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Anuradhapura was the first real capital of Sri Lanka over two thousand two hundred years ago. The road network was in a highly developed stated during this era, with major roads leading to Trincomalee, Mannar, Jaffna and the southern kingdoms from Anuradhapura. These roads were not only used for foot traffic but carts carrying goods traveling on trade and commercial activities. With the development of the road network, the ancient kings built sturdy bridges out of granite slabs and pillars. Ruins in various bridges around Anuradhapura can be found across Malwathu Oya, Hal Pan Ela, Kandara Oya, Yan Oya, Kala Oya and Deduru Oya.
The road leading to this rather unknown Halpan Ela Gal Palama is located close to the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds). Traveling 3 kms from Sangamitta Mawatha, you can reach the point where this ancient stone bridge crosses the Halpan Ela. Traveling further down on the same road you can reach the more famous Stone Bridge over the Mawathu Oya.
Only a part of this stone bridge can be seen today. Stone slabs are laid across rows of 3 stone pillars. This bridge is hidden behind a building and only those who knows the existence of this bridge will visit.
There are at number of stone bridges discovered in Sri Lanka. These are in various states while some have been conserved to an extent. The most popular is the bridge over the Malwathu Oya.
- Stone Bridge over Malwathu Oya (Anuradhapura)
- Stone Bridge over Halpan Ela (Anuradhapura)
- Stone Bridge close to Mahakanadarawa Reservoir (Mihintale)
- Stone Bridge at the Girihandu Seya (Tiriyaya)
- Kayankerni Stone Bridge (Eastern Province)
- Habagama Stone Bridge
- Yanoya Stone Bridge
- Weliela Mankada Stone Bridge
- Palamgala Stone Bridge
- Alubedda Stone Bridge
- Palugaswewa Stone Bridge
- Thirappane Stone Bridge
- Ebawalapitiya Stone Bridge
- Thulawelliya Stone Bridge
Also See
Map of Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Halpan Ela
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Driving Directions to Gal Palama (Stone Bridge) over Halpan Ela at Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttalam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).
| Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura | Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura |
| Through : Negombo – Chillaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo :213 km Travel time : 4.30- 5.00 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo : 217 km Travel time : 4.30- 5.00 hours Driving Directions : see on google maps |
| Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura | Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura |
| Through : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo :210 km Travel time : 4.30- 5.00 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :136 km Travel time : 3 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
Route from Anuradhapura Railway Station |
| Distance : 6.8 km Travel time : 15 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
