How to Reach Meemure: Transport, Road Conditions, and Tourism Importance

Rashmi Abhayarathne January 02, 2026

         

       How to Reach Meemure: Transport, Road Conditions, and Tourism Importance

Meemure is a small and remote village located in the Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. It is well known for its natural beauty, clean rivers, mountains, and traditional rural lifestyle. Due to poor road conditions and limited transportation facilities, Meemure is a remote and difficult-to-reach village. At the same time, Meemure is an important tourist village with strong potential to earn foreign exchange (dollars) for Sri Lanka.

Roads from Kandy to Meemure

There are two main roads from Kandy to Meemure. In addition to these, there are several alternative routes where travelers can travel by bus for part of the journey and complete the remaining distance on foot. Although all these routes are currently very difficult, they are extremely scenic and have high tourist appeal.

Meemure Bus Route
Meemure Bus Route
Main and Alternative Routes

  • Kandy – Digana – Teldeniya – Hunnasgiriya – Denston – Lulwatta – Cobart Gap – Meemure
  • Kandy – Digana – Teldeniya – Hunnasgiriya – Udadumbara (Madugoda) – Dambagahapitiya – Udawela – Kandegama – Combonilla – Lulwatta – Cobart Gap – Meemure
  • Kandy – Digana – Teldeniya – Udispattuwa – Rangala – Thangappuwa – Cobart Gap – Meemure
  • Matale – Laggala / Pallegama – Narangamuwa (reachable by bus) – Meemure (6 km walk)
  • Kandy – Matale – Laggala – Pallegama – Hettipola – Kiulewadiya (reachable by bus) – Batalewatta – Dandenikumbura – Meemure (12 km walk)
  • Kandy – Hunnasgiriya – 18th Bend – Hasalaka – Hettipola – Kiulewadiya (reachable by bus) – Dandenikumbura – Meemure (12 km walk)
  • Kandy – Hunnasgiriya – 18th Bend – Hasalaka – Ginipettipalama – Sulugune (reachable by bus) – Dandenikumbura – Meemure (12 km walk)

All these routes are very scenic. However, road conditions—especially after Hunnasgiriya—have worsened following Cyclone Ditva. The roads are narrow, rough, and badly damaged, particularly near the village.

Public Bus Service

Public transportation to Meemure is extremely limited. There is only one bus service per day.

  • The bus departs Hunnasgiriya at 8:00 AM and reaches Meemure by 10:00 AM
  • It leaves Meemure at 10:15 AM and returns to Hunnasgiriya
  • The bus departs Meemure again at 4:45 PM and reaches Hunnasgiriya around 7:30 PM
  • Another service leaves Meemure at 5:15 AM and reaches Hunnasgiriya via Cobonilla and Kandegama at 7:30 AM

If this bus service is missed, there are no other regular public transport options. Travelers must then rely on private jeeps, motorcycles, or tractors.

Current Road Conditions

Current Road
Meemure Bus 

At present, road conditions to Meemure are extremely poor. Many sections of the road are badly damaged and are not suitable for buses or normal vehicles. Large areas are unpaved, rocky, and uneven, while some sections are very narrow with steep slopes.

During the rainy season, the roads become muddy and slippery, increasing the risk of landslides. In addition, Meemure was severely affected by Cyclone Ditva, which has further disrupted road access and tourism activities.

Meemure as a Tourist Village

Meemure is officially recognized as a tourist village. It attracts both local and foreign tourists who visit for hiking, camping, river bathing, and experiencing traditional village life. As a result, Meemure has strong potential to generate foreign exchange income for Sri Lanka.

Tourism provides income opportunities for local residents through accommodation, guiding services, food supply, transportation, and cultural experiences. With improved road development and better transportation facilities, Meemure could become an even more valuable destination within Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Facilities and Accessibility

Meemure has limited mobile phone network coverage and only basic facilities. Electricity supply is restricted, and access to medical and emergency services is difficult due to poor road conditions. These factors clearly demonstrate how remote the village remains, despite its importance as a tourist destination.

Rashmi Abhayarathne

Posted by Rashmi Abhayarathne