Travel broadens horizons, especially when you step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in local culture, customs, and traditions. Such journeys often lead to rural villages where traditions thrive, hospitality shines, nature flourishes and adventure awaits. Around 40 such villages still live deep in the Knuckles Mountain Wilderness, self-sufficient and in harmony with nature. Among them is Meemure village, a spectacular remote hamlet, 33km north of Hunnasgiriya with about 400 residents. With the Lakegala peak towering over, Meemure offers a unique glimpse into rural life while being the trailhead for some incredible adventures.
Why Visit?
Traditional iluk-roofed mud and stone houses with open courtyards define Meemure. Home gardens, hedged by traditional stone walls, are planted with vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants for sustainable living. Daily village life centers around paddy fields. During paddy harvest, communal harvest songs serenade the village. Meemure is surrounded by mist-covered peaks, verdant woodland, rapidly meandering rivers and cascading silvery waterfalls. A location made for exploration and expedition. Lack of quality accommodation in the village makes Meemure camping sites an ideal embarkation point for some wild adventures.
Lakegala Hike – 1310m of vertical cliffs- this is a challenge for seasoned hikers.
Nitro Cave hike – A blend of history, wildlife and cave exploration
Diyakarellaella waterfall – Incredible beauty and challenging adventure in one- Abseil if you will.
Meemure to Ranamure hike – Ancient path that takes you around Ravana’s kingdom.
Meemure to Duwiliella hike – Couple of nights camping under the stars next to waterfalls.
Sooriya Arana Ella – Short hike and plenty of time to plunge pool.
Meemure, named so for the surrounding Mee trees, holds rich history and legend. Lakegala Peak, towering over the village, is believed to have been King Ravana’s Capital, Lankapura, and also bears a footprint said to be left by Lord Buddha during his third island visit. Another legend connects Meemure to Kuweni’s banishment by King Vijaya, where she lived with her two children. Many believe the Vedda’s originated from these children. Today, the Veddas are based in Mahiyanganaya, 60km away, hinting a link to this ancient connection.
Local tales state Meemure once belonged to a Vedda named Benduruwa, but King Vimaladharma, gave the village to his confidant, Herathhamy, whose descendants still remain. In the early 1800’s, villagers supplied saltpeter mined from Nitro cave, rich in bat guano, to the Kandyan King for gunpowder against British forces. Another narrative recalls King Sri Wikrama Rajasinghe banishing his daughter to Meemure with her lover, disapproving the affair. On hearing of the King’s capture, both committed suicide, leaving behind royal jewelry, which legend claims still lies hidden within the village.
