Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama is a charming rural town located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, offering a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by lush paddy fields, coconut plantations, and natural beauty. Known for its agricultural heritage, Nawagattegama plays a vital role in rice, coconut, and vegetable cultivation, making it an essential contributor to the region’s economy. The town is connected by well‑maintained roads, linking it to nearby cities such as Anamaduwa, Thabbowa, and Puttalam, ensuring convenient access for residents and visitors. Nawagattegama is also home to a variety of Grama Niladhari Divisions (GN Divisions), each with its own unique identity, cultural traditions, and community spirit. Local life here is simple yet rich in cultural values, with religious and social events bringing the community together. The area boasts several schools, temples, and small businesses that support its growing population. For travelers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan village experience, Nawagattegama offers an opportunity to explore traditional farming methods, enjoy fresh local produce, and witness the warm hospitality of its people. Its location makes it an excellent stopover for those visiting Wilpattu National Park, one of the country’s most famous wildlife reserves, located just a short drive away. Whether you are a resident, investor, or tourist, Nawagattegama presents a blend of rural charm, economic potential, and community warmth. With its scenic landscapes, agricultural abundance, and strategic location, Nawagattegama continues to grow while preserving its strong cultural roots, making it an important and vibrant part of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province.

🌾 Why is Nawagattegama – Sri Lanka Special?

A Gentle Symphony of Agriculture, Culture, and Togetherness

Tucked away in the North Western Province’s Puttalam District, Nawagattegama is more than just a rural township—it is a thriving hub of Sri Lanka’s farming heritage, cultural traditions, and warm community spirit. Each dawn brings the golden glow of paddy fields, the rustle of coconut palms, and the rhythmic hum of village life, reminding visitors that this is a place where nature and people live in harmony.

🏞️ Lands of Abundance and Resilience

Nawagattegama’s lifeblood is its fertile farmlands. Vast paddy fields sway in the breeze, while coconut plantations, banana groves, and vegetable gardens sustain both the economy and the dinner table. Farmers here cultivate with care, guided by ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Traditional irrigation channels continue to nourish the land, preserving the balance between nature and agriculture.

📜 Cultural Roots Anchored in Faith

Scattered across the town are Buddhist temples, shrines, and sacred Bodhi trees that bring the community together. Poya day rituals, annual peraheras (processions), and temple festivals create colourful moments of devotion and unity. These sacred spaces are more than places of worship—they are the heartbeats of Nawagattegama’s cultural identity.

🍛 A Taste of Rural Sri Lanka

Meals in Nawagattegama tell the story of the land. Steaming red rice, homegrown vegetable curries, spicy coconut sambol, and freshly caught inland fish are daily staples. Locally produced buffalo curd with golden kithul treacle offers a sweet reminder of Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage.

🤝 Community as a Way of Life

The strength of Nawagattegama lies in its people. Farmers, teachers, youth leaders, and village elders work hand‑in‑hand, supporting one another through farming cooperatives, education programs, and cultural activities. Sports, traditional arts, and environmental conservation bring generations together in a shared vision for the future.

🌿 Tradition Meeting Tomorrow

While rooted in tradition, Nawagattegama is embracing sustainable progress. Women-led enterprises, youth skill‑building initiatives, and eco‑friendly farming practices are redefining rural prosperity. It’s a place where innovation grows alongside tradition, proving that a small town can dream big while staying true to its roots.

Whether you are a traveller seeking authentic Sri Lankan culture or someone inspired by strong rural communities, Nawagattegama offers a heartfelt invitation to slow down, connect with its people, and experience the quiet magic of village life. 🌱

GN Code	Name
005	Mahameddewa
010	Moragahawewa
015	Maha Andarawewa
020	Kirimetiyawa
025	Miyellewa
030	Thammennawetiya
035	Samurdhigama
040	Amunuwewa
045	Kuruluwewa
050	Tharanagahawewa
055	Kelewewa
060	Welewewa North
065	Mullegama
070	Welewewa South
075	Gedarawewa
080	Rambakanayagama
085	Inginimitiya East
090	Inginimitiya West
095	Konkadawala

🌤 Best Time to Visit Nawagattegama

The best time to visit Nawagattegama, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is during the dry season from May to September. This period offers sunny days, clear skies, and pleasant weather ideal for exploring paddy fields, coconut plantations, and cultural sites. Since Nawagattegama is an agricultural hub, this is also the time when the countryside is most scenic, with lush greenery and vibrant farmlands.

☀ Weather Overview

Dry Season (May – Sept): Warm and sunny with average temperatures around 27–32°C.
Inter-monsoon (Oct – Nov): Occasional showers, lush landscapes, moderate humidity.
Wet Season (Dec – April): Higher rainfall, but mornings can still be pleasant for outdoor activities.

🎉 Festivals & Cultural Highlights

Nawagattegama celebrates Buddhist Poya Days every month, with temple ceremonies, almsgiving, and cultural gatherings. Annual peraheras (processions) add colour and tradition to the town, making these months culturally enriching for visitors.

🎒 Packing Tips

Light, breathable clothing for warm days.
An umbrella or light raincoat if visiting between October–April.
Comfortable sandals or walking shoes for rural exploration.
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

🚗 Travel Advice

Nawagattegama is well connected by road from Puttalam, Anamaduwa, and nearby towns. Public buses and private vehicles are common modes of transport. For a more local experience, try tuk-tuks for short trips within the area.

Pro Tip: Visit between July and September for the perfect balance of sunny weather, active farming life, and vibrant local events.

🗺 Geographical Overview of Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama is a rural township located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. It lies approximately 40 km northeast of Puttalam town and 30 km south of Anamaduwa. The area is positioned within Sri Lanka’s intermediate climate zone, featuring a mix of dry and semi‑dry landscapes ideal for agriculture.

📍 Location & Boundaries

Province: North Western Province
District: Puttalam
Divisional Secretariat: Nawagattegama
Coordinates: Approx. 8.138° N latitude, 80.083° E longitude
Elevation: ~25–40 metres above sea level

🌾 Landscape & Environment

Nawagattegama is characterised by extensive paddy fields, coconut plantations, banana groves, and chena cultivation areas. The surrounding environment includes seasonal lakes and irrigation canals that support farming throughout the year. The region experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing agricultural activities.

🌤 Climate

Average Temperature: 27°C – 32°C year‑round
Rainy Seasons: April–May and October–December
Dry Season: May–September (best for outdoor activities)

🚗 Accessibility

Nawagattegama is connected by the Puttalam–Anuradhapura Road (A12), making it easily accessible by bus, private vehicle, or tuk‑tuk from major towns in the North Western and North Central provinces.

Did You Know? Nawagattegama’s fertile soils and strategic irrigation networks have made it one of the region’s most reliable agricultural zones, supporting both subsistence and commercial farming.

🌾 Local Economy & Agriculture of Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama, located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, has an economy deeply rooted in agriculture. Farming is the lifeblood of the community, with most households engaged in cultivating crops, managing plantations, or working in related agricultural services. The fertile soils, combined with traditional irrigation systems, make the region a key contributor to Sri Lanka’s food supply.

🌱 Major Crops & Cultivation

Paddy Rice: The main crop, cultivated during both Maha and Yala seasons.
Coconut: Extensive coconut plantations provide both local income and national exports.
Banana & Fruits: Banana groves, papaya, and mango plantations contribute to the local market.
Vegetables: Chilli, brinjal (eggplant), okra, and leafy greens are grown year-round.
Chena Cultivation: Seasonal slash-and-burn farming for crops like maize and pumpkin.

🚜 Livestock & Related Industries

Livestock farming, particularly cattle and buffalo, plays an important role in providing milk, curd, and meat products. Small-scale poultry and goat farming also supplement rural incomes. Many households participate in cooperative dairy societies to sell surplus produce.

💼 Economic Activities

Rice milling and paddy storage facilities.
Coconut-based industries such as coir production and coconut oil milling.
Local markets selling fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Small retail shops and service businesses serving the community.

Did You Know? Nawagattegama’s agricultural success is supported by traditional irrigation canals and reservoirs, which have been in use for generations to ensure water supply even during the dry season.

🤝 Community & Culture of Nawagattegama

The community life in Nawagattegama is shaped by deep-rooted traditions, strong family ties, and a spirit of togetherness. As a rural town in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District, Nawagattegama blends agricultural livelihood with cultural and religious practices that have been passed down for generations.

🏡 A Close‑Knit Rural Community

Life here revolves around cooperation and mutual support. Neighbours help each other during farming seasons, festivals, and important life events. Elders are respected as keepers of wisdom, while youth are actively involved in sports, education, and cultural programs. Village meetings and community discussions play an important role in decision-making and problem-solving.

🛕 Cultural & Religious Life

Buddhism forms the spiritual heart of Nawagattegama. The town is home to several temples and Bodhi trees where villagers gather for religious observances, meditation, and almsgiving. Poya days are celebrated with processions, chanting, and temple offerings. Annual peraheras (traditional parades) bring the community together in a colourful display of devotion.

🎉 Festivals & Celebrations

Vesak: Lantern displays, temple decorations, and almsgiving.
Poson Poya: Religious observances and cultural performances.
Harvest Festivals: Celebrating the success of the paddy and coconut harvests.

Did You Know? In Nawagattegama, traditional drumming and folk songs are still performed during temple ceremonies, preserving an ancient musical heritage that connects generations.

🎓 Education & Public Facilities in Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama, situated in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District, offers essential public services and a developing educational network that supports its growing rural community. Schools, healthcare centres, and government offices ensure residents have access to fundamental needs while maintaining the area’s close‑knit community atmosphere.

🏫 Education

Education plays a central role in Nawagattegama’s development. The area is home to several primary and secondary schools offering both Sinhala and Tamil medium education, enabling children to learn in their mother tongue. These institutions follow the national curriculum, with subjects ranging from mathematics and science to agriculture and cultural studies. Many schools also encourage students to participate in sports, music, and environmental projects, shaping well‑rounded young citizens.

🏥 Healthcare & Medical Services

The Nawagattegama Divisional Hospital provides basic medical services, including outpatient care, maternal health, and emergency treatment. For specialised services, residents often travel to nearby towns such as Puttalam or Anamaduwa. Public health programs, vaccination drives, and community health education initiatives help maintain overall wellbeing.

🚓 Police & Public Safety

The Nawagattegama Police Station plays a key role in maintaining law and order, assisting in community safety programs, and responding to emergencies. Local police also work closely with schools and community groups on awareness campaigns related to road safety and crime prevention.

🏛 Other Public Facilities

Post Office providing local and international mail services.
Government Divisional Secretariat for administrative services.
Community halls for public events and cultural gatherings.
Weekly markets offering fresh produce and household essentials.

Did You Know? Nawagattegama’s schools and public services are closely integrated with community life, often hosting cultural, environmental, and awareness programs that benefit both students and residents alike.

🚌 Transportation & Accessibility in Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama, located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is well-connected by road networks, making it accessible from major towns and cities in the region. Its location along the Puttalam–Anuradhapura Road (A12) allows convenient travel for residents, traders, and visitors.

🚗 Road Connectivity

The primary route serving Nawagattegama is the A12 highway, which links the town directly to Puttalam in the southwest and Anuradhapura in the northeast. Well-maintained local roads connect surrounding villages, agricultural areas, and marketplaces. Travel times vary depending on road conditions and seasonal weather patterns.

🚌 Public Transportation

Regular SLTB and private bus services operate between Nawagattegama and nearby towns such as Anamaduwa, Puttalam, and Anuradhapura. Buses run throughout the day, providing affordable travel options for commuters and visitors. Tuk-tuks and shared vans are also widely available for short-distance travel.

🚆 Rail Accessibility

While Nawagattegama does not have its own railway station, the nearest stations are located in Anamaduwa and Puttalam. From there, train services connect to Colombo, Anuradhapura, and other major destinations.

✈ Air Travel

The closest major airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, approximately 130 km from Nawagattegama. Private vehicles or bus connections via Puttalam provide access to the airport for both domestic and international travellers.

🚦 Local Travel

Tuk-tuks for short trips within the town.
Motorbikes and bicycles for daily commuting.
Small vans and trucks for transporting agricultural goods.

Did You Know? Nawagattegama’s location along the A12 makes it a convenient stopover for travellers heading between the North Central and North Western Provinces.

How to Reach Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama, located in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District in the North Western Province, is well-connected by major highways and rural road networks. Whether you're travelling from Colombo, Anuradhapura, or nearby towns such as Puttalam and Anamaduwa, the routes to Nawagattegama provide scenic countryside views and easy accessibility. Use the table below to explore distances, travel times, and routes.

City	Distance	Estimated Time
Colombo	135 km	3 – 3.5 hrs
Puttalam	45 km	1 hr
Anamaduwa	20 km	25 mins
Anuradhapura	65 km	1.5 hrs

📍 Interactive Route Map

🌾 Why Visit or Invest in Nawagattegama

Nawagattegama, located in Sri Lanka’s Puttalam District, is a peaceful rural hub surrounded by fertile farmland, traditional culture, and growing economic opportunities — making it an attractive location for agriculture, eco-tourism, and rural development.

🌾 Rich agricultural lands: Known for paddy cultivation, coconut plantations, and home gardens that sustain the local economy.
🛤️ Strategic location: Conveniently situated along the A12 highway, connecting Puttalam and Anuradhapura, with easy access to nearby towns like Anamaduwa.
🌱 Community-driven growth: Strong village networks, cooperative societies, and small-scale businesses support sustainable development.

Discover Nawagattegama — where rural charm meets new opportunities for investment and sustainable living.

Total Population

GN Divisions