Kurunegala

Introducing Kurunegala

Kurunegala is an important crossroads town on the routes between Colombo and Anuradhapura, and Kandy and Puttalam. The town itself is not particularly interesting, but the region around Kurunegala is rich in archaeological sites and temples.

The large, smooth rocky outcrops that loom over the low-rise buildings are a striking feature of this city. Named for the animals they appear to resemble (Tortoise Rock, Lion Rock etc), the outcrops are, unsurprisingly, endowed with mythological status; it’s said that they were formed when animals that were endangering the free supply of water to the town were turned into stone.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009