Highlights
- A remote village where mobile signal is weak or absent
- Rich birdlife and fish in the streams
- Linked in legend to the Ramayana and King Ravana
- Local stories say the village is thousands of years old
Overview
Meemure is a small, remote village in the Knuckles mountain range, close to the border of the Kandy and Matale districts. Surrounded by mountains, forest and the Heen Ganga river, with the sharp peak of Lakegala above it, it is one of the most isolated villages in Sri Lanka. A rough mountain road reached it only in recent decades.
What you see and do
Life in Meemure follows a traditional rural pattern: paddy fields, home gardens, simple houses and close-knit families. Visitors come to walk, swim in river pools, see village farming and enjoy the quiet. Hikes from the village lead up Lakegala and along trails into the Knuckles. Local folklore links Lakegala to the Ramayana, as one of the rocks in the story of Ravana.
Staying
Several families run simple homestays with home-cooked meals. It is a chance to experience village life, but facilities are basic. Book ahead through a guide or operator, as mobile signal can be weak.
How long it takes
A long day trip is possible, but one or two nights is better.
When to go
January to April is usually driest. Heavy rain can make the road and trails dangerous, and the river can rise quickly.
Getting there
From Kandy, drive to Hunnasgiriya, then take the narrow road over Corbet's Gap and down to Meemure. It is about 50 km from Kandy but takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. A 4x4 or an experienced driver is recommended.
Practical tips
- Respect village customs; dress modestly and ask before taking photos.
- Bring cash, a torch and leech socks.
- Do not swim in the river after heavy rain.
See hiking in the Knuckles, things to do in the Knuckles and Knuckles hotels.