Rideegama is a charming town located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, well-known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and agricultural significance. Situated just a short drive from Kurunegala city, Rideegama is a peaceful rural hub surrounded by lush paddy fields, coconut plantations, and small-scale farming communities. The town is most famous for the historic Rideegama Rajamaha Viharaya, a centuries-old Buddhist temple that attracts both pilgrims and history enthusiasts. This sacred temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Dutugemunu and holds immense religious and archaeological value.
In addition to its cultural landmarks, Rideegama is also a growing economic center in the region, with thriving local markets offering fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Sri Lankan delicacies. The area’s economy largely depends on agriculture, making it an important contributor to the district’s paddy and coconut production. Its strategic location, connecting several rural villages, makes Rideegama an essential transit point for both locals and visitors.
For travelers seeking an authentic Sri Lankan village experience, Rideegama offers a perfect blend of heritage, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore serene temples, walk through vibrant local markets, and enjoy the hospitality of friendly villagers. The calm and welcoming environment of Rideegama makes it an ideal getaway for those who wish to escape the hustle of city life and immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s timeless rural charm.
Total Population
~99,019
GN Divisions
113
🌿 Why is Rideegama – Sri Lanka Special?
A Blend of Agriculture, Heritage, and Community Spirit
Nestled in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, Rideegama is a thriving agricultural town surrounded by lush green paddy fields, coconut estates, and a rich cultural heritage. Known for its deep rural roots and warm hospitality, Rideegama offers visitors an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s countryside charm.
🚜 Farming Traditions and Agricultural Pride
Rideegama’s economy is deeply connected to farming. Generations of families cultivate rice, coconuts, vegetables, and fruits, supported by traditional irrigation systems and fertile soils. The bustling weekly pola (market) showcases fresh produce, spices, and homemade treats, making it a hub for both trade and community bonding.
🏭 Pathway to Rural Development
While agriculture is at the heart of Rideegama, the town is steadily moving towards economic diversification. Small-scale industries, coconut-based businesses, and trading centers are emerging along key road networks, creating employment while preserving the agricultural identity of the area.
🛕 Cultural Harmony in Everyday Life
Rideegama embraces cultural and religious diversity. Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, and Christian churches coexist peacefully, with annual peraheras and religious celebrations bringing colour, music, and unity to the community.
🍛 Flavours of Rideegama
Meals in Rideegama are hearty and flavourful—steaming plates of rice and curry, spicy coconut sambol, jackfruit dishes, and seasonal tropical fruits dominate local dining. Traditional sweets and toddy tapping are still a part of village life.
📈 A Community Moving Forward
Improved infrastructure, better schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses are fueling progress. Many families also reinvest remittances from overseas into building new homes and supporting local initiatives.
🤝 The Heart of Rideegama
The true charm of Rideegama lies in its people—hardworking, welcoming, and deeply connected to their heritage. It is a place where modern opportunities grow alongside time-honoured traditions.
🌾 Balancing Growth and Tradition
As Rideegama continues to develop, safeguarding its agricultural lands, culture, and sense of community will ensure it remains a shining example of rural resilience and opportunity in Sri Lanka.
| GN Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Paragaswewa |
| 010 | Andapola |
| 015 | Udakendawala |
| 020 | Katiyawa |
| 025 | Udahena |
| 030 | Wanduressa |
| 035 | Meepitiya |
| 040 | Kanugolla |
| 045 | Koswaththa |
| 050 | Dodangahakotuwa |
| 055 | Wegama |
| 060 | Gopallawa |
| 065 | Rathvita |
| 070 | Balawaththala |
| 075 | Pahala Udaththapola |
| 080 | Ihala Udaththapola |
| 085 | Kotahena |
| 090 | Kelemulla |
| 095 | Nithulpitiya |
| 100 | Kandupalatha |
| 105 | Dinimiyathenna |
| 110 | Minirangama |
| 115 | Alakolamada |
| 120 | Korossa |
| 125 | Dodangaslanda |
| 130 | Kothalawalagama |
| 135 | Nuwarayaya |
| 140 | Lihiniwehara |
| 145 | Wewegedara |
| 150 | Rambukanda |
| 155 | Warakawehera |
| 160 | Rideegama |
| 165 | Madithiyawa |
| 170 | Thelambugalla |
| 175 | Reddagoda |
| 180 | Pallehorombuwa |
| 185 | Ginihiriya |
| 190 | Palleyaya |
| 195 | Kahahena |
| 200 | Uda Horombuwa |
| 205 | Jankure |
| 210 | Rambadagalla |
| 215 | Nahalla |
| 220 | Olagama |
| 225 | Morathiha |
| 230 | Hunugalkadulla |
| 235 | Kavisigamuwa |
| 240 | Doranepola |
| 245 | Hunupolagedara |
| 250 | Kukurumahana |
| 255 | Dedurunadeegama |
| 260 | Karandagolla |
| 265 | Ambakote |
| 270 | Kosgollepola |
| 275 | Kandepola |
| 280 | Gabadagama |
| 285 | Kandegedara |
| 290 | Haliyamulla |
| 295 | Welikanda |
| 300 | Kithulwala |
| 305 | Delvita |
| 310 | Gorakaela |
| 315 | Pallekanda |
| 320 | Kalugahathenna |
| 325 | Kiribathgalla |
| 330 | Bambaragahakanda |
| 335 | Kithulgolla |
| 340 | Iriyagolla |
| 345 | Gurumada |
| 350 | Polwaththa |
| 355 | Panagamuwa |
| 360 | Pitiyegedara |
| 365 | Hadiramulla |
| 370 | Ogodapola |
| 375 | Ranthtikanda |
| 380 | Gonamada |
| 385 | Buluwalakanda |
| 390 | Buluwala |
| 395 | Hawenpola |
| 400 | Kongoda |
| 405 | Akkara Panaha |
| 410 | Welagedara |
| 415 | Paliella |
| 420 | Metiyampotha |
| 425 | Gonadeniya |
| 430 | Medakanda |
| 435 | Medagama |
| 440 | Nelaulla |
| 445 | Malbe |
| 450 | Mahawela |
| 455 | Gallawa |
| 460 | Mirissala |
| 465 | Dunumawa |
| 470 | Galbindinaela |
| 475 | Kosgolla |
| 480 | Pihimbuwa |
| 485 | Maspotha |
| 490 | Erepolakanda |
| 495 | Siyambalangamuwa |
| 500 | Thalgaspitiya |
| 505 | Jakaduwa |
| 510 | Balagala |
| 515 | Pussella |
| 520 | Pusselikanda |
| 525 | Ganigoda |
| 530 | Meeliyadda |
| 535 | Kanadeniyawala |
| 540 | Gonegoda |
| 545 | Bogamuwa |
| 550 | Kurukeppetiya |
| 555 | Paragoda |
| 560 | Ikiriwatta |
| 565 | Niyangama |
- Police Station: 037-2252022 / 071-8591259
- Hospital : 0372 252 061
🌤️ Best Season to Travel Rideegama
Rideegama, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities and comfort level.
☀️ Dry Season (January – March)
This is the most recommended time to travel to Rideegama. Clear skies, low rainfall, and pleasant mornings make it perfect for exploring paddy fields, coconut estates, and nearby cultural sites. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C.
🌦️ Inter‑Monsoon Season (April – May & August – September)
Occasional showers with sunny days make this a good option for fewer crowds and budget travel. The countryside is lush and green, and many local festivals occur during this period.
🌧️ Monsoon Season (October – December)
Heavy rains can occur, but the greenery is at its peak. Ideal for quiet getaways and temple visits, but outdoor plans may be affected.
📌 Travel Tip
- For outdoor activities and photography – January to March.
- For budget-friendly trips – April–May or August–September.
- Bring an umbrella or light raincoat in wet months.
🛏️ Search Places to Stay in Rideegama
🗺️ Geographical Overview of Rideegama
Rideegama is a vibrant town located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province. Positioned within the fertile plains of the region, it is surrounded by lush paddy fields, coconut plantations, and small-scale home gardens. The area is known for its rich agricultural landscapes, with scenic rural views and traditional village settlements spread across its surroundings.
Geographically, Rideegama benefits from a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The landscape is relatively flat with occasional gentle slopes, making it ideal for farming and settlement. Seasonal streams and irrigation canals run through the area, providing water for paddy cultivation and home gardens. The soil in the region is fertile and supports a wide variety of crops, including rice, coconuts, vegetables, and fruits.
Strategically, Rideegama is well connected by road to Kurunegala City and other nearby towns, making it a central hub for trade and transportation within the local community. Its location also places it within reach of important cultural, religious, and economic centers in the province.
With its blend of fertile agricultural lands, accessible transport links, and peaceful rural surroundings, Rideegama stands as an important part of the Kurunegala District’s geographical and cultural landscape.
🤝 Community & Culture of Rideegama
Rideegama is a close-knit and welcoming community in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, where traditional values and modern lifestyles coexist harmoniously. The town thrives on its strong social bonds, with neighbours, families, and friends supporting one another in daily life, festivals, and community projects.
The majority of residents are engaged in agriculture, and their lifestyles are deeply influenced by farming traditions passed down through generations. Village life revolves around the paddy planting and harvesting seasons, with many households cultivating rice, coconuts, vegetables, and spices. The weekly village market (pola) is a hub for buying and selling fresh produce, exchanging news, and strengthening community ties.
Cultural life in Rideegama is vibrant and diverse. Buddhist temples play a central role in spiritual and community gatherings, hosting religious observances, peraheras (processions), and dansals (almsgiving events). The area also reflects Sri Lanka’s multi-religious harmony, with Christian churches and Hindu kovils serving their respective communities and celebrating annual feasts with great enthusiasm.
Music, dance, and traditional folk art remain part of local celebrations, while culinary traditions—such as rice and curry meals, coconut sambol, and seasonal sweets—reflect the region’s agricultural abundance. Whether it’s temple festivals, weddings, or New Year celebrations, the people of Rideegama embrace every occasion as an opportunity for unity and joy.
How to Reach Rideegama
Rideegama is a scenic agricultural town in Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, located within the Kurunegala District. Surrounded by paddy fields and rural landscapes, Rideegama is accessible by road from Kurunegala, Colombo, Kandy, and nearby regional towns. Whether travelling by bus, car, or motorbike, the journey offers views of village life and green countryside. Refer to the table below for key routes, distances, and estimated travel times.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 110 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | |
| Kurunegala | 21 km | 30 – 35 mins | |
| Kandy | 78 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs | |
| Katunayake (CMB Airport) | 87 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs |
📍 Interactive Route Map
🌾 Discover the Charm of Rideegama
Rideegama, located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, is a vibrant rural community where agriculture, tradition, and hospitality come together in harmony. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and serene village landscapes, this town preserves its deep cultural heritage while adapting to the demands of modern life. Life here moves at a peaceful pace, with warm smiles and welcoming hearts greeting every visitor.
The town’s economy thrives on farming and small-scale businesses, while religious and cultural events bring the community closer. Weekly markets, temple peraheras, and seasonal harvest celebrations reflect the strong social bonds and shared traditions of its people. With improving infrastructure, enhanced road connectivity, and growing access to education and healthcare, Rideegama is steadily shaping its future without losing the essence of its roots.
🛤️ Come experience the authenticity, resilience, and timeless beauty of Rideegama — a village where tradition meets progress.