Kekirawa, a picturesque town nestled in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, serves as a gateway to the island’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage. Located in the Anuradhapura District, Kekirawa is strategically positioned between the historical cities of Anuradhapura and Dambulla, making it a popular stopover for travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The town is surrounded by lush paddy fields, ancient reservoirs (wewas), and scattered ruins that whisper tales of a bygone era. Farming is the lifeblood of Kekirawa, with most residents engaged in rice cultivation, vegetable farming, and chena (shifting) cultivation. The town’s economy thrives on agriculture, small-scale trade, and increasingly, eco-tourism.
A notable attraction near Kekirawa is the Avukana Buddha Statue, a towering rock-carved figure believed to date back to the 5th century AD. This remarkable sculpture, standing over 40 feet tall, reflects the ancient artisans’ mastery and devotion to Buddhism. In addition, nearby lakes such as Ihalagama Wewa and Kalawewa not only support irrigation but also serve as scenic spots for birdwatching and relaxation. Kekirawa’s charm lies in its slow-paced lifestyle, friendly communities, and timeless connection to nature and history.
For those seeking an authentic Sri Lankan village experience, Kekirawa offers a peaceful retreat away from the busy cities. With easy access via road and rail, the town continues to grow in importance while preserving its rural roots. Whether you’re a cultural explorer or a nature lover, Kekirawa welcomes you with warmth and serenity.
Total Population
59,241
GN Divisions
53
🌾 Why is Kekirawa – Sri Lanka Special?
A Gateway to Ancient Heritage and Rural Life
Tucked between the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and Dambulla, Kekirawa is more than just a dot on the map — it’s a thriving blend of history, nature, and community living. Often overshadowed by its UNESCO neighbours, Kekirawa quietly invites curious travellers to slow down and experience the heart of Sri Lanka’s dry zone countryside.
🏞️ Lush Landscapes and Ancient Reservoirs
The lifeblood of Kekirawa is its water – from Kala Wewa to Ihalagama Wewa, ancient irrigation tanks still feed miles of vibrant paddy fields and chena lands. These reservoirs, built centuries ago, not only support agriculture but also attract birdlife and wildlife, offering tranquil scenes for nature lovers. Cycling through Kekirawa’s gravel roads reveals golden fields, buffalo herds, and serene lotus-covered wewas.
📜 An Echo of the Past in Every Grain of Soil
Kekirawa is steeped in legend and legacy. Just a short drive away stands the Avukana Buddha Statue, a 5th-century marvel that inspires awe and devotion. Local folklore intertwines with history, and many villagers continue rituals and customs passed down from ancient kingdoms — blending belief with everyday life.
🍛 Taste Authenticity on Every Plate
Meals here are farm-to-table in the truest sense. Spicy sambols, fresh rice from local harvests, and wood-fired curries made with green gram, jackfruit, and village chicken are served with heartfelt hospitality. Don’t miss the buffalo curd and kithul treacle that has earned Kekirawa fame across regions.
🤝 Rooted in Community and Tradition
What truly sets Kekirawa apart is its people. Warm, grounded, and generous, the residents of Kekirawa are always eager to share stories, lend a hand, or offer you a seat under a tamarind tree. From the Sunday pola (market) to temple festivals, community life thrives with joy and inclusion.
🌿 A Rising Hub for Rural Innovation
Kekirawa may be rooted in tradition, but it’s also stepping into the future. With the rise of youth-led farming initiatives, agri-tech experiments, and eco-tourism projects, Kekirawa is emerging as a centre of rural development and sustainable tourism. It’s an ideal place for travellers seeking not only beauty but purpose.
| GN Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Nawakkulama |
| 010 | Moragoda |
| 015 | Mahadiwulwewa |
| 020 | Keeriyagaswewa |
| 025 | Ihala Puliyankulama |
| 030 | Kele-Puliyankulama |
| 035 | Maradankadawela |
| 040 | Thoruwewa |
| 045 | Maminiyawa |
| 050 | Maminiya – Rambewa |
| 055 | Ganewalpola |
| 060 | Heenukkiriyawa |
| 065 | Ebulgaswewa |
| 070 | Olukaranda |
| 075 | Kollankuttigama |
| 080 | Mudaperumagama |
| 085 | Ihalagama |
| 090 | Shasthrawelliya |
| 095 | Railway Town |
| 100 | Maradankadawala Road |
| 105 | Maldenipura |
| 110 | Mankadawala |
| 115 | Medawewa |
| 120 | Pothanegama |
| 125 | Kuda Kekirawa |
| 130 | Kekirawa Town |
| 135 | Malawa |
| 140 | Neekiniyawa |
| 145 | Mailagaswewa |
| 150 | Karukkankulama |
| 155 | Olombewa |
| 160 | Maha Kekirawa |
| 165 | Kumbukwewa |
| 170 | Rathmallewa |
| 175 | Medagama |
| 180 | Korasagalla |
| 185 | Unagollewa |
| 190 | Horapola |
| 195 | Dambewatana |
| 200 | Undurawa |
| 205 | Nidigama |
| 210 | Maha Elagamuwa |
| 215 | Pallehigura |
| 220 | Nelbagama |
| 225 | Murungahitikanda |
| 230 | Baravila |
| 235 | Bandarapathana |
| 240 | Kotagala |
| 245 | Madatugama |
| 250 | Dunumadalawa |
| 255 | Kandalama – West |
| 260 | Kithulhitiyawa |
| 265 | Kandalama – East |
| Year | Kekirawa DS Population |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 52,107 |
| 2012 | 59,241 |
| 2013–2024 | No official updates available |
- Police Station: 025-2264222 / 071-8591208
- Hospital: 0252 264 261
Best Time to Visit Kekirawa
Kekirawa, nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, features a tropical dry-zone climate that welcomes visitors throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kekirawa is between December and March, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for outdoor exploration. During this season, travellers can comfortably tour nearby cultural sites such as the Avukana Buddha Statue, cycle through scenic paddy fields, or explore ancient tanks like Kala Wewa without being affected by heavy rains.
🌾 Witness the Rhythms of the Land
While the dry season offers convenience, the Maha monsoon season (October to January) brings Kekirawa to life in a different way. The rains revive the landscape, filling the reservoirs, greening the fields, and attracting birds and wildlife. It’s a time when traditional farming thrives, and the countryside radiates with vitality. This season is perfect for eco-tourists, photographers, and anyone seeking an authentic village experience.
🌿 All-Year Rural Charm
Even during the Yala season (May to August), Kekirawa retains its tranquil appeal. Early mornings and late afternoons remain calm and enjoyable, making them great for village walks and observing daily life. With fewer tourists, this off-peak period offers more peaceful moments to experience nature and connect with the local community.
Whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, farm life, or serene landscapes, Kekirawa promises a soulful experience, regardless of the season.
How to Reach Kekirawa
Kekirawa, a town in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, lies conveniently along the A9 highway. It is well-connected to major cities like Colombo, Anuradhapura, and Dambulla, making it easily accessible by road or train. Below is a guide to help you explore routes, distances, and travel times from key locations.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 160 km | 4.5 – 5 hrs | |
| Anuradhapura | 48 km | 1 hr | |
| Dambulla | 30 km | 40 mins | |
| Kurunegala | 72 km | 2 hrs | |
| Habarana | 20 km | 30 mins |
📍 Interactive Route Map
Geographical Overview – Kekirawa
Province: North Central Province
District: Anuradhapura
Divisional Secretariat: Kekirawa Divisional Secretariat
Neighbouring Areas: Dambulla, Habarana, Thirappane, Palagala
Local Economy and Agriculture – Kekirawa
Kekirawa’s local economy thrives on its strong agricultural foundation. Positioned in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, the region is known for paddy cultivation, made possible by a network of ancient irrigation tanks such as Kala Wewa and Ihalagama Wewa. In addition to paddy, vegetable farming, green gram, chili, and maize cultivation are common, supporting both subsistence and commercial markets.
Chena cultivation (slash-and-burn farming) continues to play a role in rural livelihoods, especially in surrounding forested zones. These age-old practices not only meet household food needs but also preserve agricultural traditions passed down through generations.
Beyond farming, self-employment and rural industries are gaining momentum in Kekirawa. Villagers engage in activities like brickmaking, carpentry, food preservation, and handicrafts. The weekly pola (local market) serves as a key trading point for farm produce, livestock, and home-made goods.
Women’s societies and youth cooperatives are increasingly active in entrepreneurship, supported by microfinance programs and community-based training. These initiatives help promote sustainable development and reduce rural unemployment.
Kekirawa is also seeing the gradual rise of agro-tourism, where visitors can experience traditional farming and village life firsthand — blending the local economy with tourism in meaningful ways.
Community and Culture – Kekirawa
Kekirawa is a vibrant rural town with a predominantly Sinhala Buddhist community that upholds age-old traditions, spiritual devotion, and strong social bonds. The area is dotted with historic temples, including those nestled near ancient reservoirs and forest patches. These temples act not only as religious sanctuaries but also as cultural and educational centers for villagers across generations.
The spiritual life of the community is deeply woven into daily routines, from morning almsgiving to evening chanting. Elders often guide youth in Dhamma education, storytelling, and temple-based volunteering, fostering a culture of respect, gratitude, and simplicity.
Kekirawa truly comes alive during Vesak, Poson, and Nikini Poya, where villagers decorate homes and temples with handcrafted lanterns, oil lamps, and colorful flags. Free Dansalas (food stalls) pop up along roadsides, showcasing the community’s warmth and generosity. Religious processions, temple dramas, and all-night pirith chanting further reflect the area’s deep spiritual rhythm.
Local art forms, folk music, and rituals — often showcased during temple festivals — serve as living reminders of Kekirawa’s rich cultural heritage. Community halls and school stages frequently host drama and dance performances tied to religious and national celebrations.
Above all, Kekirawa’s community is known for its hospitality, resilience, and shared values, making it a beautiful example of rural Sri Lanka’s cultural heart.
Education and Public Facilities – Kekirawa
Kekirawa provides a solid foundation for education and public services, ensuring the well-being and development of its residents. The town is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Kekirawa Central College and Kekirawa National School, which serve as key centers for academic learning and extracurricular development. These schools attract students from surrounding villages and play a major role in shaping the region’s future generations.
In addition to formal education, preschools, tuition centers, and vocational training programs operate in Kekirawa, offering diverse learning opportunities for youth and school leavers. Community libraries and IT labs, often supported by local and provincial initiatives, help bridge the digital divide in rural education.
On the public services front, Kekirawa is supported by vital facilities such as the Kekirawa District Hospital, rural dispensaries, and Ayurvedic centers, which provide both modern and traditional healthcare services. These are essential for maternal care, emergency treatment, and community health outreach programs.
The town also benefits from a local post office, police station, co-operative banks, and agrarian service centers, which support everyday communication, safety, and agricultural needs. Bus and railway stations further enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Together, these educational and public facilities form the backbone of Kekirawa’s social and economic infrastructure, promoting a better quality of life and rural empowerment.
Transportation and Accessibility – Kekirawa
Kekirawa is a well-connected transit hub located along the A9 (Kandy–Jaffna) Highway, making it easily accessible from major cities like Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kurunegala, and Colombo. This strategic location ensures smooth travel for both residents and visitors throughout the year.
One of the key advantages of Kekirawa is its railway station, which lies on the Northern Line of Sri Lanka Railways. Trains traveling between Colombo, Jaffna, and Kankesanthurai make scheduled stops at Kekirawa Railway Station, providing affordable and scenic travel options for long-distance commuters and tourists alike.
In addition to rail, frequent public bus services operate along routes connecting Kekirawa to nearby towns such as Habarana, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Galenbindunuwewa. Buses are readily available at the Kekirawa Bus Stand, offering reliable connections across the region.
For local mobility, residents commonly rely on three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) and motorbikes, which are ideal for short distances and GN division access. Private vans and cabs are also available for hire, especially during events or temple festivals.
Kekirawa’s accessibility via both road and rail networks makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, while ensuring that locals stay well connected to essential services, trade routes, and educational institutions.
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Kekirawa
Kekirawa blends historical charm, agricultural vitality, and strategic connectivity — making it a promising destination for sustainable tourism and regional development.
- 🏯 Heritage & culture: Home to the iconic Avukana Buddha statue and ancient irrigation systems rooted in Sri Lanka’s history.
- 🌾 Agro-based economy: Vast paddy fields, vegetable farms, and growing interest in agro-tourism and green investments.
- 🚆 Strategic location: Located along the A9 highway with road and rail access to major cities and tourist hubs.
Whether you're a traveler, developer, or cultural explorer — Kekirawa invites you to be part of its vibrant journey.