Nestled in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Thamankaduwa is a thriving divisional secretariat with a rich historical and agricultural legacy. Known as the administrative hub for the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, this region is steeped in cultural significance and heritage that dates back to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms. Thamankaduwa is not only home to a diverse local community but also serves as a central point connecting rural villages, paddy fields, and iconic archaeological sites.
Tourists often pass through Thamankaduwa en route to explore world-famous attractions such as the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Vihara, and Parakrama Samudraya. The region’s strategic location makes it a key destination for both cultural tourism and agricultural development. With its fertile soil and ancient irrigation systems, Thamankaduwa continues to be a major contributor to Sri Lanka’s rice production.
The town also offers access to local markets, government institutions, schools, and religious centers, making it a vital part of the district’s infrastructure. Visitors to Thamankaduwa can enjoy scenic drives through lush landscapes, interact with warm and welcoming locals, and immerse themselves in a way of life that beautifully blends the old with the new.
If you’re planning a trip to the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Thamankaduwa is more than just a stop—it’s a doorway to history, spirituality, and authentic rural experiences. Add Thamankaduwa to your travel itinerary and discover the timeless charm of Sri Lanka’s heartland.
Total Population
101,403
GN Divisions
55
🏞️ Why is Thamankaduwa – Sri Lanka Special?
A Crossroads of Heritage, Agriculture & Everyday Sri Lankan Life
Situated in the heart of Polonnaruwa District, Thamankaduwa is not just a divisional secretariat—it’s a living reflection of Sri Lanka’s ancient roots, agricultural spirit, and evolving modern identity. From royal ruins to rhythmic paddy fields, Thamankaduwa gracefully balances the past and present.
🏯 Gateway to Ancient Royalty
Thamankaduwa serves as the administrative region for the historic city of Polonnaruwa, once the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Walk among timeless wonders like the Gal Vihara, Parakrama Samudraya, and Royal Palace ruins—all within reach of Thamankaduwa. It’s where Buddhist art, architecture, and hydraulic ingenuity still stand proud.
🌾 An Agricultural Heartland
With sprawling paddy fields nourished by ancient tanks, Thamankaduwa is a breadbasket for the region. Farmers work in harmony with irrigation systems dating back centuries, producing rice, vegetables, and local grains that sustain the community and beyond.
🛕 A Blend of Faiths & Cultures
Temples, shrines, and religious festivals pulse through the area, offering glimpses into Buddhist devotion and rural ritual life. The community is tight-knit, welcoming, and rooted in spiritual and moral values.
🍛 Local Life & Flavour
Whether it’s fresh jackfruit curry at a roadside stall or herbal porridge served before sunrise, Thamankaduwa’s food speaks of sustainability and love. Markets buzz with produce, spices, and smiling vendors—each transaction a story.
🚴 Why Visit Thamankaduwa?
If you’re craving a base to explore Polonnaruwa, or want to witness everyday Sri Lankan life amid history and heritage, Thamankaduwa awaits. It’s not a tourist trap, but a destination of quiet authenticity—where ancient kings once ruled, and humble people now thrive.
| N Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 005 | Shanthi Pura |
| 010 | Sinha Pura |
| 015 | Wijayabahu Pura |
| 020 | Unagalavehera South |
| 025 | Laksha Uyana |
| 030 | Sevagama |
| 035 | Wewethenna |
| 040 | Monarathenna |
| 045 | Damana Gemunupura |
| 050 | Kalinga Ela |
| 055 | Onegama |
| 060 | Sinharajapura |
| 065 | Pudur |
| 070 | Medamaluwa |
| 075 | Wijayaraja Pura |
| 080 | Palugasdamana 03 Ela |
| 085 | Palugasdamana 02 Ela |
| 090 | Palugasdamana 01 Ela |
| 095 | Palugasdamana South |
| 100 | Palugasdamana North |
| 105 | Nishshankamallapura |
| 110 | Ethumalpitiya |
| 115 | Nikawewa |
| 120 | Kadawala Wewa |
| 125 | Samudragama |
| 130 | Sirisangabo Pedesa |
| 135 | Bendiwewa |
| 140 | Galthambarawa |
| 145 | Kuruppu Junction |
| 150 | Mahasen Pedesa |
| 155 | Kaduruwela West |
| 160 | Kaduruwela East |
| 165 | Divulana |
| 170 | Gallella |
| 175 | Manikkampattiya |
| 180 | Gallella West |
| 185 | Nelumvila |
| 190 | Kaduruwela South |
| 195 | Perakum Pedesa |
| 200 | Weera Pedesa |
| 205 | Pulathisi Pedesa |
| 210 | Polonnaruwa Town |
| 215 | Thopawewa |
| 220 | Sinha Udagama |
| 225 | Pothgul Pedesa |
| 230 | Udawela |
| 235 | Ganangolla |
| 240 | Nishshankamalla Pedesa |
| 245 | Mahaweli Pedesa |
| 250 | Kotaliya |
| 255 | Aluth Wewa East |
| 260 | Aluth Wewa West |
| 265 | Parakrama Samudraya |
| 270 | Ambanganga |
| 275 | Kalahagala |
| Year | Source | Total Population | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | National Census | 82,426 | 40,633 | 41,793 |
| ~2024* | Thamankaduwa DS Secretariat site | 101,403 | 48,909 | 52,494 |
- Hospital: 0272 223 205
📅 Best Time to Visit Thamankaduwa, Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Thamankaduwa is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is sunny, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal. Located in the North Central Province, Thamankaduwa experiences a tropical dry zone climate, making it suitable for year-round travel—but dry months are best for outdoor activities like exploring Polonnaruwa's ancient ruins, cycling through paddy fields, and hiking towards nearby spiritual sites like Dimbulagala.
June to August is especially ideal for sightseeing, as the lush greenery remains after the April rains, yet paths are dry and travel is comfortable. Cultural and religious festivals during this period offer deeper insight into the local lifestyle. You’ll also experience fewer crowds, giving Thamankaduwa an authentic and peaceful charm.
Avoid the monsoon months of October and November, when rain may limit access to rural areas. By December, the region becomes lush again, and January to March offers mild, pleasant weather as another great travel window.
Whether you're a cultural explorer or a mindful traveler, the dry season is your golden ticket to experiencing Thamankaduwa’s true essence—where history breathes and community thrives under sunlit skies.
🗺️ Geographical Overview of Thamankaduwa
Located in the heart of Polonnaruwa District in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Thamankaduwa Divisional Secretariat is a prominent administrative and geographical region spanning both urban and rural landscapes. It lies within the island’s dry zone, characterized by a warm climate, scattered forest patches, fertile plains, and ancient irrigation systems that have shaped local agriculture for centuries.
The division shares boundaries with other DS divisions and is strategically placed as the gateway to the historic city of Polonnaruwa. It is bordered by iconic landmarks like Parakrama Samudraya and Dimbulagala, and dotted with paddy fields and traditional settlements.
Thamankaduwa includes urban areas like Kaduruwela and New Town, as well as rural GN divisions spread across 55 Grama Niladhari areas. The terrain is mostly flat, ideal for farming, infrastructure development, and nature-based tourism.
With ancient tanks, government institutions, and heritage sites coexisting, Thamankaduwa’s geography plays a vital role in both cultural and environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka.
🧑🌾 Local Economy and Agriculture in Thamankaduwa
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s dry zone, Thamankaduwa thrives on a local economy deeply rooted in agriculture, public service, and micro-enterprise. The region’s fertile plains and access to ancient irrigation systems like Parakrama Samudraya support large-scale paddy cultivation, making rice farming the backbone of its rural livelihood.
In addition to paddy, farmers grow vegetables, pulses, maize, and fruits, supplying local and regional markets. Smallholder farming is common, and many families receive support through subsidies and extension services. Animal husbandry is also practiced across several rural zones.
The nearby Polonnaruwa urban center enhances trade and employment opportunities. Local markets, cooperative societies, and self-employment ventures like retail shops and handicrafts sustain the area’s informal economy. Thamankaduwa's balance of traditional farming and adaptive commerce plays a vital role in regional development.
🎎 Community and Culture of Thamankaduwa
Thamankaduwa is home to a warm and closely-knit community that reflects the essence of Sri Lanka’s rural charm and cultural diversity. The population is predominantly Sinhala Buddhist, with Tamil and Muslim communities also living in peaceful coexistence. Cultural life revolves around religious observances, traditional festivals, and farming-related customs that shape the rhythms of daily life.
Events like Vesak, Poson, and the Sinhala & Tamil New Year are celebrated with lanterns, village fairs, and ancient rituals. Community temples and shrines host blessings and processions, strengthening spiritual and social bonds.
Hospitality is a hallmark of Thamankaduwa. Visitors often enjoy a traditional rice meal or herbal tea offered with genuine warmth. The community cherishes simplicity, respect for elders, and cultural heritage, even as youth adopt modern education and technology. Thamankaduwa remains a living canvas of unity in diversity.
🎓 Education & Public Facilities in Thamankaduwa
Thamankaduwa stands as an important educational and administrative center in the Polonnaruwa District, offering a range of public services and educational opportunities to its residents. The area hosts several prominent schools such as Polonnaruwa Royal Central College, Thamankaduwa Maha Vidyalaya, and Kaduruwela Muslim Vidyalaya, serving students from primary to advanced levels.
Public infrastructure includes divisional secretariat offices, libraries, hospitals, post offices, and government banks. The Divisional Hospital in Kaduruwela plays a vital role in providing healthcare services to both urban and rural communities.
Thamankaduwa also offers vocational training centers, agricultural support services, and youth clubs that encourage skill development and local entrepreneurship. These public facilities help nurture a literate, skilled, and forward-looking population, making Thamankaduwa a thriving hub for education and social progress.
🚉 Transportation & Accessibility in Thamankaduwa
Thamankaduwa is strategically located within the Polonnaruwa District, making it easily accessible by road and rail from many parts of Sri Lanka. The area is served by the A11 highway, linking it to Habarana, Batticaloa, and other towns. The nearby Polonnaruwa Railway Station in Kaduruwela provides daily train services to major cities.
Regular bus services connect Thamankaduwa to surrounding towns like Hingurakgoda and Dimbulagala. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes are common within villages, providing local transport. The Divisional Secretariat Office in New Town is within easy reach of the main bus routes.
With improvements in infrastructure and public transportation, Thamankaduwa is increasingly accessible for residents, visitors, and workers. It supports smooth travel whether for business, education, or tourism across the North Central Province.
How to Reach Thamankaduwa
Thamankaduwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is easily accessible via major routes from cities like Polonnaruwa, Habarana, Batticaloa, and Colombo. Known for its proximity to historical sites and administrative importance, the area is well connected by road and rail. Use the table below to explore distances, travel times, and live Google Map routes for planning your journey to Thamankaduwa.
| City | Distance | Estimated Time | Route Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polonnaruwa | 6 km | 15 mins | |
| Habarana | 50 km | 1 hr | |
| Batticaloa | 95 km | 2 hrs 15 mins | |
| Colombo | 220 km | 5 – 6 hrs |
📍 Interactive Route Map
📸 Why Visit or Invest in Thamankaduwa
Thamankaduwa blends ancient heritage, fertile farmlands, and regional infrastructure — ideal for cultural tourism, rural retreats, and community-based investment.
- 🏯 Historic gateway: Located near Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins, including Gal Vihara and Parakrama Samudraya.
- 🌾 Agricultural potential: Lush paddy fields, irrigation systems, and dry zone crops support food security and agri-investment.
- 🏛️ Public infrastructure: Divisional secretariat, schools, hospitals, and road access support sustainable development.
Experience Thamankaduwa — where culture, community, and opportunity come together in Sri Lanka’s historic heartland.