About Kurunegala
Kurunegala is a vibrant city and the capital of the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by eight rocky outcrops and a scenic lake, it sits at the crossroads connecting Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla and Anuradhapura.
Kurunegala
District
North Western
Province
~116 m
Elevation
Athugala Rock
Landmark
History
Kurunegala served as a royal capital of Sri Lanka in the 13th and 14th centuries, under kings such as Bhuvanekabahu II. Its heritage includes the unusual seven-storey Sath Mahal Prasadaya near the town centre.
Geography
The town is famous for its giant rocks named after the animals they resemble — the largest being Athugala (Elephant Rock), topped by a white Buddha statue with sweeping views over the town and its lake.