The Allure of Parai Thota: A Hidden Gem in Ingiriya
Experience the serene beauty and authentic local flavors at Parai Thota, a must-visit tourist attraction in Ingiriya, Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Parai thota
- P5XQ+4F, Ingiriya, LK
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Ingiriya, Parai Thota is a captivating tourist attraction that showcases the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes. Visitors are greeted by a picturesque setting, marked by vibrant greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, photography, and experiencing the rich local culture. One of the highlights of Parai Thota is the chance to indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Local vendors offer a variety of traditional snacks, including roti and other delightful bites, allowing tourists to savor the flavors of the region. The inviting environment encourages visitors to sit back and enjoy their meals while soaking in the stunning views around them. For those looking to explore further, the area surrounding Parai Thota provides ample opportunities for nature walks and interactions with friendly locals. The warm hospitality of the people adds to the charm of this location, making it a perfect stop for tourists seeking a genuine experience of Sri Lanka’s culture and lifestyle. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, Parai Thota promises a memorable visit that captures the essence of this beautiful island.
Local tips
- Try the local snacks, especially the roti, for an authentic taste of Sri Lankan street food.
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting for photography.
- Interact with local vendors to learn more about the culture and customs of the Ingiriya area.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Parai Thota.
- Plan to spend a few hours here to fully enjoy the serene environment and local offerings.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Ratnapura, head east on A4 towards Ingiriya. After approximately 16 kilometers, take the turn onto the B79 road towards Ingiriya. Continue for about 10 kilometers. Upon reaching Ingiriya, look for the coordinates P5XQ+4F on your GPS, which will guide you directly to Parai thota. Parking may be available nearby.
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Public Transportation
From Ratnapura, take a bus heading to Ingiriya. Buses are frequent and typically leave from the Ratnapura bus station. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Once you reach Ingiriya, you can either walk to the coordinates P5XQ+4F, which is about 2 kilometers away (approximately a 25-minute walk), or you can hire a tuk-tuk for a small fee, usually around 200-300 LKR.
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Tuk-Tuk
If you are already in Ingiriya, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you directly to Parai thota. Negotiate the fare in advance; it should cost around 150-200 LKR for a short ride. Provide the driver with the coordinates P5XQ+4F for precise navigation.
Attractions Nearby to Parai thota
- Bodhinagala Forest Reserve (Dombagaskanda)
- SEALS Adventure Base
- Kabaragala Ella (Kiri Ella) Waterfall
- Jayantha Aiya's Bathing Place
- Heraniyawaka Bridge
- Labugama falls
- Pahiyangala
- Dambora Waterfall
- Ranmudu Ella - Cottage by Ranmuduella
- සදාහරිත උණ අරණ Bamboo Garden Arukwattha, Padukka .
- Minee Ella
- Ella Kanda
- KARANDANA GEM & TOURS PVT LTD ( GEMLANKA MUSEUM OF MINERALS & GEMS )
- Anda Dola ආඳා දොළ
- Adawala waterfall (ආඳාවල)
Landmarks nearby to Parai thota
- Bodhinagala Forest Hermitage (බෝධිනාගල ආරණ්ය සේනාසනය)
- Sri Lankan Safest Driver - Private Tours
- Warakagoda Gallena Rajamaha Viharaya
- Lenawara Ancient Royal Temple
- Wathura tenkiya ( වතුර ටැංකිය)
- Faculty of Medicine (Pre clinical complex)-Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
- Irrigation Circuit Bungalow
- Ministry of Tourism - Sabaragamuwa
- Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Complex
- පොත්ගුල් විහාරය
- පොත්ගුල් විහාරය - Cave
- Ratnapura Portuguese Fort – රත්නපුර පෘතුගීසි බලකොටුව
- Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya
- The Royal Peak Resort
- Dhanaja Gem Museum