Saranga

5.0

The Ramboda Road Tunnel is currently the longest road tunnel in Sri Lanka, located on the A5 highway between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. It is 225 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 5.6 meters high. Construction started in 2006 and the tunnel was opened in February 2008. It was substantially funded by the Japanese Government. It helps ease travel on the A5 route (Peradeniya → Nuwara Eliya) especially around the Ramboda Falls / Ramboda Pass area. It replaced or bypassed a dangerous or difficult section of road. Many people consider it an “engineering marvel” among Sri Lankan road infrastructure. The tunnel makes a scenic road trip feel more comfortable, especially in bad weather or when visibility is poor. It adds safety: the older road sections around Ramboda are winding, steep, and occasionally problematic; the tunnel helps bypass some of the tougher parts. It also provides a notable landmark / conversation point for travelers people like stopping or noticing the tunnel because it’s unusual and often newly constructed compared to other roads in high-country. Because it's a tunnel on a mountainous route, lighting / visibility inside can sometimes be challenging, especially at dusk or during heavy rain. During peak travel times (holidays, weekends), the traffic entering/exiting the tunnel can get slow, especially if there are many vehicles or small breakdowns. 💡 Traveler Tip If possible, drive through the tunnel either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid traffic-rush times. Have your headlights on when entering even if it's daylight that helps visibility. Pull over at viewpoints just before or after the tunnel (if safe) to admire views of Ramboda Falls and the surrounding hills. If you're interested in photography, the changing light as you exit the tunnel into the hills can make for dramatic shots.

Viraj Kasun

5.0

The Ramboda Tunnel, a key feature on the scenic A5 highway to Nuwara Eliya, is more than just a conduit through a mountain; it's a modern engineering marvel. As one of Sri Lanka's longest road tunnels, it marks a significant improvement on the journey into the central highlands, enhancing both safety and efficiency for countless travelers. Before its inauguration, drivers had to navigate the notoriously precarious Ramboda Pass, a stretch of road with daunting hairpin bends and a high risk of landslides. This new route completely bypasses that treacherous section, saving valuable time and offering peace of mind. The transition from the vibrant, mist-covered tea plantations into the cool, uniformly lit interior is a distinct experience. The drive is smooth and quick, and upon exiting, you are immediately reintroduced to the stunning highland scenery, often with a fresh, spectacular view of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Funded with Japanese assistance, the Ramboda Tunnel isn't a destination in itself, but it has become an indispensable and impressive part of the Sri Lankan hill country experience. It stands as a testament to solving complex geographical challenges through thoughtful infrastructure, making the beautiful journey to 'Little England' safer and more accessible for all.

Krishantha Gunawardana

5.0

Driving through the Ramboda Tunnel was a unique experience! As Sri Lanka's longest road tunnel, stretching 225 meters, it offers a fascinating blend of modern engineering amidst the country's natural beauty. The tunnel is well-lit and smoothly integrated into the A5 highway, making the journey between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya more efficient and scenic. It's impressive to see how infrastructure and nature coexist here. A must-see for travelers exploring the central highlands

Shaluka Karunarathna

5.0

The Ramboda Tunnel, located on the A5 highway near the Ramboda Falls in Sri Lanka, is the country's longest road tunnel, measuring 225 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 5.6 meters in height. It was officially opened in February 2008, following its completion in 2007 . Financial Overview Construction Cost: Approximately LKR 2 billion (Sri Lankan Rupees), funded primarily by the Government of Japan through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan scheme. Total Project Funding: The broader "Road Network Improvement Project," which included the Ramboda Tunnel, received a total of 3,078 million Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 3.1 billion) from japan. Strategic Importance The tunnel was constructed to bypass the challenging Ramboda Pass, facilitating smoother and safer travel between Gampola and Nuwara Eliya. This development has significantly improved transportation efficiency, benefiting both local communities and the tourism sector by reducing travel time and enhancing road safety . Cultural Recognition In 2011, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued a new series of banknotes, and the LKR 1,000 note featured an artist's impression of the Ramboda Tunnel, highlighting its significance in the nation's infrastructure development .

Pasan Jayasinghe

5.0

The Ramboda Tunnel is the longest tunnel in the island of Sri Lanka. It has a length of 225 metres, a width of 7 metres and a height of 5.6 metres. Driving through the eerie tunnel gives one a thrilling sensation indeed. Those who have claustrophobia may even find themselves holding their breath until the faint light of the exit starts to shine! Keep in mind that, it is prohibited to walk inside the tunnel. Because vehicles travel at incredible speed inside the tunnel. So it will be quite dangerous to walk within its dark spaces that are only faintly lit. As you are travelling in the A5 highway and near the famous Ramboda Falls, you will reach one of the most popular landmarks in the region. The iconic Ramboda Tunnel is indeed a place that fascinates and enthrals especially the large numbers of travelling locals. As there aren’t many tunnels in the country, the experience of travelling through this incredible tunnel is a remarkable one for sure.