Hingurakgoda

Hingurakgoda is a historic town located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. Known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, agricultural vitality, and strategic location, Hingurakgoda serves as a vital link between the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the Eastern Province. The town is renowned for its rich paddy cultivation, supported by irrigation systems like the Minneriya and Kaudulla tanks, which have sustained farming communities for centuries. As a part of the dry zone, Hingurakgoda thrives with lush greenery and seasonal wildlife, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism and agricultural exploration.

Hingurakgoda is also home to one of Sri Lanka’s key domestic airports—Hingurakgoda Airport (Polonnaruwa Airport)—which adds to its importance in regional connectivity and development. The town is dotted with Buddhist temples, rural markets, and traditional villages that reflect authentic Sri Lankan culture and hospitality. For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, Hingurakgoda offers easy access to major attractions like Minneriya National Park, famous for the annual elephant gathering, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa.

With its blend of rural charm, archaeological significance, and growing infrastructure, Hingurakgoda is emerging as a hub for sustainable tourism, agribusiness, and regional commerce. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, Hingurakgoda offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s heritage-rich interior.

🌾 Why is Hingurakgoda – Sri Lanka Special?

A Crossroads of Culture, Nature, and Connectivity

Hingurakgoda, nestled in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is a vibrant town where heritage meets development. As a strategic gateway between the cultural triangle and the eastern province, Hingurakgoda blends rural charm with evolving infrastructure. With ancient irrigation systems, Buddhist history, and eco-rich landscapes, this town is more than a stopover—it’s a destination of depth.

💧 Heart of Irrigation: Minneriya & Kaudulla

Surrounded by historic tanks like Minneriya Wewa and Kaudulla Wewa, Hingurakgoda thrives on its water heritage. These reservoirs not only nourish vast paddy fields but also form part of a protected ecosystem. In the dry season, the Gathering of Elephants near Minneriya becomes one of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife phenomena.

🚜 Farming Traditions with Modern Dreams

Agriculture is Hingurakgoda’s lifeblood. Local farmers cultivate rice, corn, and vegetables using a mix of ancient methods and modern technology. Weekly pola (markets) reflect the area’s economic pulse—colorful, lively, and authentic.

🛕 History Beneath the Surface

Just a short drive from Polonnaruwa’s UNESCO World Heritage ruins, Hingurakgoda holds its own spiritual depth. Hidden temples, ancient rock carvings, and folklore breathe life into village paths and forest clearings.

🛩️ Gateway to the East

Hingurakgoda hosts one of Sri Lanka’s key domestic airports, linking Colombo and the Eastern Province. Its transport connections, educational institutions, and rising businesses mark it as a growing regional hub.

🍛 The True Taste of Polonnaruwa

From spicy kurakkan roti to buffalo curd and treacle, the food in Hingurakgoda is rustic and unforgettable. Family-run eateries and roadside kades serve meals rich in local flavour and love.

🌱 A Region Rising with Purpose

Youth-led eco projects, tech training centers, and agro-tourism startups are bringing a fresh energy to Hingurakgoda. Community farming, school clean-up drives, and digital literacy programs signal a future-ready mindset.

🏞️ Why Visit Hingurakgoda?

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, cultural explorer, or slow traveler, Hingurakgoda offers a soulful escape. Discover the harmony of ancient irrigation, wild elephant herds, village life, and community resilience—all in one place.

GN Code	Name
005	Sinhagama
010	Galoya
015	Rotawewa
020	Rathmale
025	Paluwaddana
030	Yodha Ela
035	Yatiyalpathana
040	Rankothgama
045	Siriketha
050	Kumaragama
055	Samapura
060	Kimbulawala
065	Ulpathwewa
070	Minihirigama
075	Moragaswewa
080	Mahasengama
085	Bathgampaththuwa
090	Samagipura
095	Minneriya
100	Pasiyawewa
105	Akkara 70
110	R.B. 01
115	Pulathisigama
120	Ulkatupotha
125	Bopura
130	Jayapura
135	Hinguraka Bandaragama
140	Hinguraka
145	Hathamuna
150	Hingurakgoda
155	Bubula
160	Raja Ela
165	Raja Ela Gama
170	Muwanpelessa
175	C.P. Pura
180	Girithale
185	Girithale Purangama
190	Girithale Colony
195	Henkola Wela
200	Jayanthipura
205	Unagalavehera West
210	Unagalavehera East
215	Chandana Pokuna
220	Nagapokuna
225	Track 12 Pedesa
230	Chethiyagirigama
235	Weeragama
240	Track 05 Pedesa
245	Wijayaraja Wewa
250	Agbopura
255	Katukaliyawa
260	Sudukanda – Nikawewa
265	Thambalawewa

Year	Population	Source/Notes
2012	64,289	Official census
2020	–	District: 448k
2021–23	~65,000 (estimate)	Based on district growth
2024	~65,200	Projected continued growth (~0.3% p.a.)

Explore Wildlife, Culture & Nature in Perfect Weather

The best time to visit Hingurakgoda, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is during the dry season—from May to September. This period offers sunny skies, low humidity, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities, such as wildlife safaris, village tours, and exploring nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites like Polonnaruwa.

☀️ Dry Season (May to September) – Peak Travel Season

Weather: Warm, sunny, and mostly dry
Highlights:
- Elephant Gathering at nearby Minneriya National Park (July–September)
- Paddy fields in full greenery
- Comfortable hiking and temple visits
Best For: Wildlife lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers

🌧️ Inter-monsoon (October to January) – Mild Showers & Lush Scenery

Weather: Occasional rain with lush landscapes
Highlights:
- Birdwatching near Kaudulla and Girithale tanks
- Quiet temples and fewer tourists
Best For: Eco-travellers and spiritual seekers

🌿 Off-Season (February to April) – Hot & Humid

Weather: Warmer and slightly humid
Highlights:
- Ideal for early-morning exploration
- Good visibility at archaeological sites
Best For: Budget travellers and local experiences

How to Reach Hingurakgoda

Hingurakgoda, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is easily accessible via major routes from Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, and Dambulla. With its own domestic airport and well-connected roads, this culturally rich town is ideal for travelers heading to Minneriya, Kaudulla, or the sacred city of Polonnaruwa. Use the table below to find distances, estimated travel times, and live route maps to plan your journey efficiently.

City	Distance	Estimated Time
Colombo	220 km	5 – 6 hrs
Polonnaruwa	15 km	20 – 30 min
Trincomalee	95 km	2.5 – 3 hrs
Dambulla	55 km	1.5 hrs

📍 Interactive Route Map

Hingurakgoda’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, making it one of the most productive agrarian zones in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. The region’s fertile plains, supported by ancient irrigation systems such as Minneriya Wewa and Kaudulla Wewa, create ideal conditions for cultivating a diverse range of crops.

🚜 Major Crops and Cultivation

The primary economic activity in Hingurakgoda is paddy farming, which follows a seasonal calendar tied to the Maha and Yala monsoon cycles. In addition to rice, local farmers grow:

Vegetables (such as okra, eggplant, and leafy greens)
Maize (corn) and peanuts
Pulses like mung beans
Fruits, including banana and papaya

Many farmers also engage in chena cultivation (shifting agriculture), especially in buffer zones around forested areas.

🐄 Livestock and Fisheries

The region supports a moderate livestock industry, primarily involving cattle, goats, and poultry. Inland fisheries in irrigation tanks also provide both income and protein sources for village communities.

🏪 Economic Diversification

Hingurakgoda is slowly diversifying with the growth of local markets, handicrafts, eco-tourism, and transport services. Weekly fairs (pola) are economic lifelines for rural households, providing a vibrant space for trading produce, spices, clothing, and tools.

💡 Emerging Trends

With the rise of youth-led initiatives, the town is witnessing increased adoption of agro-tech, organic farming, and sustainable practices. Agricultural training centres and rural development programs are helping to modernise the traditional economy without compromising its rural charm.

Hingurakgoda is more than just a town—it’s a living tapestry of Sri Lankan heritage, shaped by close-knit communities, traditional agricultural practices, and deep spiritual roots. The people of Hingurakgoda, primarily Sinhala Buddhists, are known for their warmth, resilience, and deep connection to the land.

🪔 Traditional Lifestyles

Most villagers follow a simple rural lifestyle, rising with the sun to tend fields, care for livestock, and participate in communal activities. Extended families often live close together, supporting one another through farming, festivals, and daily chores.

🛕 Religion and Spirituality

Buddhism plays a central role in the cultural fabric of Hingurakgoda. The town is home to several ancient and modern Buddhist temples, where residents gather for poya day observances, meditation programs, and almsgiving events. Temple murals, stupa relics, and shrine rooms reflect centuries of devotion.

🎉 Festivals and Celebrations

The calendar year is marked by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, and harvest festivals, which are celebrated with traditional food, rituals, and games. These occasions unite the community and highlight the enduring customs that have been passed down through generations.

🎨 Arts, Crafts, and Folklore

Hingurakgoda’s culture is also expressed through folk songs, woodcraft, and handwoven goods. Elders often share stories about ancient kings, irrigation legends, and forest spirits, keeping oral traditions alive in this storytelling-rich society.

Hingurakgoda is a regional hub for education and essential public services in the Polonnaruwa District. As a town that blends rural life with growing infrastructure, Hingurakgoda provides residents with access to quality schools, healthcare, transportation, and civic institutions.

🏫 Education in Hingurakgoda

The town is home to several government schools and educational institutions that serve both Hingurakgoda and surrounding villages. Key schools include:

Hingurakgoda Central College – A leading mixed secondary school known for academics and sports
Bopura Maha Vidyalaya – Serving primary to O/L students
National Youth Corps and Technical Colleges – Offering vocational and IT training to youth in the area

Many students also attend tuition classes and scholarship programs that help bridge the rural-urban education gap. Access to computers, digital literacy workshops, and public libraries is gradually improving, thanks to the support of NGOs and governments.

🏥 Public Health and Safety

The Hingurakgoda Divisional Hospital, situated in Bopura, offers essential healthcare services, including outpatient, emergency, and maternal care. The Hingurakgoda Police Station, situated nearby, ensures community safety and supports regional law enforcement.

🚌 Transport and Communication

The town benefits from a central bus stand, tuk-tuk services, and easy access to the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport, connecting it to Colombo and Trincomalee. Postal services, government offices, and banks are also readily available to serve the local population.

Hingurakgoda serves as a key transit hub in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, offering convenient and diverse transport options that link the town with major cities and cultural landmarks.

🛩️ Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport

Situated just a few kilometres from town in Bopura, the Hingurakgoda Domestic Airport connects Hingurakgoda with Colombo, Trincomalee, and other regional centres. This provides a fast and efficient route for tourists hoping to explore the nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, as well as the archaeological jewels of Polonnaruwa.

🚍 Bus Network & Routes

The central bus stand in Hingurakgoda hosts regular and express daytime services to:

Colombo (via Polonnaruwa and Dambulla)
Polonnaruwa (frequent local buses throughout the day)
Trincomalee and Batticaloa
Nearby towns such as Minneriya, Medirigiriya, Giritale, and Elahera

For shorter trips, tuk-tuks and shared three-wheel services are available, offering affordable last-mile connectivity.

🚗 Roads & Self-Drive Routes

Hingurakgoda is easily reached via the A11 and B‑roads.

From Colombo: ~220 km via Kandy, Dambulla, then Polonnaruwa (~5–6 hrs)
From Dambulla: ~55 km (~1–1½ hrs), passing via Habarana
From Polonnaruwa: Just ~15 km (~20 – 30 min) – ideal for day-trippers

Well-maintained roads and scenic landscapes make it a pleasant route for self-driving and motorbike tours.

🚲 Cycle and Walk Trails

Within the town and its surrounding rural areas, cycle rentals are gaining popularity among eco-tourists. Cycling through paddy fields and along tank-bunding roads offers an immersive local experience.

📡 Mobile & Internet Connectivity

Hingurakgoda boasts solid mobile coverage from major Sri Lankan providers. Numerous cafes, guesthouses, and public spaces offer complimentary Wi-Fi, making it convenient for both tourists and locals.

🌟 Why Transportation Matters

Fast access by air, road, and local transport options makes Hingurakgoda an ideal base for exploring:

Wildlife safaris at Minneriya and Kaudulla
Cultural treks through Polonnaruwa’s temples and ruins
Rural immersion, village visits, and community-stay programs

📸 Why Visit or Invest in Hingurakgoda

Hingurakgoda is a dynamic blend of heritage, agriculture, wildlife, and connectivity — offering immense potential for eco-tourism, agri-business, and regional development.

💧 Irrigation and nature: Surrounded by Minneriya and Kaudulla tanks, the area is a hotspot for both farming and wildlife.
🐘 Wildlife gateway: Proximity to national parks makes it a base for elephant safaris and birdwatching tours.
🛕 Cultural corridor: Close to Polonnaruwa’s UNESCO heritage sites and surrounded by Buddhist temples.
🛩️ Strategic location: Features a domestic airport and excellent road access to the east coast and central Sri Lanka.

Discover Hingurakgoda — where ancient wisdom meets modern opportunity.

Total Population

GN Divisions