The historical Kadiragala Purana Rajamaha Temple located near Wariyapola Town in the North-West Province is a well-known temple among the locals. There is also a devale where offerings are made to Gale Bandara deity in this temple. The name of the ancient Rajamaha temple of Kadiragala dates back to the time when the deity Kataragama lived. The rock was called the Kadira-aa-Gala which later became Kadiragala.
Thibbotugoda Ambalama is a brick and mortar structure with six brick pillars holding the roof. Half of the Ambalama has full hight walls to protect the occupants from rain. The pillars are plain and carry no artwork. The roof is tiled with Calicut tiles.
Horagolla Ambalama is a brick and mortar structure with six brick pillars holding the roof. The rear of the ambalama is a full height while the other 3 sides have half-height walls. The pillars are plain and carry no artwork. A half height wall is built around the building with an opening for the entrance at the front. The roof is tiled with semi cylindrical Sinhala Ulu clay tiles.
The old city of Kurunegala Kingdom was spread between Kuruminigala and Ibbagala, bounded by Athugala. Even today ruins of the palace complex, the Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and other buildings inside a semi-circular are found on this strip of land between Athugala and Kuruminigala.
The Rahathankanda monastery near Buttala is a historic forest hermitage where legend says Arahats intervened to end the battle between Dutugemuṇu and Saddhātissa. With 70 caves, Brāhmī inscriptions, and links to warrior Pussadeva, this mountain remains a sacred testament to the ancient Ruhuṇu Kingdom’s monastic grandeur.
Siyambaladamana Megalithic Burial Site is located in Siyambaladamana village in No. 598 Madawala Grama Sevaka division of Palugaswewa Regional Secretariat Dvision in Anuradhapura District of North Central Province. This burial site is well preserved due to its location which has not yet been affected by natural and human activities. There are about 16 burial chambers located in an area of about 03 acres.
The Tomb Monument of Iddamalgoda Nilame was built with stone blocks in the town of Pelmadulla. However, this was destroyed by treasure hunters in search of valuables inside the monument. The Department of Archaeology restored this monument some time a go some time ago.
George Wall was born on December 22, 1820, in North Shields, Northumberland, England, and relocated to Ceylon in 1846, drawn by its favourable climate. He assumed the role of acting manager at the Ceylon Plantation Company in Kandy. Wall continued his tenure with the company until 1854, at which point he founded his own enterprise, George Wall and Company
The Wattappola Dharmashalawa’s exquisitely carved pillar heads, featuring downward-facing four lotus flowers with stalks on each side of the stone pillars, stand as a testament to the remarkable skills of the wood craftsmen of the Kandian era. These intricately crafted pillar heads not only showcase the craftsmanship of the time but also provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural heritage of the period.
Hidden away in Dambulla, Pophams Arboretum is a sanctuary where an amazing spectrum of Trees, Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies and Mammals can be observed in their natural habitat. It was established by Sam Popham in 1963 and handed over to the Institute of Fundamental Studies in Kandy in 1989 for conservation, research and education.
In 2023, archaeologists discovered an ancient Stone Bridge (Gal Palama) and a Ambalama between Uththupitiya village and Ganewal Pola village on the border of Tirappane Divisional Secretariat Division and Kekirawa Divisional Secretariat Division of Anuradhapura District at the foot of the Ritigala Mountains across the origin of the Malwathu Oya.
Magalla Wewa Reservoir is considered to be one of the sixteen reservoirs (known as Mahadaragalla Wewa) built by King Mahasen (276-303 CE). The Mahavamsa records that it was repaired during the reign of Parakrama Bahu I (1153-1186 AD) and later improved by a feeder canal starting from Daduru Oya, identified as the Ridi Bandi Ela.
Sivurupitiya Tampita Viharaya is one of the smallest of its kind. It is built on 4 short pillars. Connected to it from the front lies a large preaching hall further dwarfing the Tampita Viharaya. The preaching hall is built with a two-layered roof and based on the architectural features, the building can be dated to the late 18th century.
The newly uncovered Image House is situated just south of the southeast corner of Lovamahapaya. Adjacent to its southern side, extending from the Sri Maha Bodhi courtyard, lies Dikman Road, established during the English colonial period. The section of the road near the monument, now outside the Sri Maha Bodhi courtyard, serves as the Perahara road, recently constructed utilizing cement block stones.
The 15m Ranugalla Dunhinda Ella Fall is situated on a downward slope off the highway from Passara to Buttala, near Ranugalla. The nearest town is Passara.
Having the twin (left and right) waterfalls, Ranpuhulan Ella Fall is located at the base of the Dambegahawela Mountain Range. “Ran Puhulan” means “Golden Melon”. According to village beliefs, a flight of stone steps in a tunnel leading to its bottomless depths. Also, a golden melon is said to be seen floating, which gives rise to its name.
There are two ways to the Ilumbakanda Doowili Ella Falls. One is via Ratnapura, Kalawana, and Pothupitiya come to Imbullkande Village. From here, trek 2km into the forest to see the fall.
According to folklore, the Asupini Ella Falls (Ahupini Ella Falls) derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches.
Puna Ella, a majestic double waterfall near Ramboda, is renowned for its unique ‘Y’ shape where two distinct water sources—Puna Oya and Pundalu Oya—merge. Often called the Ramboda Falls, this 100-meter cascade offers a dramatic contrast between forest-fed and cultivation-fed streams, creating a breathtaking roadside spectacle.
The story of Katalua Atadahe Valuwa in Habaraduwa Divisional Secretariat begins with the Portuguese Navy Lieutenant Owen Ferdinands who came to Sri Lanka around 1630. At this time, the coastal area of Sri Lanka was under Portuguese rule.
