Tucked away in the central highlands of Sri Lanka lies Naula, a small town rich in history, natural beauty, and peaceful charm. While many travelers head straight for the famous beaches and bustling cities, Naula offers a quiet escape filled with ancient temples, lush green hills, and scenic views, a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Strategically located on the A9 road, a vital link between the cultural triangle cities of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy, Naula is not merely a transit town, it is a destination town. With old temples, breathtaking mountain views, and peaceful reservoirs, Naula invites people to a world where tradition and peace find perfect accord.

A location rich in history

Naula is so much more than a peaceful stop on the A9 highway in the middle of Sri Lanka; it is a town full of history and cultural heritage. This unassuming place is teeming with centuries-old stories that reveal to travelers the island’s wealth of spiritual and architectural history.

At the heart of Naula is the Naula Rajamaha Viharaya, an old Buddhist temple renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, genuine Kandyan architecture, and ornate murals. A place of worship beyond compare, it is a place of history as well as a place where locals feel that even Kandyan Kings used to rest on their royal journeys across the central highlands. The rock stairs, the ancient stupas, and flowering Bodhi trees of the temple make it a sanctuary of peaceful reflection and spiritual closeness.

A short distance away is one of Sri Lanka’s most unusual and iconic ancient sites – Nalanda Gedige. Built between the 8-10th Centuries, this small stone temple is a remarkable syncretic amalgam of Hindu and Buddhist building styles. During a time of strong South Indian domination of Sri Lanka, the structure was built to appease both traditions. Its carved stone pillars, lavish lintels, and peaceful environment render it a significant symbol of religious tolerance and cultural coexistence.

Together, these venerated sites make Naula a destination where one gets to live in the past; for more than the mere viewing of sights, it is itself a sojourn into Sri Lanka’s soulful past. Indeed, for those who seek meaning far beyond the conventional tourist routes, Naula is a muted but moving reminder of timelessness in the spiritual spirit of the island.

Natural wonders around Naula

Surrounded by nature with surprises to offer, the Naula boasts one of the most famous natural places near the town, located in the Arangala Mountain. With an altitude of about 750 metres high, Arangala is known as the ‘sleeping giant’ because it has three peaks that look like a sleeping giant. The climb up to the summit is challenging with steep slopes and stone paths, but the scenery of the view is worth the effort for hikers. You can see the distant mountains, reservoirs, and even the ancient Nalanda Gedige Temple from the top.

Another gem of nature is the Opalgala Ella, a small, hidden waterfall nestled within a secluded forest. The soothing sound of cascading water and the lush, virgin surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and bask in nature. Because it is not popular with travellers, the waterfall is a hidden retreat.

Shortly afterwards, you find yourself at the Nalanda Wewa (lake). This peaceful, ancient reservoir is thought to have been built during the 12th Century, during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Ist. Early in the morning, tourists can see mist over the lake and birds like kingfishers and herons start the day. The lake not only helps local farmers irrigate their fields but also acts as a peaceful haven for fishing, picnics, and isolation.

How Naula keeps its environment

Naula, with its lush greenery, rich history, and serene atmosphere, is a gem of a town that is relatively untouched by the fast-spreading wave of urbanisation and mass tourism. One of the most praiseworthy aspects of this town is its strong commitment to nature preservation. Although Naula welcomes tourists with open arms, it also holds firm boundaries to protect its rich natural and cultural heritage.

Naula is encompassed by forests, mountains, lakes, and biodiversity. It does have some eco-sensitive areas in the form of the Arangala Mountain Range, the Opalgala Ella waterfall, and the Nalanda Lake. These are not just places to see; these are ecologically significant habitats with plenty of diversity in flora and fauna, so much so that the majority of these are now legally protected by environmental organisations. This legal status guarantees that any development or activity that would be harmful to the natural balance is either stringently controlled or completely prohibited.

Visitors to Naula are requested to follow rigorous eco-regulations. One of the most emphasised regulations is staying on marked trails when nature walking and hiking, particularly in the vicinity of the Arangala Mountain. This avoids erosion, protects plant life, and avoids disturbing animal habitats. Trail blurring, as tempting as it may be to adventurers, is not recommended since it has the tendency to devastate fragile ecosystems that have taken decades or even centuries to develop.

The other major rule is the ban on open fires. Wildfires are a serious risk, especially in forest areas during the dry season. Campfires, fireworks, or even careless smoking can have catastrophic consequences on the flora and fauna of the area. Open flames are therefore strictly prohibited, in order to maintain the wellbeing of the forest and avoid irreversible loss.

Picking or destroying plants, such as uprooting herbs or cutting down trees, is also not allowed. The majority of the plants that grow here are endemic and grow under special environmental conditions that cannot be readily duplicated. Removing them from the wild not only threatens their viability but also affects the animals and insects that depend on them for their existence. Visitors are requested to observe and appreciate nature without trying to take any part of it with them.

Equally important is the preservation of wildlife. In Naula, animals are to be observed respectfully from a distance. It is strongly advised not to touch, feed, or disturb wild animals, butterflies, birds, or reptiles. This enables the animals to continue their natural behaviour without fear or dependency on human contact.

The local communities and eco lodges promote the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy, which welcomes tourists to minimise their effect on nature. With reusable water bottles being provided and clean-up hikes being organised, these initiatives ensure that both locals and tourists are accountable for leaving Naula in its pristine condition.

Finally, the beauty of Naula is in its pristine condition and it is up to everybody to preserve it as such. By travelling responsibly and with consideration for nature, tourists can help ensure that Naula will be a quiet, green haven for generations to enjoy.

Experiencing Naula beyond the ordinary

Naula is not a location, it is a learning that life’s most valuable experiences are not on the map. With its ancient ruins, beautiful vistas of the mountains, and tranquil lifestyle, this inland Sri Lankan gem invites tourists to unwind and discover the island’s deeper richness.

Whether you are walking among the ancient ruins, hiking through dense forests, or just absorbing the quiet near a calm lake, Naula provides an unusual type of magic: one based on genuineness, tranquility, and natural beauty. It is a destination where history and nature coexist peacefully, away from the clamour of contemporary tourism.

(The writers are undergraduates of the Uva Wellassa University) 

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication