Pidurutalagala
Pidurutalagala
4.5
About
Pidurutalagala, or Mount Pedro in English, is an ultra prominent peak, and the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, at 2,524 m. Mount Pedro is located close to the city of Nuwara Eliya, and is easily visible from most areas of the Central Province.Driving directions to Pidurutalagala Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka 1. Head west on Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Highway/A5 Continue to follow A5 Pass by The Governor's Chalets (on the right in 750 m) 1.6 Km 2. Slight right onto B331 Pass by Nuwara Eliya Club (on the right) 900 m 3. Slight right onto Church Rd 800 m 4. Sharp right onto Old Uda Pussellawa Rd 46 m 5. Take the 1st left toward Gamunu Mawatha 550 m 6. Keep left to continue on Gamunu Mawatha Pass by Megistrate's Quarters (on the right) 550 m 7. Turn right toward Piduruthalagala Mountain Rd 170 m 8. Continue onto Piduruthalagala Mountain Rd 450 m 9. Slight left toward Piduruthalagala Mountain Rd 300 m 10. Continue onto Piduruthalagala Mountain Rd Destination will be on the right 5.0 Km Pidurutalagala
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

See what travelers are saying
  • SAR28
    Colombo, Sri Lanka106 contributions
    Amazing but get approval before you travel
    Well worth a visit as it’s a short (20-30 mins), scenic drive from the N’Eliya town through a forest to the highest point in the country. We got to the peak around 11:30/12 noon - while I loved the view above the clouds we were told on a clear day the views are amazing. I’d recommend getting there early / around 8 am when the gates open. Do keep in mind that you now need to get Ministry if Defence approval to go up. It’s an easy process but do give them at least a 2 day lead time. Well worth it though.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written February 4, 2020
  • Niroshan Senadheera
    Negombo, Sri Lanka24 contributions
    The highest place in srilanka
    Piduruthalagala or mount Pedro, highest place in srilanka should be in your bucket list. you can go via road in a vehicle, but the road is a steep hill all the way to the top. if your vehicle is not in top notch condition, I suggest you shouldn't go there. prior going there, you should take permission from defense ministry of srilanka, s there is a radio and radar station for civil and military purposes. you could see a small temple, some monuments and radio equipment up there. best of all some nice views. there is a small cafe operated by srilanka military and it is refreshing to have some hot tea and pol rotee, in the cold climate.
    Visited February 2022
    Written January 20, 2023
  • Eranga
    1 contribution
    Did you had a Coffee from this Cafe at Piduruthalagala?
    Cafe De 8200 is the highest cafe in the Sri Lanka..I was lucky to had a Coffee and Snack there.I travel there with the "Travel with Udeshi" youtubeer.It was the very good experience which I got ever.Today I show that the our vidieo has upload to the Youtube by the "Travel with Udeshi" Youtube Channel.So you can see our experience which was got at the Top of the Piduruthalagala and It is the remakable experience that I got ever.You also can ge the experience from there and Can get remakable photoes that will never forget in your life since this is the Only place you can get this type of experience.When you come to the nuwaraeliya,you can easily reach to the top of the mountain after getting the approval from the Ministry of Defence.Thare is about 7km from Nuwaraeliya to Top of the Piduruthalagala.Go there and have the experience.Further,Watch our experience from the "Travel with Udeshi" you tube channel before going there..Have a nice Experience..
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 21, 2023
  • A Bag Full Of Travel
    Germany6 contributions
    Visit with prior approval from Ministry of Defence
    Did you know that the tallest mountain, Piduruthalagala, was named after the mountain took a pale yellow color during summer giving it a Straw (Piduru) like appearance? This 8281 f t mountain was later known as Mount Pedro by the British as it was hard to pronounce. The mountain is closed for the general public as it is designated as a high security zone by the Sri Lankan army. However, it is possible to visit with a prior approval from the ministry of Defence. Hiking or getting off the vehicle until you reach the top is strictly prohibited due to leopard encounters.
    Visited October 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 15, 2020
  • Gavin2009
    383 contributions
    Tallest mountain in Sri Lanka
    Out of the many activities in Nuwara Eliya you must make time to visit this mountain peak. Pidurutalagala or ‘Mount Pedro is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of approx. 8280 feet it is easily visible from many parts of the central province of the country. Your vehicle will have to make a steep climb to this place, Located close to Nuwara Eliya town it is the home base for the central communication systems of the armed forces, National TV and other important communication devices such as the Civil Aviation Authority. As it also houses the main Radar unit the area is home for Sri Lanka army where they maintain a high security base. Visitors are allowed to the area and orientation in brief are done by the caretaker military personal about the place and its importance etc. (Entry is subject to clearance procedure) however a must visit place whilst In Nuwara Eliya as it needs only 1hr maximum to visit the site and return enjoying some breath-taking views on the surrounding mountains, town area and the ever so graceful green tea gardens at a distance which is so beautiful.
    Visited November 2014
    Traveled on business
    Written December 17, 2014
  • Evarts Photography
    Colombo, Sri Lanka781 contributions
    The higest point in Sri Lanka with an amazing view
    Piduruthalagala Mountain is the highest / tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. It is the highest point in Sri Lanka and is located in Nuwara Eliya. At the top of the mountain There are a few TV transmission stations as well as the Air Force radar centre and Army and Navy post located. The road to the summit /top is concreted and you can only reach the top by vehicle and trekking is not allowed. Also you are not allowed to stop on the way or get down from the vehicle till you reach the peak due to tight security measures and there are Army posts throughout the climb to ensure that people don't stop or get down on the way. There is no entrance fee charged but at the bottom of the hill there is an army checkpoint where you need to give your name, ID / passport number as well as the vehicle number. The drive to the 7km summit takes 15 - 20 min and at the top there is a toilet and tea kiosk to have a hot cup of plain tea with Rotti. If you need to visit the radar centre or TV station, you need prior approval from the Department of civil aviation in Colombo but you are allowed to take your vehicle to the top and park it and walk about. Refer the photos i posted for an idea. The location is open for visitors from 7am to 12 pm as after 12pm the mist sets in and you cannot see anything. From the top you can see on a clear sky day, Adams peak and breathtaking view / scenery. But it would have been more fun if trekking to the top was allowed as it is not the same when you travel by vehicle. We did not spot any birds or wildlife throughout the journey. Total duration of the journey from Nuwara Eliya town and back = 1.5 hours
    Visited December 2015
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 27, 2015
  • Thisanthi
    270 contributions
    Life time experience one must not miss while in Nuwaraeliya, Sri Lanka
    Among many activities in Nuwara Eliya you must make time to visit this mountain peak. We learnt in School that its the highest mountain in Sri Lanka but never thought i would ever reach to the top. Pidurutalagala or ‘Mount Pedro is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of approx. 8300 feet. Any van, car or a jeep can take you up and only few meters need to be climbed by foot. This is close to Nuwaara Eliya town and only 2 km away from city centre. At the entrance they will ask you to fill your name and ID for reference. And after that its a 6km ride to the top.At the top there will be defence personal to guide you and explain the stuff. They will tell you how the telecommunication signals and TV signals work. They have their camp on top. Better to go their in the morning half as there will be lot of mist and cold in the afternoon. There is a small temple on the top, some towers and a small shop to have a hot tea and hot rotty while shivering on top of Sri Lanka. Nice experience and a nice view.
    Visited August 2015
    Traveled with family
    Written August 27, 2015
  • ShirozS
    Kalutara, Sri Lanka123 contributions
    At the summit of the paradise
    This was my first visit to the highest point of Sri lanka which is 2524m high from the sea level. It is called mount pedro in English. Just go to google maps and take directions easily you are on your way to the mount Pedro. You have to go through a wonderful moountain forest upto the summit. You are not allowed to walk,due to lepourd attacks, so always remember to travel in a vehicle. Once you are on top of the mount. . . Believe me you are in a magical land. . . Just enjoy the tranquillity. .. oh and do not forget to see Maha Rath Mala. (Rhododendron arboreum ssp. zeylanicum is a rare sub-species of Rhododendron arboreum found in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.)
    Visited December 2014
    Traveled with family
    Written December 13, 2014
  • T_Senaratne
    Colombo, Sri Lanka297 contributions
    Summit of Sri Lanka
    It is allowed to drive up to the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, at a height of about 2,524 m. This is also called Mount Pedro. There are several radar towers and also communication towers. Closing time is 4.00 p.m.
    Visited July 2019
    Traveled with family
    Written July 18, 2019
  • Hari N
    Colombo, Sri Lanka92 contributions
    Summer vacation
    While enjoying the summer vacation in cool Nuwara Eliya, went to the highest place of Sri Lanka. You have road access up to the top and you will find a Temple and some other towers. But the view from the Top And while driving to top was amazing and you will enjoy the drive up to top. Recommend to have good horsepower vehicle to have easy drive.
    Visited April 2018
    Traveled with family
    Written July 21, 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
86 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
22
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3

A Bag Full Of Travel
Germany6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Did you know that the tallest mountain, Piduruthalagala, was named after the mountain took a pale yellow color during summer giving it a Straw (Piduru) like appearance? This 8281 f t mountain was later known as Mount Pedro by the British as it was hard to pronounce. The mountain is closed for the general public as it is designated as a high security zone by the Sri Lankan army. However, it is possible to visit with a prior approval from the ministry of Defence. Hiking or getting off the vehicle until you reach the top is strictly prohibited due to leopard encounters.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gavin2009
Colombo383 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
Out of the many activities in Nuwara Eliya you must make time to visit this mountain peak. Pidurutalagala or ‘Mount Pedro is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of approx. 8280 feet it is easily visible from many parts of the central province of the country. Your vehicle will have to make a steep climb to this place, Located close to Nuwara Eliya town it is the home base for the central communication systems of the armed forces, National TV and other important communication devices such as the Civil Aviation Authority. As it also houses the main Radar unit the area is home for Sri Lanka army where they maintain a high security base. Visitors are allowed to the area and orientation in brief are done by the caretaker military personal about the place and its importance etc. (Entry is subject to clearance procedure) however a must visit place whilst In Nuwara Eliya as it needs only 1hr maximum to visit the site and return enjoying some breath-taking views on the surrounding mountains, town area and the ever so graceful green tea gardens at a distance which is so beautiful.
Written December 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Evarts Photography
Colombo, Sri Lanka781 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
Piduruthalagala Mountain is the highest / tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. It is the highest point in Sri Lanka and is located in Nuwara Eliya. At the top of the mountain There are a few TV transmission stations as well as the Air Force radar centre and Army and Navy post located. The road to the summit /top is concreted and you can only reach the top by vehicle and trekking is not allowed. Also you are not allowed to stop on the way or get down from the vehicle till you reach the peak due to tight security measures and there are Army posts throughout the climb to ensure that people don't stop or get down on the way.

There is no entrance fee charged but at the bottom of the hill there is an army checkpoint where you need to give your name, ID / passport number as well as the vehicle number. The drive to the 7km summit takes 15 - 20 min and at the top there is a toilet and tea kiosk to have a hot cup of plain tea with Rotti.

If you need to visit the radar centre or TV station, you need prior approval from the Department of civil aviation in Colombo but you are allowed to take your vehicle to the top and park it and walk about. Refer the photos i posted for an idea.

The location is open for visitors from 7am to 12 pm as after 12pm the mist sets in and you cannot see anything. From the top you can see on a clear sky day, Adams peak and breathtaking view / scenery. But it would have been more fun if trekking to the top was allowed as it is not the same when you travel by vehicle. We did not spot any birds or wildlife throughout the journey.

Total duration of the journey from Nuwara Eliya town and back = 1.5 hours
Written December 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thisanthi
Colombo270 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Among many activities in Nuwara Eliya you must make time to visit this mountain peak.
We learnt in School that its the highest mountain in Sri Lanka but never thought i would ever reach to the top.
Pidurutalagala or ‘Mount Pedro is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. With a height of approx. 8300 feet. Any van, car or a jeep can take you up and only few meters need to be climbed by foot. This is close to Nuwaara Eliya town and only 2 km away from city centre. At the entrance they will ask you to fill your name and ID for reference. And after that its a 6km ride to the top.At the top there will be defence personal to guide you and explain the stuff. They will tell you how the telecommunication signals and TV signals work. They have their camp on top. Better to go their in the morning half as there will be lot of mist and cold in the afternoon. There is a small temple on the top, some towers and a small shop to have a hot tea and hot rotty while shivering on top of Sri Lanka. Nice experience and a nice view.
Written August 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ShirozS
Kalutara, Sri Lanka123 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
This was my first visit to the highest point of Sri lanka which is 2524m high from the sea level. It is called mount pedro in English. Just go to google maps and take directions easily you are on your way to the mount Pedro. You have to go through a wonderful moountain forest upto the summit. You are not allowed to walk,due to lepourd attacks, so always remember to travel in a vehicle. Once you are on top of the mount. . . Believe me you are in a magical land. . . Just enjoy the tranquillity. .. oh and do not forget to see Maha Rath Mala. (Rhododendron arboreum ssp. zeylanicum is a rare sub-species of Rhododendron arboreum found in Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.)
Written December 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

T_Senaratne
Colombo, Sri Lanka297 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
It is allowed to drive up to the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, at a height of about 2,524 m. This is also called Mount Pedro.
There are several radar towers and also communication towers. Closing time is 4.00 p.m.
Written July 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hari N
Colombo, Sri Lanka92 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
While enjoying the summer vacation in cool Nuwara Eliya, went to the highest place of Sri Lanka.

You have road access up to the top and you will find a Temple and some other towers.

But the view from the Top And while driving to top was amazing and you will enjoy the drive up to top.

Recommend to have good horsepower vehicle to have easy drive.
Written July 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

de6s
Houston, TX91 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
Just in case there are others like me that missed something - you cannot walk to the top (or at least the top as far as they'll let you go). You can walk to the first checkpoint but then you must have a vehicle to take you the rest. Bit of a shame that you can't actually climb Sri Lanka's highest peak...
Still guess it would be a nice view from the top! Best to in the a.m. though, the afternoon fog comes in quick.
Written October 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rilwan
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka56 contributions
As this plan was suddenly made on the second day morning at Nuwara Eliya we decided to climb the Pidurutalagala Mountain as we had learnt in the good old school days that this was the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.

It was advised to start this visit during morning or noon as the mist begin to cover the beautiful scene of Nuwara Eliya city by late afternoon.

Halfway through, we had to fill an application on how many of us are on the journey as a safety measure and then set off.

The peak is at 6 km ahead but the elevation of the road is so high that we had to hardly climb on the first gear.

There was a danger sign of cheetah but we did not come across any.

Finally on reaching, it was so lovely to see the entire city at a glance. However this lasted for few minutes as the mist began to wipe out the scene by 12 noon onwards.

We had some fresh air to breathe and a hot Nestomalt at a chilling weather.

The place was secured and maintained by the defence.

A very good place to visit as it does not consume much time during the course of vacation.
Written April 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dammika D
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka101 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Pidurutalagala is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. It's located very close to the hill resort city of Nuwara Elliya. From the base of the mountain next to the city a 7-kilometer winding road takes you to the top. The road is wide enough for vehicles to pass each other in most places. Driving is highly enjoyable especially if you have a AWD SUV. You are not supposed to stop anywhere till you reach the top. The top has adequate vehicle parking, and is managed by the Sri Lanka Army and Air Force. Therefore, the the peak is not fully accessible to the public. However, what is accessible is more than enough reason for one to visit the top. Sweeping views of the city of Nuwara Elliya and the gorgeous Gregory Lake can be had from here. Numerous mountain ranges including Sri Pada are clearly visible on a non misty day. It's a great place to try panoramic photography. The best time to reach there is early morning. Ticket counter @ the base opens around 8am. Make it a point to be there around 7 45 am. There's a basic canteen run by the Army at the top. There are no proper restrooms. Obviously, the idea is to make the stay as short as possible in this restricted area highly guarded by the security forces for the communication towers located here.
Written December 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 77
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Pidurutalagala - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Pidurutalagala


Restaurants near Pidurutalagala: View all restaurants near Pidurutalagala on Tripadvisor

Pidurutalagala Information

Excellent Reviews

54

Very Good Reviews

22

Pidurutalagala Photos

187