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Kotmale, Sri Lanka

Region: Central Province

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Geographic Coordinates: 7.016700, 80.583300

Climate: Kotmale, Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from May to September, while the dry season occurs from December to February. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, ranging from 20°C to 30°C.

Population: 107523

Language: Sinhala

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Kotmale is a charming small town located in Sri Lanka’s central province, Approximately 120 km from the capital city Colombo. The town boasts lush green tea plantations and breathtaking waterfalls, Making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. One of the main attractions in Kotmale is the Kotmale Reservoir, Constructed in 1985 to provide hydroelectric power to the country. The reservoir spans over an area of 6 square kilometers and offers visitors scenic boat rides with stunning views of surrounding hills.

St Clair’s Falls is another popular attraction in Kotmale, Cascading down from a height of 80 meters and consisting of two separate falls that merge at its base. Visitors can take a short hike to reach a viewing platform that offers breathtaking views of this natural wonder. For those interested in history, There are several ancient temples around Kotmale worth visiting. Kothmale Raja Maha Viharaya temple dates back over two thousand years and contains intricate carvings and paintings depicting Buddhist teachings.

Kotmale also provides tourists with an opportunity to experience traditional Sri Lankan village life first-hand by staying with local families at homestays. Guests can learn about their way of life while enjoying traditional meals made using locally sourced ingredients. In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Kotmale is also renowned for producing some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea leaves due to its high altitude location above sea level providing cool temperatures year-round perfect for growing tea plants.

Overall, Visitors can expect an authentic experience surrounded by stunning scenery while enjoying the town’s tranquil atmosphere and friendly locals- making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway from city life.

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1. Kotmale Reservoir
2. St. Clair’s Falls
3. Devon Falls
4. Laxapana Falls
5. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
6. Kothmale Hanging Bridge
7. Horton Plains National Park
8. Nuwara Eliya
9. Tea plantations and factories

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Kotmale

Kotmale is a rural area in Sri Lanka, known for its major industries and businesses such as agriculture, tea production, and tourism. The region produces high-quality tea that is exported to various countries worldwide. Kotmale’s tourism industry is also growing rapidly due to its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Tourists visit Kotmale to explore natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife reserves. Dairy farming and small-scale industries like handloom weaving are also prevalent in this region.

Major Industries and Businesses

1. Agriculture
2. Tea production
3. Tourism

Tourism in Kotmale

Kotmale’s tourism industry is rapidly growing due to its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Tourists visit Kotmale to explore natural attractions such as:

• Waterfalls
• Mountains
• Wildlife reserves

Other Industries

• Dairy farming
• Small-scale industries like handloom weaving

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1. The Kotmale Rebellion was a significant uprising against British colonial rule that took place in 1848. Led by Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda, the rebellion aimed to overthrow the British and establish a Sinhalese monarchy.
2. The Kotmale Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Sri Lanka, built on the Mahaweli River in 1985. It provides electricity to many parts of the country and has helped to boost agricultural production.
3. Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala was a prominent Buddhist revivalist who played a key role in promoting Buddhism and Sinhalese culture during the early 20th century. He was born in Kotmale and spent his childhood there.
4. Kotmale was once part of the Kandyan Kingdom, which ruled much of Sri Lanka from 1590 until its annexation by the British in 1815.
5. The Mahaweli River is one of Sri Lanka’s longest rivers, running through many important cities including Kandy, Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Hatton and Trincomalee before flowing into the Bay of Bengal at Kodiyakkarai.
6. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was Sri Lanka’s first female Prime Minister and also served as leader of her party for over three decades from her home district of Attanagalla which is close to Kotmale.
7. The Great Western Mountain Range – A mountain range that runs through central Sri Lanka including areas such as Nuwara Eliya District which is near to Kotamle.
8. The Central Province – Kotamle falls within this province which includes some major cities such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale.

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1. Kotmale Reservoir
2. St. Clair’s Falls
3. Laxapana Falls
4. Devon Falls
5. Ambuluwawa Tower
6. Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya
7. Pothgul Viharaya Temple
8. Kothmale Hanging Bridge
9. Kotmale Forest Reserve
10. Kotmale Dam

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1. Sinhala and Tamil New Year: This is a significant festival that takes place in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
2. Esala Perahera: A grand procession of elephants is held annually in July or August to honor Lord Buddha.
3. Poson Poya: Celebrated in June, this festival commemorates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
4. Kandy Esala Perahera: Although not directly related to Kotmale, this well-known festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and takes place annually in Kandy.
5. Navarathri Festival: This Hindu festival celebrates good triumphing over evil and usually occurs during October or November.
6. Vesak Poya: Celebrated throughout Sri Lanka, this Buddhist festival marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
7. Deepavali Festival: Also known as Diwali, this Hindu festival celebrates light triumphing over darkness and is typically celebrated during October or November.

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1. Kotmale Food Center – A popular restaurant that serves traditional Sri Lankan cuisine such as rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers.
2. Mahaweli Reach Hotel Restaurant – This restaurant offers a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes with stunning views of the Mahaweli River.
3. Tea Cottage Kotmale – This cozy café serves delicious tea made from locally grown tea leaves along with snacks such as sandwiches and cakes.
4. Eco Mountain View Restaurant – Located amidst lush greenery, this restaurant offers a range of Sri Lankan dishes made using fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.
5. Ambewela Farm Restaurant – This farm-to-table restaurant specializes in dairy products such as milkshakes, ice cream, and cheese made from cows grazing on the nearby pastures.
6. Ramboda Falls Hotel Restaurant – With its scenic location overlooking Ramboda Falls, this restaurant serves a variety of Sri Lankan dishes including seafood specialties like crab curry and prawn masala.

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1. Kotmale Reservoir
2. Kotmale Oya National Park
3. Kotmale Forest Reserve
4. Mahaweli River Rafting and Kayaking
5. Hiking and Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range
6. Fishing in the Kotmale Reservoir
7. Camping at the Kotmale Forest Reserve
8. Visiting Tea Estates and Factories in the area
9. Bird Watching at the National Park or around the reservoir
10. Rock Climbing at Piduruthalagala Mountain

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