Meemure Village
Experience Sri Lanka's Last Traditional Mountain Village
Welcome to Meemure: Sri Lanka's Last Traditional Village
Step back in time and discover Meemure, a hidden mountain village where life has remained unchanged for over a thousand years! Nestled deep in the pristine Knuckles Mountain Range, this extraordinary village offers you a rare glimpse into authentic Sinhalese culture that has been preserved in its purest form, untouched by the rapid modernization of the outside world.
Imagine a place where there's no electricity, no mobile phone coverage, and no modern conveniences - yet the people live in complete harmony with nature, following traditions passed down through countless generations. Meemure is home to about 60 families who are descendants of King Rajasinghe II's soldiers, who were stationed here in the 17th century to guard against Portuguese invasions.
The journey to Meemure is an adventure in itself, requiring a challenging 4WD ride through mountain terrain that will test your endurance but reward you with breathtaking views. Once you arrive, you'll find yourself in a world where time stands still - where buffalo still plow the fields, traditional wooden houses dot the landscape, and villagers weave baskets and craft tools using techniques unchanged for centuries.
This isn't just a tourist destination - it's a living, breathing community that welcomes visitors to experience their way of life. You can participate in traditional farming, learn ancient crafts, enjoy authentic village cuisine cooked over wood fires, and sleep in traditional homes under a canopy of stars unmarred by light pollution.
Important Travel Notice
4WD Vehicle Required: The final 20km to Meemure requires a 4WD vehicle with experienced mountain drivers. Regular cars cannot make this journey safely.
No Modern Amenities: The village has no electricity, internet, or mobile coverage. Come prepared for a digital detox and authentic rural experience.
Book accommodation in advance through local guides in Hunnasgiriya village, as options are limited and fill up quickly during peak season.
By 4WD Vehicle (Only Option)
- • Distance: 45km from Kandy
- • Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- • Cost: $40-60 USD return trip
- • Route: Kandy → Hunnasgiriya → Meemure
Via Public Transport + 4WD
- • Bus/van to Hunnasgiriya from Kandy
- • Hire 4WD vehicle and driver in Hunnasgiriya
- • Total journey: 4-5 hours
- • More economical but less convenient
Important: Book 4WD vehicles through registered operators in Hunnasgiriya village. Local drivers know the challenging mountain roads and weather conditions best.
The Ancient Story of Meemure
The story of Meemure begins over a thousand years ago, when this remote mountain valley served as a refuge for people fleeing various invasions of the lowlands. The most significant chapter in its history came during the reign of King Rajasinghe II in the 17th century, when he stationed soldiers here to guard against Portuguese colonial forces advancing from the coast.
These soldiers, cut off from the outside world by treacherous mountain terrain, gradually established permanent settlements. Over generations, they developed a unique culture that blended ancient Sinhalese traditions with mountain adaptations necessary for survival in this challenging environment. Their isolation became their protection, preserving ways of life that disappeared elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
The village's name "Meemure" is believed to derive from ancient Sinhalese words meaning "place of honey" - a reference to the wild honey that has been harvested from cliff faces for centuries. The villagers developed intricate knowledge of the mountain ecosystem, learning to live sustainably within the boundaries of what would later become part of the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
Today, the descendants of these original settlers maintain many of the same practices their ancestors followed centuries ago. They continue to speak in a unique dialect, practice traditional agriculture, and follow social customs that have remained largely unchanged. This remarkable continuity makes Meemure one of the few places on Earth where you can truly experience how rural communities lived in pre-modern times.
Authentic Village Experiences
Participate in traditional rice cultivation using buffalo-drawn plows and ancient irrigation techniques. Learn how villagers grow their food using methods passed down through generations without any modern machinery.
Master traditional crafts like basket weaving, wooden tool making, and mat creation using natural materials. Village artisans will teach you techniques used for centuries.
Experience authentic village cooking using clay pots, wood fires, and ingredients grown locally. Learn to prepare traditional dishes that have nourished mountain communities for generations.
Discover hidden waterfalls, ancient meditation caves, and wildlife viewing spots with knowledgeable village guides who know every trail in the surrounding Knuckles Mountains.
Essential Guidelines for Visiting
Best Time to Visit Meemure
Accommodation & Meals
What to Bring
Important: No ATMs, shops, or mobile coverage available. Bring cash, snacks, and any medications you might need.
What Else to See Nearby
The last village with basic amenities before reaching Meemure. 4WD vehicle rentals and local guides available.
Pristine mountain ecosystem with endemic flora and fauna. Guided nature walks and research programs available.
Beautiful waterfall accessible through village trails. Perfect for photography and refreshing dips.
Historic city with Temple of the Tooth, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions. Perfect base for Meemure trips.
Historic town with Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara temple, one of the earliest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
Magnificent rock temple complex with stunning Buddha statues and ancient paintings. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience Authentic Sri Lankan Mountain Life
Meemure village offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience authentic Sinhalese mountain culture that has remained unchanged for centuries. This hidden gem in the Knuckles Mountains provides not just breathtaking natural beauty, but a genuine connection with traditional Sri Lankan life.
Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a break from modern life, Meemure delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich heritage.