Heel Oya Village: A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Central Province, Sri Lanka

 Heel Oya Village- Central Province Sri Lanka

About

Heeloya is a lonely and rural farming community located in the Kandy area. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the way justice was administered in bygone eras. Both the venue and the procedures for the village headman's case hearing are still in place.

The village's primary sources of income include cattle, spices, home gardening, and paddy farming. To augment their revenue, the villagers perform traditional dances, make handicrafts, keep bees, and tap toddy.

A highly traditional village, it is distinct in that it takes pride in maintaining some of the local customs in day-to-day life.

It is urged of visitors to work and participate in village life by having them pick fruits and vegetables for a lunch that will be cooked to local standards. They would also have the chance to observe some of the other features of this village, such as the Heeloya waterfall and native plants and animals.

In addition to hiking, sight-seeing, and enjoying authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, visitors to Heeloya may experience a sense of village life! There are half-day and full-day tour options available for these tours.

How to reach heeloya 

from Colombo by road.

Colombo – (Kandy Road) – Nittambuwa – Warakapola – Kegalle – Kandy – (Mahiyanganaya Road) – Theldeniya (1km) – Rangala Road – Udispattuwa Junction (Turn Right) – Poddalgoda Road (4km)- Iskola Muduna (Turn Left) (150 km – 2 hours & 30 min)

note. -Accessible by Cars, Vans and mini Coaches

things to do in heeloya

Village Life:

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the villagers. Take a leisurely walk through the village, interact with locals, and gain insights into their customs and traditions.

Homestay Experience:

Consider staying in a homestay to have a more authentic experience. This allows you to connect with local families, share meals, and learn about their way of life

Nature Walks:

Take nature walks in the surrounding areas. Explore the lush greenery, enjoy the fresh air, and discover hidden gems in the countryside.

Cooking Classes:

Participate in cooking classes where you can learn to prepare local dishes. This hands-on experience not only introduces you to the flavors of the region but also supports the local economy.

Photography Opportunities:

Capture the beauty of Heel Oya through photography. The village and its surroundings offer plenty of picturesque scenes, from vibrant green landscapes to local architecture.

Outdoor Activities:

If there are opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking or birdwatching, take advantage of them. Check with locals or guides for recommended routes and sites.

Stargazing:

Given the rural setting, Heel Oya may offer excellent conditions for stargazing. On a clear night, marvel at the stars and constellations in the night sky.

Community Projects:

Inquire about any community projects or initiatives happening in the village. Participating in or supporting these projects can contribute positively to the local community.

When visiting smaller villages like Heel Oya, it's important to approach the experience with an open mind and a respectful attitude towards the local customs and way of life. Additionally, check with local authorities or guides for any specific recommendations or events happening during your visit.

picture gallery 

How Heel Oya can create as a major tourist attraction highlighted on sustainability

With a focus on sustainability, heelOya may become a significant tourism destination by carefully planning, involving the community, and protecting the environment. The following are some methods to emphasize sustainability:

Community-based tourism:

Create community-based tourist programs that engage the neighborhoods around HeelOya. Homestays, dining experiences, traditional crafts, and local experiences can all fall under this category. giving the locals financial advantages.

Instructional Initiatives:

Develop tourism education initiatives that emphasize the value of sustainability and conservation. One possible approach could be to offer guided trips that highlight the distinctive biodiversity and ecosystems of heelOya.

Sustainable Infrastructure:

Create environmentally friendly infrastructure with sustainable materials and building techniques, such as walking pathways, viewing platforms, and visitor centers. Verify that developments follow environmental regulations and standards.

Conservation of Wildlife: 

Work together with conservation groups to put conservation strategies into action. Establish buffer zones and inform guests of the value of protecting the native plants and animals' habitats.

Create Carbon Offset Programs:

 In order to offset the carbon footprint that travel-related activities produce, offset programs should be established. This may entail fundraising for nearby conservation efforts or tree-planting campaigns.

Employment Opportunities Locally: 

Offer job and training opportunities in tourism-related fields to the local populace. This guarantees that the local community benefits economically from tourism.

Cultural Preservation: 

Stress the need to protect regional customs and culture. Promote ethical travel that honors the region's cultural legacy and contributes to customs, handicrafts, and festivals.

bibliography

(No date) Stakeholder’s perspective on tourism development and its implications ... Available at: http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/xmlui/bitstream/handle/iruor/3725/33_069_Author%20proof_MM.pdf?sequence=1 (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

User, S. (no date) heel oya Tourism, Awareness programme conducted in Heel Oya. Available at: http://www.tourism.cp.gov.lk/index.php/8-news-of-dtct/6-awareness-programme-conducted-in-heel-oya (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

Heeloya village: The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka (no date a) Heeloya Village | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka. Available at: https://www.sundaytimes.lk/121111/business-times/heeloya-village-19456.html (Accessed: 16 November 2023).

Heeloya tourism village (2021) Attractions in Sri lanka. Available at: https://www.attractionsinsrilanka.com/travel-directory/heeloya-tourism-village/ (Accessed: 16 November 2023).

Sustainable tourism (no date) SLTDA. Available at: https://sltda.gov.lk/en/sustainable-tourism (Accessed: 15 November 2023).