated in the Central province in the Knuckles range area. This is the best place to disconnect from the rest of the world as there is no reception, allowing you to have an uninterrupted experience of how the villagers live.
Anything you should know
The best time to visit would be from March to September, as that is the period of the least rainfall in the area.
There is no signal in the area, but there is one CDMA phone in the village which is used for emergencies.
As it is one of the most rural villages in the country, make sure that any food item or medication you might need is purchased before you reach the area.
To reach Meemure you’d have to travel along a road from Hunnasgiriya for around 2 ½ hours. There’s a van that leaves Hunnasgiriya at 5:30 am which can take you to the village, and then back at 11:30 am. Although the drive is relatively long, a great view of all the mountain ridges and forest patches will accompany you.
Village tour
Tour the village and take a moment to step in to the lives of the villagers, and learn about their culture and history.
Starting off with learning about the architecture of the very houses in which they live, a unique style to Sri Lanka- to walking through cultivations of Cardamom and rice, the villagers’ main source of livelihood.
You could also follow the trails that lead through the forests surrounding the village that will lead you to mountains and to hidden waterfalls and natural pools.
Local guides know the area by heart, and can be trusted to ensure that you see all the best sites.
Hiking
The mountain Lakegala is thought to be the site where Ravana, a follower of the Hindi god Shiva, was buried. There is also thought to be a tunnel within it that was built during the Rama- Ravana war.
Once concurred you can get a view of the Eastern shore. The way up is a strenuous path decked with rocky obstacles, and the last bit is a climb; which is not too hard, but ropes can be provided if necessary. An ancient river valley and caves in the midst of a variety of flowers will meet you at the top, as well as eagles; a common sight in the area.
There is also a 7 waterfalls hike, which takes you through the jungle to the falls where you can do other water activities.
The villagers
The villagers are known to be very friendly, and are known to prepare food for tourists; a staple meal of rice and curry.
They are quite traditional, and contrary to popular belief, are not uncivilized. It is expected that their culture and ways of life are respected by anyone who visits their village.
All in all, Meemure is the perfect place to escape to for anyone who wants to go off the grid for a while.
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