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Bathalegala (Bible Rock) — Kegalle
Cover photo: ELISA KERSCHBAUMER (Unsplash)
- District
- Kegalle
- Province
- Sabaragamuwa
- Best for
- Hikers and photographers; flat-topped mini-Sigiriya with 360-degree views
Distinctive flat-topped rock near Aranayaka rising to about 798 m, nicknamed Bible Rock by Europeans for its book-like profile. Trail from the Bathalegala village side climbs through forest in 2-3 hours return with a short scramble near the top. Start before 8 AM in dry months December to April; carry water since there are no shops on the trail.
About this place
Distinctive flat-topped 670-798 m rock near Aranayaka, nicknamed Bible Rock by Europeans for its book-like profile. Trail from the Bathalegala village side climbs through forest in 2-3 hours return with a short scramble near the top. Start before 8 AM in dry months December to April; carry water since there are no shops on the trail.
Visitor brief
Good to know before you go
- Start before 8 AM in the dry months (December-April); afternoon mist and rain obscure the summit view.
- Carry all water - no shops on the trail; 2-3 hours return with a short exposed scramble near the top.
- Wear grippy shoes; the bare rock slab is slippery when wet - skip after rain.
- No guardrails at the summit edges - keep back from drops, supervise children closely.
How to travel there
Nearest towns Mawanella or Kegalle on the Colombo-Kandy road. Bus to Aranayaka then tuk-tuk to Bathalegala village trailhead.
Where to stay
Aranayaka/Mawanella guesthouses and eco-lodges; Kegalle town hotels for more choice.
Nearby places
Asupini Ella Falls, Aranayaka town, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Mawanella town
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