Meemure – Sri Lanka’s Hidden Village Beyond Time (My Journey Into The Heart of Nature)

August 03, 2025

Meemure – Sri Lanka’s Hidden Village Beyond Time (My Journey Into The Heart of Nature)

By Pathum | Pathum’s Nature Island

"A hidden waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear natural pool surrounded by dense jungle mist in Meemure, Sri Lanka

A Place Time Forgot

Nestled deep in the folds of the *Knuckles Mountain Range, there exists a village where time seems to stand still. No Wi-Fi. No cellphone signal. Just the sound of rustling leaves, flowing streams, and the occasional monkey swinging above you. Welcome to **Meemure* — perhaps the most isolated yet breathtaking village in all of Sri Lanka.

Hey, it’s Pathum here again. I’ve written about temples, spices, and cultural processions. But this time, I want to take you on a journey I personally took to Meemure — and believe me, it changed me forever.

Getting There: The Road Less Traveled

Meemure is located about *175 km from Colombo* and roughly *36 km from Kandy*, but don’t let the distance fool you. The last 14 km of the journey is off-road adventure at its wildest. You’ll need a 4x4 vehicle or a serious dose of determination.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ydCfWHj6u3gywkzCA

From Kandy, we drove to *Loolwatte*, the last point with mobile coverage. From there, we switched to a rugged pickup truck. The drive took us through misty forests, cliff-side dirt roads, and waterfalls spilling over onto the trail.

If you're a foreign traveler, this is not your average tuk-tuk route. Hire a local guide, preferably someone from Meemure itself. They know the bends, the streams, and most importantly — the stories.

First Impressions: Nature in 4K

A scenic view of a small waterfall flowing over smooth rocks into a tranquil blue pool in the heart of Meemure’s forest

As we entered the village, the landscape opened up to a wide green valley guarded by mountains. In the distance stood the famous *Lakegala Rock* — a towering monolith believed to be the burial site of *King Ravana*, the mythical Lankan king from the Ramayana.

The village is tiny. Just about *400 people* live here. No luxury hotels. No convenience stores. Just homestays, traditional mud huts, and warm smiles.

Everywhere you turn, nature dominates. You breathe cleaner air. You hear birds you can’t name. You feel peace.

Staying With Locals: True Hospitality

I stayed at a local homestay, where *Amma* (the host mother) cooked rice and jackfruit curry over a wood fire. They don’t use gas here. Everything is organic. No chemicals, no fertilizers. Even bathing is done in natural streams.

We talked for hours around the fire, about the elephants that sometimes visit, about the pride they feel in protecting their culture. For a moment, I felt like I belonged.

Real Life in Meemure

Terraced rice fields glowing under the sun with Lakegala Mountain rising majestically in the background in Meemure village

Life here is tough but beautiful. Villagers grow their own food, build their own homes, and rely on community instead of corporations. Electricity arrived just a few years ago. But many still use oil lamps at night.

Children walk several kilometers to school. There’s one small medical clinic. No police station. No Wi-Fi. And yet, no one here complains.

Their wealth lies in *self-sufficiency*.

Hikes and Hidden Wonders

We hiked to *Narangamuwa Waterfall*, a secluded cascade known only to locals. On the way, our guide pointed out rare medicinal plants, ancient stone paths, and massive trees over 300 years old.

The area around Meemure is part of the *Knuckles Forest Reserve, a **UNESCO World Heritage site*. It’s home to leopards, sambars, porcupines, and hundreds of endemic bird species.

Adventurer cliff jumping into a natural rock pool in Meemure, Sri Lanka surrounded by lush forest and granite formations – a popular eco-tourism activity near Kandy

The Myth of Lakegala

Local legends claim that *Lakegala* was once the flying launchpad of Ravana’s mythical flying machine, the Dandu Monara. Whether you believe it or not, standing at its base feels powerful.

Some even believe Meemure is where the *ancient Lankan civilization* first began — before Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa. It’s a sacred, storied place.

Cultural Tips for Foreigners

* Dress modestly. The village is conservative.

* Do not litter. Locals protect their land like a temple.

* Ask before taking photos of people.

* Support local crafts. They make beautiful bamboo items, honey, and traditional snacks.

* Always bring *cash*. There are no ATMs here.

When to Visit

The best time is from *May to September* (dry season). During November to January, rains can make the roads nearly impassable.

Why Foreigners Love It

Many travelers from Europe, the U.S., and Japan I met were in awe:

> “I’ve backpacked India, Nepal, and Thailand. But Meemure is something else. It’s raw, untouched.” — Carla, Germany

> “This place reminded me of Peru’s mountain villages. Totally off-grid, but magical.” — Miguel, Spain

Final Thoughts

Meemure is not just a place. It’s an experience. An education. A reminder of who we are when all the noise fades.

For foreign tourists seeking something real — not just beaches and resorts — Meemure is the soul of Sri Lanka. And for us locals, it’s a living time capsule we must protect.

If you ever come to Sri Lanka, don’t leave without breathing the air of Meemure.

Because here, time doesn’t pass.

It rests.