Belihuloya-බෙලිහුල්ඔය

Belihul oya, which is known as one of the best nature and activity locations in Sri Lanka is located 160 Kilometers from the capital city Colombo. This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation consists of moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests, making it one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka – a perfect location for nature lovers. Belihul Oya is home to 15 fish species, 50 reptile species, 150 bird species, 30 amphibian species, 80 butterfly species, 40 mammal species, 60 land & water snail species & about 150 flora species.

Belihul oya holds some of the important places, such as the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, which was founded in the year 1991. Further the Samanalawewa Dam is considered to be valuable asset to the nation, which is also located in Belihul oya. The dam is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Uda Walawe basin. It was built at the confluence of the Walawe river and the Belihul Oya, a location 400 metres (1,300 ft) above mean sea level.

River Belihul Oya

The River Belihul Oya, just 20km in length, originates on Horton Plains National Park (1524m) high above, then flows, gushes, tumbles & drops through an assortment of eco systems all the way to into modern man-made Samanalawewa Reservoir. The river, watched over by series of mountain peaks including Gon Molliya ("The Hump of an Ox") & Paravi ("Pigeon"), crates some very beautiful waterfalls in its downhill path, including Baker's Falls on Horton Plains, Pahanthuda Falls & Demodara Falls. Paddy fields surrounding the settlement are fed by streams from the river.

Activities at Belihul oya include Trekking, Kayaking, and Camping. A dip in the river Belihul oya would be an unforgettable experience.