Kurunegala, located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, is a historically significant city that serves as the capital of the Kurunegala District. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city is often referred to as the “City of Kings” due to its pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdom era. Surrounded by the majestic Kurunegala Rock, which stands as a prominent landmark, the city offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Historically, Kurunegala was the capital of Sri Lanka during the 13th century, following the fall of Anuradhapura. The city boasts a wealth of ancient temples, ruins, and archaeological sites that reflect its royal past. One of the key attractions is the Athugala Temple, located atop a rock, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. This city is also home to the Kurunegala Lake, a peaceful water body that enhances the scenic beauty of the area.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Kurunegala is a thriving commercial hub with a mix of modern development and traditional Sri Lankan lifestyle. The city serves as an agricultural center, with its fertile lands producing rice, vegetables, and fruits, particularly bananas and coconuts. Kurunegala also has a robust market culture, where vendors sell local produce, spices, and handmade goods.
The city is well-connected to other parts of the country through an extensive road network, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading to popular destinations such as Sigiriya and Dambulla. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Kurunegala offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s past and present.
Total Population
26,000
GN Divisions
54
🏞️ Why is Kurunegala – Sri Lanka Special?
Kurunegala, nestled in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, is a serene town rich with heritage and community spirit. Known for its historical sites, including the famous Kurunegala Rock and its role in Sri Lanka’s agrarian lifestyle, this peaceful town invites visitors into a world where history and village life walk hand in hand.
🌾 Life Rooted in the Land
Kurunegala thrives on agriculture — with rubber estates, paddy fields, and vegetable gardens painting its landscape. Weekly fairs and family-run stalls showcase the town’s strong ties to the land and community-based living.
🛣️ A Gateway with Heritage
Positioned strategically near the central hills and heritage sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, Kurunegala is more than a pass-through — it’s a meaningful stop for nature lovers and history seekers alike.
🕌 Unity Through Belief
The town reflects a deep respect for all religions, with temples, churches, and community shrines fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence and shared celebrations.
🍛 Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine
From spicy jackfruit curries to crunchy snacks like murukku and sweet kokis, Kurunegala’s kitchens serve dishes full of flavour and tradition.
🤝 A Village That Welcomes You
Hospitality is a way of life here. Whether sipping tea with locals or buying produce from a smiling vendor, you’ll experience the genuine warmth of rural Sri Lanka.
🌱 Balancing Past and Future
While preserving its roots, Kurunegala is embracing development in education and infrastructure — evolving gracefully into a model for sustainable rural living.
Kurunagala GN Division List
| GN Code | Name in English |
|---|---|
| 005 | Jayanthipura |
| 010 | Bambare |
| 015 | Sandagala |
| 020 | Perakumpura |
| 025 | Solepura |
| 030 | Halmillagala |
| 035 | Thimbiripokuna |
| 040 | Serasumgala |
| 045 | Kokmaduwa |
| 050 | Orugala |
| 055 | Mahasenpura |
| 060 | Weerapokuna |
| 065 | Hasthirajapura |
| 070 | Thammitagama |
| 075 | Damsopura |
| 080 | Solewewa |
| 085 | Pathanewewa |
| 090 | Abhayapura |
| 095 | Sangabopura |
| 100 | Gurulupitigama |
| 105 | Warawewa |
| 110 | Pothana |
| 115 | Pahala Giribawa |
| 120 | Ihala Giribawa |
| 125 | Weragala |
| 130 | Ihala Maradankadawala |
| 135 | Hettiarachchigama |
| 140 | Gampola |
| 145 | Aliyawetunuwewa |
| 150 | Thambuththa |
| 155 | Thammennawa |
| 160 | Maylewa |
| 165 | Madige |
| 170 | Wannikudawewa |
| 175 | Sangappalaya |
| 005 | Medagama |
| 010 | Walagambapura |
| 015 | Gemunupura |
| 020 | Ethiniwetunugala |
| 025 | Thissapura |
| 030 | Medagama East |
| 035 | Senarathgama |
| 040 | Kumbukwewa |
| 045 | Mahagalkadawala |
| 050 | Usgala Siyambalangamuwa |
| 055 | Kepela |
| 060 | Bandaragama |
| 065 | Ganangamuwa |
| 070 | Padavigama |
| 075 | Meegalewa |
| 080 | Lassanagama |
| 085 | Track 4 Usgala |
| 090 | Jayalanda |
| 095 | Padipanchawa |
| 100 | Buduruwakanda |
| 105 | Kallanchiya |
| 110 | Molewa |
| 115 | Nochchiya |
| 120 | Kohombankulama |
| 125 | Ihala Nanneriya |
| 130 | Ihalagama |
| 135 | Ihala Palukandewa |
| 140 | Pahala Palukandewa |
| 145 | Monnankulama |
| 150 | Diwullewa |
| 155 | Kurundankulama |
| 160 | Kelegama |
| 165 | Siyambalewa |
| 170 | Walaswewa |
| 175 | Poraththukadawala |
| 180 | Bulnewa |
| 185 | Ulpathagama |
| 190 | Kokwewa |
| 195 | Mahagalgamuwa |
| 200 | Galgamuwa Town |
| 205 | Aluthherathgama |
| 210 | Mottapeththewa |
| 215 | Karuwalagaswewa |
| 220 | Jayabima |
| 225 | Palugolla |
| 230 | Mahananneriya North |
| 235 | Mahananneriya South |
| 240 | Wewaranawetiya |
| 245 | Nallachchiya |
| 250 | Medawachchiya |
| 255 | Peddogama |
| 260 | Katuwewa |
| 265 | Thorawa |
| 270 | Nahettikulama |
| 275 | Wadugama |
| 280 | Konwewa |
| 285 | Kattakaduwa |
| 290 | Ganedivulwewa |
| 295 | Wegedara |
| 300 | Madadombe |
| 305 | Kurundewa |
| 310 | Palukadawala |
| 005 | Medinnoruwa |
| 010 | Mahawelithenna |
| 015 | Andarawewa |
| 020 | Bongama |
| 025 | Katugampalagama |
| 030 | Mahakathnoruwa |
| 035 | Weliyawa |
| 040 | Makulewa |
| 045 | Vikadenigama |
| 050 | Kathnoruwa |
| 055 | Wedinigama |
| 060 | Pothanegama |
| 065 | Mudiyannegama |
| 070 | Divulgane |
| 075 | Ihala Digana |
| 080 | Nithalawa |
| 210 | Humuluwa East |
| 215 | Humbuluwa West |
| 220 | Imbulgoda |
| 225 | Keppitiwalana |
| 230 | Madawala |
| 235 | Othara Kiruwampola |
| 240 | Nebadawatura |
| 245 | Galdeniya |
| 250 | Kanameewala |
| 255 | Wedeniya |
| 260 | Nawathalwatta |
| 265 | Thumbulla |
| 270 | Abbowa |
| 275 | Paramaulla |
| 280 | Galpothtepola |
| 285 | Miriheliya |
| 290 | Pallemorugama |
| 295 | Udakekulawala |
| 300 | Udagankanda |
| 305 | Wewala |
| 310 | Pallekekulawala |
| 315 | Yaththalgoda |
| 320 | Bowala |
| 325 | Bujjomuwa |
| 330 | Kendahena |
| 005 | Ahugoda East |
| 010 | Amunugama |
| 015 | Gammana |
| 020 | Potuhera East |
| 025 | Potuhera West |
| 030 | Meda Ahugoda |
| 035 | Ahugoda West |
| 040 | Mahapitiya |
| 045 | Dewate Gedara |
| 050 | Hiripatwella |
| 055 | Ginneriya |
| 060 | Wadakada |
| 065 | Habarawa |
| 070 | Embalawattha |
| 075 | Lihinigiriya |
| 080 | Medalassa Kalugamuwa |
| 085 | Yatihena |
| 090 | Maningamuwa |
| 095 | Mawathagama |
| 100 | Mandawela |
| 105 | Kureepotta |
| 110 | Arambepola |
| 115 | Handugala |
| 120 | Bevilgamuwa East |
| 125 | Bevilgamuwa West |
| 130 | Thiyador Watta |
| 135 | Dembegoda |
| 140 | Imbulana |
| 145 | Kebiliththawela |
| 150 | Egalla |
| 155 | Gallenamulla |
| 160 | Udapola |
| 165 | Kaluhendiwela |
| 170 | Thalawaththegedara |
| 175 | Kolambalamulla |
| 180 | Parabevila |
| 185 | Koradoluwa |
| 190 | Walagammulla |
| 195 | Kendahena |
| 200 | Polpitiya North |
| 205 | Poojapitiya |
| 210 | Polambe |
| 215 | Hodella |
| 220 | Imbulgoda |
| 225 | Barahelagamuwa |
| 230 | Dewalepola |
| 235 | Ihala Udapola |
| 240 | Divulkumbura |
| 245 | Bandawa |
| 250 | Hathalispahuwa |
| 255 | Rathmalgoda |
| 260 | Kollura |
| 265 | Wellewa |
| 270 | Polpitiya South |
| 275 | Nahakotamada |
| 280 | Aragoda |
| 285 | Sunilagama |
| 290 | Denagamuwa |
| 295 | Madalagama |
| 300 | Godawela |
| 305 | Kotambule |
| 310 | Mawaththa |
| 315 | Weeragala |
| 320 | Yogamuwakanda |
| 325 | Epakanda |
| 330 | Ganegoda North |
| 335 | Delgolla |
| 340 | Gorokgahapoththa |
| 345 | Godigamuwa |
| 350 | Udukedeniya |
| 355 | Panaliya North |
| 360 | Tenpana |
| 365 | Kuleepitiya North |
| 370 | Ganegoda South |
| 375 | Polgahawela North |
| 380 | Meddalanda |
| 385 | Morugama |
| 390 | Galbadagama |
| 395 | Weligodapitiya |
| 400 | Polgahawela South |
| 405 | Kuleepitiya South |
| 410 | Serapees Waththa |
| 415 | Panaliya South |
| 420 | Oruliyadda |
Kurunegala Police Station
📞 0372 222 222
Kurunegala General Hospital
📞 0372 222 261
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Kurunegala, located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, offers a perfect blend of historical attractions, vibrant rural life, and natural beauty. The best time to visit Kurunegala is from January to March, when the weather is drier, temperatures are comfortable, and outdoor activities like hiking to the Elephant Rock or exploring the ancient temples are most enjoyable. It is also the best time to witness local festivals like the annual Perahera.
🌧️ Kurunegala’s Seasonal Charms
During the monsoon months from May to July and again from October to December, Kurunegala experiences lush greenery, making the region a serene retreat. While rain may limit some outdoor activities, it enhances the beauty of nature. The misty mornings, countryside photography opportunities, and the cool, peaceful atmosphere provide a different kind of charm, perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway and cultural immersion.
🌤️ How to Reach Kurunegala
Kurunegala, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a vibrant city surrounded by historical landmarks, temples, and natural attractions. The best way to reach Kurunegala is by road, with easy access from Colombo, Kandy, and other nearby towns. Whether you are traveling from Colombo, Kandy, or Avissawella, this guide will help you explore the best routes and distances to reach Kurunegala efficiently.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 94 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | |
| Kandy | 44 km | 1.5 hrs | |
| Avissawella | 54 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | |
| Kegalle | 47 km | 1 – 1.5 hrs | |
| Rambukkana | 56 km | 1.5 hrs |
📍 Interactive Route Map
📍 Geographical Overview – Kurunegala
Province: North Western Province
District: Kurunegala
Divisional Secretariat: Kurunegala Divisional Secretariat
Neighbouring Areas:
- Galgamuwa
- Hettipola
- Giriulla
- Matale
- Yapahuwa
Kurunegala, a historic and vibrant city located in Sri Lanka's North Western Province, is known for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and picturesque landscapes. The town is strategically positioned between the central hills and the western plains, making it an important transit point for travelers heading towards both regions.
The terrain around Kurunegala is a mix of lush green paddy fields, rubber plantations, and picturesque lakes. Its agricultural industry thrives, with a particular emphasis on rice and coconut cultivation. The area is also known for its rich cultural history, with several ancient monuments and landmarks scattered around the town.
Kurunegala functions as a local hub for commerce, transportation, and education, offering vital services to the surrounding rural communities. The town is home to a number of schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses, which are key to its development.
Visitors can explore the Kurunegala Rock, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and its surrounding countryside, or visit nearby eco-tourism and spiritual sites, including the famous Yapahuwa Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Whether you're visiting for its history, natural beauty, or the lively community spirit, Kurunegala showcases the timeless charm and rural hospitality that defines Sri Lanka.
🌾 Local Economy and Agriculture – Kurunegala
Kurunegala, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a vibrant city with a rich agricultural and economic foundation. Surrounded by rolling hills and fertile plains, it is renowned for its contributions to the national economy, particularly in agriculture and trade.
Kurunegala is known for its rice cultivation, with paddy fields spread across the district, benefiting from a mix of irrigation systems and rainfall. The region also boasts extensive coconut and rubber plantations, which are key components of its agricultural economy. Crops like pepper, banana, manioc, and vegetables are grown, many of which are sold in local markets and exported to larger towns.
The town's central markets, such as the **Pola** (open-air markets), play a crucial role in local commerce, offering agricultural produce, spices, handicrafts, and more. These markets provide an essential platform for economic exchange and community interaction, supporting small-scale traders and families.
Home-based industries, such as weaving, tailoring, and local sweets production, are widespread in the rural areas. These cottage industries provide employment, particularly for women and youth, and contribute significantly to local income and self-sufficiency.
Livestock farming, including poultry, dairy, and goats, also forms an integral part of Kurunegala's economy. It supplements the agricultural sector, providing additional sources of income for rural households.
In recent years, Kurunegala has become a focal point for eco-tourism and agro-tourism. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and opportunities to experience farming practices firsthand. Homestays, farm tours, and the tasting of fresh produce are popular among tourists looking to connect with the rural way of life.
🎓 Education and Public Facilities – Kurunegala
Kurunegala, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage and a focus on providing modern education and essential public facilities. Despite its rural roots, it offers a variety of educational resources and services that support its residents and neighboring areas.
Kurunegala is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Kurunegala Central College, a number of national and provincial schools, and various primary and secondary schools. These institutions offer both academic and co-curricular programs, including sports, arts, and religious activities, fostering holistic development.
The town also features preschools and early childhood education centers that lay a strong foundation for young learners. In addition, private tutoring and language classes are available to enhance academic success.
Vocational training centers in Kurunegala provide valuable skill development in fields like agriculture, construction, tailoring, ICT, and more. These programs are particularly important for youth seeking employment or the ability to start their own businesses.
Kurunegala Divisional Hospital and nearby healthcare centers provide essential medical services, including outpatient care, maternal health facilities, and emergency services. Ayurvedic centers and private clinics further complement the health and wellness options available to the community.
The town is well-equipped with public services, including a divisional secretariat, police station, post office, cooperative societies, rural banks, and community centers. Public transport options, including buses and three-wheelers, connect Kurunegala to other major cities such as Kandy, Colombo, and Puttalam.
With its strong focus on education, healthcare, and public services, Kurunegala continues to play a crucial role as a central hub for both local and regional development, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its community for future generations.
🚌 Transportation and Accessibility – Kurunegala
Kurunegala, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, offers excellent connectivity for both local residents and travelers. Surrounded by picturesque hills and connected to key cities, Kurunegala serves as a hub for regional transport.
The main road passing through Kurunegala connects to Colombo, Kandy, and several surrounding towns, making it an important route for public transport. Regular buses, private vans, and hired vehicles provide accessible travel options to Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, and nearby villages. The town's bus station serves as the central hub for both local and long-distance travel.
While Kurunegala does not have a major railway station within the city itself, nearby stations in cities like Kandy and Puttalam offer rail connections via the Main Line. These railway stations provide an efficient way to connect Kurunegala to Sri Lanka’s broader rail network.
For short-distance daily transport, residents commonly use tuk-tuks, motorcycles, and bicycles. The relatively moderate traffic, along with well-maintained roads and scenic views, makes travel within Kurunegala both comfortable and enjoyable. Important local services, such as markets, schools, and hospitals, are easily accessible.
With ongoing road development and improvements to public transport services, Kurunegala is becoming an increasingly accessible town, offering both a peaceful environment and efficient transportation for families, professionals, and visitors.
🌱 Emerging Rural Enterprises in Kurunegala
Kurunegala, located in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is becoming a vibrant hub for rural entrepreneurship. Leveraging its agricultural base, traditional skills, and strategic location, the town fosters community-led enterprises that promote economic inclusion, especially for women and young people.
🏡 Cottage Industries
Many households in Kurunegala are engaged in small-scale cottage businesses rooted in heritage and local resources:
- Lace-making, handloom weaving, and batik production led by women’s groups.
- Home-based food products such as sweetmeats, herbal teas, and condiments.
- Eco-friendly crafts and woodwork available at village fairs and local shops.
These efforts empower families while preserving local art forms and skills.
🌾 Agri-Based Enterprises
Given Kurunegala’s rich farmland and water resources, agriculture continues to thrive:
- Fruits like rambutan, pineapple, and guava are grown for both local and regional markets.
- Spices and herbs—such as pepper, ginger, and turmeric—are cultivated and processed on-site.
- Organic compost and eco-farming techniques are increasingly adopted by young farmers.
🚜 Livelihood Diversification Programs
Government and NGO-backed programs are helping diversify income avenues:
- Livestock rearing including poultry, goats, and beekeeping with veterinary support.
- Training in tailoring, mobile phone repairs, hairdressing, and handicrafts.
- Youth-focused digital literacy and entrepreneurship development sessions.
📦 Marketing & Distribution
Products from Kurunegala are sold through weekly pola markets, cooperative outlets, and regional supply chains. Access to microloans and Samurdhi programs help scale these enterprises.
As a town blending heritage with innovation, Kurunegala is leading the way in rural enterprise development—creating resilient livelihoods and a stronger community economy.
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Kurunegala
Kurunegala is a vibrant town that balances natural beauty with economic opportunities, making it perfect for travelers and rural development projects.
- 🚉 Strategic Rural Gateway: Located near key hill-country routes and connected to regional markets — ideal for transport and trade.
- 🏞️ Eco-Tourism Potential: Surrounded by green hills, nature trails, and historical landmarks such as Kurunegala Rock.
- 🌿 Strong Agricultural Backbone: Famous for its extensive rice fields, vegetable cultivation, and sustainable farming practices.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or opportunities for sustainable growth, Kurunegala offers unmatched charm and potential in Sri Lanka’s upcountry region.