Kurunegala is important on this route as it lies at the crossroads between Negombo, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Anuradhapura where all ancient kingdoms are culturally significant and strategic.Its position provided natural defenses surroundings and made it a vital center of power and trade connecting different parts of the Island from the past.
Kurunegala offers modern amenities for tourists while still being close to heritage sites village life base for both cultural excursions and rural agricultural tourism.
Kurunegala was a significant royal capital from 1293 to 1341 (in the early 14th century) before shifting to Kandy during the reign of king Buwanekabahu-ii
Ancient sites around Kurunegala
- Yapahuwa rock fortress and former capital with intricate stone carvings.
- Ridi vihara (the silver monastery) tide to king Dutugamunu’s in Anuradhapura story. Where rock carvings murals and serene surroundings.
- Arankele monastery: an ancient forest hermitage with stone pathways meditation platform, ruins, hot water bath and rock caves. Perfect for tourist seeking tranquility and wellness tourism.
- Padeniya Rajamaha Viharaya – Ancient temple with Kandiyan style wooden architecture.
Events. (Optional and seasonal)
- Ploughing with buffalos and paddy harvesting with village women.
- Handicraft demonstration about pottery, weaving and wood carvings.
- Coconut triangle bounded by Kurunegala is ideal place to introduce deep cultural and economic role of the coconut as locals use them for toddy trapping, trickle, food, crafting, and Thatching roof. Etc…
