Gongala
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Gongala Kanda, located in the Sabaragamuwa Province, is the 15th-highest mountain in Sri Lanka. It is famous for its stunning view, rich cultural heritage, and as the main transmission centre of TV and radio channels. This writing will examine the Gongala mountain range, including its history, geography, and the best ways to explore it.
History of Gongala Mountain
The name was Gongala is derived from the fact that Mount Gongala takes the shape of a deer. It is believed that the name Gongala comes from the Sinhala language "gongaliya", which means "deer". In ancient times, it was a hunting ground for Sri Lankan kings. It was also an important landmark for traders and travellers who passed through the area.
Geography of Gongala Mountain
Gongala Kanda is 1358 meters high and is the highest mountain in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The summit of Gongala Mountain is different from the Gongala viewpoint, and you can see the highest point of the Gongala mountain range just beyond it. The Sinharaja Forest is located on the west side of Gongala Hill, and the Rakwana, Balangoda, and Udawalawe Reserves can be seen from the East and North. The Nilwala River and the Ginga both originate from Mount Gongala.
Exploring Gongala Mountain
The view from the top of Gongala is stunning, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. It is known as an ideal place for a perfect ecological experience in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The abandoned Doppler radar tower on Mount Gongala is said to be the highest point in the Gongala Range. This tower is currently inactive. Once you go to the top of this radar tower, you can see an extensive view range.
The Route to Gongala Mountain
When crossing the Gongala, one has to go about 2km through a jungle road, and avoiding that footpath is risky. So go for the journey by marking the road signs. After visiting Gongala, you can see a breathtaking view.
The Wildlife of Gongala Mountain
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, home to many endangered species of flora and fauna, surrounds Gongala Kanda. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The Cultural Significance of Gongala Mountain
Gongala Kanda is an important cultural landmark in Sri Lanka. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Rakwana, Balangoda, and Udawalawe border the mountain. The town of Gongala is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning about Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
Gongala Mountain: The Main Transmission Center of TV and Radio Channels
Gongala Kanda is the main transmission centre for TV and radio channels in Sri Lanka. It is the highest number of media, and 10 TV and 29 radio channels are aired from Gongala Kanda. Channel Eye is the only government channel to be aired from Gongala Kanda.