Meemure Village, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

Meemure at a glance

Why visit Meemure?

• Real village life. Meemure is a working farming village, not a tourist resort.
• Mountain scenery. The village sits in a green valley surrounded by forested peaks, with Lakegala rising above it.
• Rivers and natural pools. Clear, cool rivers run through the valley, with rocky pools for swimming.
• Hiking. Trails lead to viewpoints, waterfalls and the foot of Lakegala.
• Peace and quiet. With little mobile signal, it is a true digital detox.

The Knuckles mountain range

Meemure lies in the Knuckles mountain range, a rugged area of peaks, cloud forest and rivers that forms part of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka World Heritage Site. The range takes its name from the shape of its peaks, which look like the knuckles of a clenched fist from some angles. It is home to many plants and animals found nowhere else, and it is one of the best areas in Sri Lanka for hiking. See hiking in Sri Lanka and nature trails.

Things to do in Meemure

Stay with a local family

The best way to experience Meemure is to stay in a homestay, where you sleep in a simple village house and eat home-cooked rice and curry made with vegetables from the garden. Your hosts can show you around the village, the paddy fields and the river.

Swim in the river

The rivers around Meemure have clear, cool water and rocky natural pools. Ask your hosts where it is safe to swim, and never swim after heavy rain, when the water can rise quickly.

Hike towards Lakegala

Lakegala is a striking, pointed peak above the village. According to local legend, it is linked to the Ramayana story and King Ravana. Climbing to the summit is steep and should only be attempted with an experienced local guide. Easier walks around its base give great views. See our Ramayana trail guide.

Walk through the paddy fields

Terraced rice fields surround the village. Depending on the season, you may see farmers ploughing, planting or harvesting by hand. See our traditional agriculture experience page.

Find the waterfalls

Several small waterfalls lie within walking distance of the village. Your hosts or a local guide can take you to them.

Learn about village life

Join your hosts as they cook, tend the garden or collect water. You might learn how to make a curry over a wood fire, or how rice is threshed and dried. See our Sri Lanka village tour page.

Stops on the way to Meemure

The road from Kandy passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the hill country:

• Victoria Reservoir: a large lake with viewpoints from the road.
• Hunnasgiriya: a junction town at the edge of the Knuckles range.
• Corbet's Gap: a windy mountain pass with sweeping views over the valleys.
• Mini World's End: a cliff-top viewpoint along the route.

How to get to Meemure

Meemure is reached by road from Kandy, via Hunnasgiriya and Loolwatte, then down a winding road through Corbet's Gap to the village. The journey from Kandy usually takes around three hours or more, depending on road conditions and stops. The final section is narrow and steep, with sharp bends and places where only one vehicle can pass. After rain, it can be slippery.

By private car

A private driver who knows the road is the safest way to reach Meemure. Depending on the vehicle and the condition of the road, the last stretch may need a 4x4 or a local jeep. We check current road conditions before your trip and arrange the right vehicle.

By bus

A small number of local buses run to Meemure from Kandy, but services are infrequent and slow. Check locally before you travel.

From Colombo

Allow around six to seven hours or more from Colombo. Most travellers break the journey in Kandy. See our guide to getting from Colombo to Kandy.

When to visit Meemure

The weather in the Knuckles range can be wet at any time of year. The drier months are often from about January to April, when trails are easier and rivers are calmer. From about October to January, the north-east monsoon can bring heavy rain to the Knuckles, and roads and trails can be difficult. Leeches are common on forest trails after rain, so bring leech socks or ask your hosts for advice. See our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Meemure is simple: village homestays and a few basic guesthouses and eco camps. Expect:

• Simple rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms
• Home-cooked meals, usually included
• Limited electricity and hot water
• Little or no mobile signal or Wi-Fi

Bring a torch, a power bank and anything you might need. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

What to bring

• Cash. There are no ATMs and cards are not accepted. See money in Sri Lanka.
• Good walking shoes and sandals for the river
• A light rain jacket and a warm layer for the evenings
• Insect repellent and leech socks
• A torch or headlamp
• A power bank
• Any medicines you might need

How to visit respectfully

Meemure is a small, traditional community, and visitors should tread lightly:

• Dress modestly in the village, and swim in shorts and a T-shirt rather than swimwear, unless your hosts say otherwise.
• Ask before taking photos of people or homes.
• Don't leave rubbish. Take everything out with you.
• Keep noise down, especially in the evenings.
• Support the community by staying in local homestays and hiring local guides.
• Don't bring alcohol unless your hosts are happy with it.

Read our responsible travel guide.

Is Meemure suitable for families?

Meemure suits adventurous families with older children who are happy with simple accommodation and long drives. The river and village life are fascinating for children, but the road is long and winding, and facilities are basic. See Sri Lanka with kids.

A suggested two-day visit

Day 1: leave Kandy early, stopping at Victoria Reservoir and Corbet's Gap. Arrive in Meemure for lunch with your host family, then walk through the paddy fields and swim in the river.

Day 2: a morning hike with a local guide towards Lakegala or a waterfall. After lunch, drive back towards Kandy, or continue towards Matale and the Cultural Triangle.

Who Meemure suits

Meemure suits travellers who want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, including hikers, photographers, nature lovers and second-time visitors. It is not for those who need comfort, Wi-Fi or short drives. See our pages on lesser-known attractions, adventure and our adventure tour.

Meemure or Knuckles: what's the difference?

The Knuckles range is a large mountain area with many trails, viewpoints and villages, and Meemure is one village inside it. Many visitors explore Knuckles on day hikes from the Kandy or Matale side, without staying overnight. Meemure is for travellers who want to go deeper and spend a night in a remote community.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying a day trip. The drive is long. Stay at least one night.
• Underestimating the road. Travel with a driver who knows it, and check conditions first.
• Forgetting cash. There are no ATMs in the village.
• Climbing Lakegala alone. The summit is steep and difficult. Go only with an experienced local guide.

Frequently asked questions