Prime city of Kurunegala Sri Lanka is the capital of North Western province. According to historian Kurunegala was believed to be the ancient royal capital for nearly fifty years. Kurunegala is geographically placed at a junction connecting several main roads linking to other part of Srilanka. Kurunegala is attractive and surrounded by coconut plantations. It is known for the eight noticeable large rocks that dominate the city. Six ofthe rocks are imagined to look alike the animals they represent. The largest of these rocks is the Ethagala known as the elephant rock. The rock resembles an elephant and the name means tusker.
Karunegala is known to house three prime archaeological sites in close distance – Parakramapura, Panduvasnuwara, Dambadeniya. The surroundings of Kurunegala, is extremely picturesque. It overlooks a rocky outcrop resembling an elephant, tortoise and more.
Things to do and places of attraction in Kurunegala
- KurunegalaLake is a manmade lake in the outskirts of the town. It is situated on the Kurunegala-Dambulla road. The lake has a picturesque surrounding
- Rocks of Kurunegala have earned a lot of fame for resembling varied animals. Six of the rocks resemble elephant, beetle, goat, Tortoise and crocodile. Legend has it that these animals were magically transformed into rocks during a famine. Whatever the legend is, today these rocks make for a splendid attraction in Kurunegala
- Maligawa ancient ruins are attractions that represent Kurunegala’s past. You will find yourself before a splendid entrance, steps, pillars of rocks, and walls in ruins belonging to the royal palace. The palace though not as charming as its old appeal still has magnificent trees and picturesque surroundings adding to its beauty and luring tourists to pay a visit. The ruins have been well preserved and remain constant reminder of a time when royalty existed.
- The Clock tower of Kurunegala is another splendid attraction of the region. It was built to remind the lives that were laid down fighting a ferocious battle of the First World War. In the year 1922, the tower was built in memorium of the lost soldiers whom the war consumed. The tower also stands as a reminder of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.
At an eighteen kilometer distance is Ridhi Vihariyaknown amongst the Buddhists rock cave hermitages. It has an image with Kandyan paintings of the 18 the century Ridhi vihariya has a lot of scenic beauty that surrounds it. That makes for an added attraction in the area for tourists.
- Arankele is also known for its cave hermitage that belongs to the 6th century. The hillside is a forest known for a perfect spot for meditation. Arankele is located at about 24 kilometers away from Kurunegala. According to some inscriptions it was found that the place has meditation halls, platform structures and Ambulla.
- Yapahuwa is an ancient fortress built in 1301 and attracts travelers to visit and witness the traces of an ancient battle
- Dambadeniya is known for its Buddhist sites and attracts pilgrims mainly. The double storied temple of Buddha in Dambadeniya has images of Buddha.
- Panduwasnuwara attracts tourists to witness the archaeological remains discovered in plenty here that date back to 12th century.
