Where to Go >> Kurunegala

Kurunegala

There are many interior Sri Lankan towns that have mysterious mountains and towering rocks as backdrops, and Kurunegala is one of them. Thanks to its picturesque setting with eight peaks, most especially the famed Elephant Rock, Kurunegala has much that makes it remarkable. Once an ancient capital, it also has a history worth becoming acquainted with.

 
Kurunegala was a royal capital for only 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the next, though even before this it was strategically placed in the middle of other majestic strongholds such as Yapahuwa to the north, Dambadeniya to the south and Panduwasnuwara in the east.
 
(Image Source : en.wikipedia.org)

Buddha Statue on top of the Elephant rock. Fruit stall at the Kurunegala fair Buddha Statue on top of the Elephant rock Bauddhaloka Buddhist Temple Kurunegala Lake.


Things to See

Arankele

Arankele Sixth century remains of the Arankele forest monastery and caves lie at a distance of 24km to the north of Kurunegala. It was inhabited by the Tapovana or forest-dwelling sect of austere Buddhist hermits, and the remains of these ruins include a large tantaghara (hot water-bath), long concrete meditating walkway through a ...