Galapitagala (Alien Face Rock)
A huge boulder balanced on a smaller one on a hilltop near Kalupahana, often called the alien face rock, with wide views over the valleys around it.
Galapitagala is one of the strangest sights in Sri Lanka's hill country. On a hilltop above a tea estate near Kalupahana, a huge boulder sits balanced on top of a smaller one, about 30 feet tall in all. From certain angles the rock looks remarkably like a face, which is why it is often called the alien face rock and compared to the famous statues of Easter Island. Some locals believe it may be an ancient attempt at carving a figure, while others see it simply as a trick of nature.
The view from the hilltop is a big part of the reward. On a clear day you look out over the valleys of the area, with waterfalls and forested ridges in the distance, and the rock itself makes a dramatic foreground for photos.
Getting there is an adventure. The rock sits on private estate land, reached from the Kalupahana area, and the final stretch is a climb of about a kilometre through long grass and bushes. The path can be overgrown, and some visitors have taken much longer than expected to find their way. The local council has put up signboards in recent years, but it is still best to go with a guide or ask in Kalupahana before you set off.
Start in the morning, before the heat and the afternoon cloud. Wear long trousers and proper shoes for the grass and rocks, bring water, and respect the estate and the workers on the way. Do not climb onto the balanced rock itself.
At a glance
- Entry fee: No fixed entry fee reported. A guide or a small local charge may apply.
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours, including the climb
- Best time: Morning, in the drier months from January to March
How to get there
Near Kalupahana on the A4, about an hour from Haputale. Access is through a tea estate, with a climb of about 1km at the end. Going with a local guide is recommended.