Hanguranketha

Avatar photo hashini sandeepani
July 28, 2025
12 min read

Hanguranketha, often referred to as the "Royal Palace Garden," is a historic town nestled in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Once a refuge for Kandyan kings during times of conflict, the town still echoes with royal heritage through ancient temple complexes and palace ruins. Surrounded by emerald hills and rich vegetation, Hanguranketha is a peaceful destination steeped in history and natural charm. Its main attraction, the Hanguranketha Raja Maha Viharaya, holds valuable Kandyan-era art and architecture. Ideal for cultural explorers and nature lovers alike, Hanguranketha offers a serene blend of spiritual depth and scenic beauty.

Total Population

90,000

GN Divisions

82

🏯 Echoes of Royalty in the Highlands

Hanguranketha – A Historic Town with Regal Roots

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Hanguranketha is a town rich in heritage and cultural significance. Once a royal hideaway during times of unrest, this peaceful village echoes the grandeur of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom. As of 2025, the estimated population of the Hanguranketha Divisional Secretariat is around 52,000.

🏰 Legacy of the Kandyan Kingdom

Hanguranketha was once a temporary royal capital during the reign of King Sri Vira Parakrama Narendrasinghe. The Hanguranketha Raja Maha Viharaya and remnants of palace grounds still bear witness to its regal past, showcasing art and architecture from the Kandyan era.

🌿 Scenic Landscapes and Highland Charm

With its cool mountain air, lush farmlands, and misty hills, Hanguranketha offers a tranquil environment perfect for nature lovers. The area's rich biodiversity and fertile terrain provide a peaceful countryside setting throughout the year.

🕊️ Religion and Cultural Life

Deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition, the town celebrates ancient rituals, temple ceremonies, and peraheras that reflect its spiritual legacy. Historic temples form the heart of its community and cultural rhythm.

👨‍🌾 Community and Daily Living

Agriculture continues to shape daily life in Hanguranketha. Tea plantations, paddy fields, and home gardens support local livelihoods. Residents benefit from accessible education, health services, and village development programs.

🛣️ Transport and Accessibility

  • 🚗 By Road: Well-connected via Rikillagaskada–Walapane Road to towns like Kandy, Walapane, and Nuwara Eliya.
  • 🚌 By Bus: Regular public transport options link Hanguranketha with major central province destinations.

🌾 A Royal Village Reimagined

From its royal beginnings to its present-day rural charm, Hanguranketha invites travelers and history seekers to explore a timeless blend of nature, culture, and tradition.

GN Code Name in English
005 Hingurukaduwa
010 Ambewela
015 Welikada
020 Idamalanda
025 Adikarigama
030 Karalliyedda
035 Bogahalanda
040 Hakuruthale
045 Maliyadda
050 Mirahampe
055 Pussalamankada
060 Yati Hanguranketha
065 Delgahapitiya
070 Sangaraja Gama
075 Mudunapita
080 Gangaudagama
085 Mallulla
090 Udawatta East
095 Hilpankandura
100 Galauda North
105 Endiribedda
115 Galauda South
120 Udakanda
125 Udawatta West
130 Udawatta Kumbura
135 Pallemaluwa
140 Hanguranketha
145 Damunumeya North
150 Arattana
155 Ambaliyedda
160 Dampola
165 Rekitipe
170 Hapuwala
175 Dolugala
180 Daliwala
185 Madanwala
190 Damunumeya
195 Kottala
200 Diya - Udagama
205 Uda Galauda
225 Dodamkumbura
230 Walalawela
235 Rathmetiya
240 Hapugasdeniya
245 Diggalpotta
250 Unanthenna
255 Kosgahan Debala
260 Warapitiya
265 Medagama
270 Bowala
275 Kithulpe
280 Makempe
285 Puranagama
290 Ekiriya
295 Poramadulla
300 Labuhena
320 Rikillagaskada
330 Udamakuruppa
345 Dimbulkumbura
375 Bulugahapitiya
380 Wegama
385 Agappala
390 Bambaragama
395 Bambaragama East
400 Bambaragama West
405 Malanwatta
410 Ganga Udagama
415 Gedereiyawa
420 Daraoya
425 Kirimetiya
430 Hope
435 Watesthenna
440 Handawalapitiya
445 Karamidula
450 Madumana
455 Rahathungoda
460 Enasal Arawa
465 Kawatayamana
515 Rukwood Estate
520 Muloya
555 Udagama
665 Gannawa Udagama

📞 Public Services – Hanguranketha

Service Contact Number Additional Info
🚓 Hanguranketha Police Station (OIC) +94 81 236 9222 Local police for Hanguranketha town and surroundings
🏛️ Hanguranketha Divisional Secretariat +94 81 236 9389, +94 81 236 9488 Administration, land records, social services
ℹ️ Administrative Officer – GN Services +94 81 236 9389 Grama Niladhari division administration assistance

🕰️ Best Time to Visit Hanguranketha, Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Hanguranketha is during the dry and cool months from December to March, and again from July to September. These periods offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for cultural tours, nature photography, and heritage exploration.

From December to March, the town enjoys calm, crisp weather—perfect for visiting historical temples like the Hanguranketha Raja Maha Viharaya and discovering royal relics set against green highlands.

The July to September season brings misty mornings and mild sunshine, making it a lovely time for village walks, agricultural visits, and connecting with local traditions in a peaceful atmosphere.

April to June can be moderately wet with occasional rainfall, but the landscapes become lush and vibrant—perfect for those who enjoy greenery, waterfalls, and a slower travel pace.

🌧️ Avoid: the October to November monsoon season, when heavy rains can hinder road travel and outdoor activities, especially in rural or hilly areas.

For a deeper cultural experience, plan your visit around local temple peraheras or nearby events like the Esala Perahera in Kandy, offering a rare view into the island’s spiritual and royal traditions.

How to Reach Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha, also known as Sangaruwanketha, is a historic royal town located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Province. Nestled among lush hills and near the Mahaweli River, it's easily accessible by road and is a peaceful escape steeped in culture and heritage.

📍 City 📏 Distance ⏱️ Time 🗺️ Route
Kandy ≈ 27 km ≈ 45 min
Nuwara Eliya ≈ 40 km ≈ 1h 15m
Colombo ≈ 130 km ≈ 3.5 h

🌍 Interactive Google Map

🌄 Geographical Overview – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha is a historically rich town situated in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province. It lies between 7.02°–7.08° N latitude and 80.73°–80.78° E longitude, nestled among the central highland foothills.

The town is located at an average elevation of around 600–700 m (1,970–2,300 ft) above sea level, offering cool and temperate weather. Its topography features scenic valleys, terraced paddy lands, and forested hills, creating a tranquil, rural landscape.

Hanguranketha has a humid subtropical climate, with annual rainfall ranging between 2,000–2,500 mm, and average temperatures hovering between 20–26 °C. The region experiences significant monsoon influence, especially from the southwest monsoon.

Historically known as a royal refuge for Kandyan kings, Hanguranketha is home to important cultural and archaeological sites, including ancient temples and royal palace ruins. Its surrounding geography supports rice cultivation, home gardens, and spice plantations.

Hanguranketha’s blend of natural beauty, heritage, and agricultural tradition makes it a peaceful and culturally significant destination within Sri Lanka's hill country.

💼 Local Economy and Services – Hanguranketha

The economy of Hanguranketha is primarily centered around subsistence farming, rice cultivation, tea estates, and spice plantations. The region’s fertile valleys and cool climate are ideal for growing paddy, pepper, cloves, cardamom, and vegetables.

Traditional livelihoods are supported by home gardens and small-scale dairy farming, while some residents are engaged in handicrafts and carpentry, reflecting the area's cultural craftsmanship.

Public services in Hanguranketha include schools, rural hospitals, post offices, police stations, and the Divisional Secretariat, which serve as administrative and support hubs for surrounding villages.

Infrastructure development, such as improved road access, electricity, and water supply systems, is gradually enhancing the quality of life and supporting local economic growth while maintaining the town’s traditional identity.

🤝 Community and Culture – Hanguranketha

The community of Hanguranketha is deeply rooted in its royal heritage and rural traditions, characterized by close-knit family ties, communal harmony, and spiritual devotion.

Cultural life revolves around Buddhist temples, ancient rituals, and vibrant temple peraheras that reflect the town’s historic significance. Annual festivals celebrate both religious and agricultural cycles, featuring traditional drumming, Kandyan dance, and processions that unite residents and visitors alike.

Handicrafts, storytelling, and preservation of ancestral knowledge, including medicinal plants and folklore, continue to be valued cultural pillars. Agriculture, especially tea cultivation, rice farming, and spice growing, remains intertwined with community celebrations and daily life.

Residents of Hanguranketha embrace their cultural legacy and natural surroundings with pride, maintaining a lifestyle that honors both their royal past and vibrant rural spirit.

🎉 Festivals & Culture – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha hosts a rich calendar of festivals deeply connected to its royal heritage and religious traditions. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) is celebrated with traditional games, special foods, rituals, and music that bring the community together.

The town is renowned for its historic temple peraheras, featuring ornate elephants, traditional drumming, Kandyan dancing, and sacred rituals that highlight Hanguranketha’s cultural significance and spiritual devotion.

Cultural life reflects a blend of Buddhist heritage and indigenous hill country customs, with ceremonies and folk arts that celebrate both nature and ancestral legacy.

Festivals in Hanguranketha continue to be vibrant communal events that preserve tradition while fostering social unity and cultural pride.

🚗 Transportation and Connectivity – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha is accessible via the Rikillagaskada–Walapane road, linking it to major towns such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Walapane. Though it lacks a railway station, frequent bus services connect the town with surrounding areas, facilitating travel for locals and visitors alike.

Public transport options include SLTB buses and private operators running regular routes, while local transport relies on three-wheelers, motorbikes, and bicycles for short-distance travel.

The town’s growing road infrastructure supports its role as a peaceful rural center with access to cultural landmarks, agricultural zones, and natural attractions within Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

🌿 Environmental Significance and Sustainability – Hanguranketha

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Hanguranketha is surrounded by forested hills and fertile valleys that support diverse ecosystems, including native flora and fauna unique to this region.

The area’s network of small streams and rivers sustains traditional agriculture, while historic water management practices continue to play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and preventing erosion.

Local environmental efforts focus on preserving forest cover, promoting organic farming, and protecting biodiversity. Community awareness programs encourage sustainable use of natural resources, helping balance economic needs with conservation.

Hanguranketha’s natural surroundings and eco-friendly practices contribute to its identity as a peaceful, sustainable rural town within Sri Lanka’s hill country.

🏞️ Tourism and Attractions – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha is a serene destination offering visitors a blend of historical significance and natural beauty in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The town’s royal past and tranquil surroundings attract travelers interested in culture and heritage.

Key attractions include the ancient Hanguranketha Raja Maha Viharaya, ruins of the Kandyan-era palace, and scenic rural landscapes dotted with tea estates, paddy fields, and spice gardens. Nearby forest reserves provide opportunities for nature walks and bird watching.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional village experiences, local festivals, and handicraft markets that reflect the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the region.

With its harmonious blend of history, nature, and community, Hanguranketha offers a peaceful retreat for those exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country heritage.

📚 Education and Institutions – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha is served by a range of educational institutions including primary schools, secondary schools, and central colleges that adhere to Sri Lanka’s national curriculum.

Emphasis is placed on agricultural studies, science, and technology, reflecting the town’s rural economy and environmental setting.

Vocational training centers and technical colleges provide skill development programs in areas such as mechanics, IT, hospitality, and sustainable agriculture, supporting local youth employment.

In addition, community libraries and adult education programs contribute to lifelong learning and cultural enrichment within the town and surrounding villages.

🏥 Healthcare and Medical Services – Hanguranketha

Hanguranketha is supported by several healthcare facilities that provide essential medical care to local residents and nearby rural communities. The main institution, Hanguranketha Divisional Hospital, offers outpatient services, basic inpatient care, maternity support, and emergency treatment.

Additionally, a network of rural clinics, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) units, and dispensaries help extend healthcare access across the region.

Traditional medicine also plays a role with Ayurvedic centers providing complementary therapies based on indigenous knowledge.

Public health programs emphasizing disease prevention, sanitation, maternal and child health are actively promoted by healthcare workers and community volunteers, enhancing the wellbeing of Hanguranketha’s population.

🌿 Ukuwela – Gateway to Highland Beauty, Tea Estates & Cultural Heritage

Located along the Matale–Kandy corridor, Ukuwela is a picturesque town blending hill country landscapes with vibrant agricultural activity, including tea and spice cultivation.
The town is enriched by its cultural heritage, featuring historic temples, traditional village life, and welcoming communities deeply connected to the natural surroundings.
Ukuwela offers a peaceful retreat for eco-tourists, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an authentic experience in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

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