The Land

Discover Morawaka

A Hidden Gem in Southern Sri Lanka

Nestled in the lush southern region of Sri Lanka, Morawaka is a charming town in the Matara District, located between Deniyaya, Neluwa, and Matara itself. This unique location places Morawaka at a crossroads where the golden southern beaches and the misty highlands of the Sinharaja Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—can be accessed within a short journey.

Sinharaja Rainforest, situated near Morawaka, is one of the most ancient ecosystems on Earth, dating back over 150 million years to the Jurassic era. It is a living museum of biodiversity and a sanctuary of endemic flora and fauna. With its dense canopy, crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and mystical mist, Sinharaja nurtures species found nowhere else. It is not just an ecological treasure—it is a spiritual haven.

Morawaka itself offers more than scenic beauty. Encircled by mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, it boasts thriving tea, rubber, and spice plantations, reflecting its deep-rooted agricultural legacy. Its cultural and historical depth is equally profound.

Historically, Morawaka is linked to King Vijayabahu the Great. A significant artifact, the Panakaduwa Copper Plate, was discovered here. This copper sannasa, dating to around 1087 AD, was granted to a soldier named Budalna who safeguarded the young prince Kitthi—later King Vijayabahu. The document is one of Sri Lanka’s earliest written records, expressing royal decree and human sentiment.

Today, Morawaka remains tranquil yet vibrant, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. With gravity anomalies noted by NASA’s GRACE mission—placing it in a low-gravity zone—Morawaka enhances meditative and spiritual practices, offering a rare harmony of geography, history, and serenity.