Travel Guide to Sunken Town of Maskeliya (Old Maskeliya Town)

Getting There

• Walking

  From the center of Nuwara Eliya, start at the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Head southwest on Post Office Rd toward Bank Rd. Continue straight onto the A5 road (also known as Haddon Hill Rd) and walk for about 1 km until you reach the junction with the Norton - Maskeliya Rd. At this junction, turn left onto Norton - Maskeliya Rd. Continue along this road for approximately 10 km. You will pass through beautiful tea plantations and local villages. Keep an eye out for signs indicating Maskeliya. Once you reach Maskeliya, look for the remnants of the Old Maskeliya Town along the road, which is submerged. The site is accessible from the road and offers a unique glimpse into the historical landscape.

• Bus

  From the Nuwara Eliya Bus Station, catch a bus heading to Maskeliya. The buses are frequent and will take approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Maskeliya, depending on traffic. Inform the conductor that you are going to Maskeliya so they can alert you when you arrive. Once you arrive in Maskeliya, disembark at the main bus stop and walk along Norton - Maskeliya Rd for about 1 km. Look for signs indicating the direction towards the Old Maskeliya Town, which is submerged under the water at the base of the mountains.

• Tuk-Tuk

  Tuk-tuks are readily available in Nuwara Eliya. You can hire one from any major point in the city, such as the Post Office or the Bus Station. Tell the driver that you want to go to Maskeliya. The ride will take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Maskeliya, you can ask the driver to take you to the Sunken Town location, where you can see the remnants of the old town submerged in the water.