GOING OUT
 

We understand that your trip may have been organized by your travel agent and that your itineraries have been well planned in advance and we would never want to interfere with that. However, if you are travelling independently and have the flexibility, there are some interesting sights and experiences to be enjoyed nearby

Being located between Kandy and Colombo, Casa Heliconia is accessible to many natural and historical wonders. It’s our hope you have time to experience rural and traditional Sri Lanka 

DOLPOTHA
This is an acre of isolated rural our land within easy reach of Casa Heliconia, where you can enjoy uninterrupted 360 degree views of paddy fields paired with a delicious picnic of local produce and a good book.Talk to the locals and get to know how it all works or simply watch and admire the rhythm of the village.

URUWALA TEMPLE 
Travel to Miriswatta and visit the Uruwala Temple. The care with which the temple's building & artefacts are maintained is touching evidence of the devotion of Sri Lanka's Buddhists. The monks can provide enchanting details associated with the temple complex, some of whose structures are hewn from the rock.

WARUNA TEMPLE
Carved out of solid rock on three levels, Waruna temple features buttressed walls, high overhangs & drip ledges that protect a series of ancient frescoes, now reduced to outlines. The strenuous climb to the roof of the temple is rewarded by the magnificent tropical vegetation.

CADJUGAMA
Stop off at one of the many stalls in the “Village of Cashew Nuts” and taste the variety of flavoured cashews or cadju’s as they are locally known. Chilli roasted cadju are a local treat whilst raw cadjus can be used as a tropical ingredient in curries and salads or as a gift to take home. 

WEWALDENIYA & AMBEPUSSA
The busy little village of Wewaldeniya provides an outlet for locally made cane baskets & mats in its bazaar. It is also a popular halt for those with a sweet tooth searching for Thala (sesame) seed grinded with jaggery (solid palm honey) Thalagulis which are freshly made at Jinadasa's shop among others.

DEDIGAMA
The hamlet of Dedigama, the mid-12th century capital of one of the three principalities into which Sri Lanka was divided in the pre-colonial era. The 12th century dagoba. The village has many remains & artefacts from that time, some housed in the local museum, & most bear the stamp of Dedigama's most illustrious son, King Parakrambahu the Great. The 12th century dagoba built by the great king consists of 10 relic chambers. A gem studded golden reliquary has also been found here.

MARKETS
Visit the local fruit and vegetable market of Meerigama and watch the traders in action whilst learning about the local fruits, vegetables and spices.

WEBADAMULLA
Take a stroll around the surrounding village and meet the locals, watch and learn how to make traditional clay pots or observe the methods of the labourers in the paddy fields.