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Kurunegala is a major city on the North Western part of Sri Lanka. Situated 42 km from Kandy and 116km from Colombo, this city was a very unhygienic area. During Colonial period, government officers were sent here on punishment postings. Now, it is not only a beautiful city but also one of the major cities of Sri Lanka. It is mainly famous for “Ethagala”, a rock. 

The city of Kurunegala is situated at a high altitude. Most of the city is plain land except the surrounding rocks. The city observes a tropical and temperate climate although the year. The precipitation range is 1800 millimeter per year. Three capitals of ancient times are situated near the city: Panduvasnuwara, Dambadeniya, and Yapahuwa. Ruins of old monuments are still found in Panduvasnuwara.  

I have already mentioned the famous rock Ethagala. It is basically a 316 meter high rock, situated at the height of 116 meter from sea level. It is also known as “Elephant Rock” because it resembles the shape of an elephant.

In Sinhalese language, “Kurune” means Tusker or animal with protruding teeth and “Gala” means rock. In ancient times, the Kurunegala was known as “Hasthishailya-pura.” Kurunegala remained the capital of Sri Lanka in 13^th century. The remains of the former “Temple of the tooth Relic” can be found here.

Kurunegala houses many reputed educational institutions. Some of them are: Maliyadeva Boys College, Maliyadeva Balika Maha Vidyalaya, St. Annes College, Holy Family Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Sir John Kothalawala Maha Vidyalaya and so on.

The city is a major transport hub. It has a railway station and roads linking it with all other major cities and towns of Sri Lanka. By road, Kurunegala is connected to Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, Trincomalee and other major cities.

Kurunegala has many tourist attractions. The coconut plantations and the paddy fields offer a very picturesque sight. Dense forest is situated on the southwestern part of the city.  

• The Rocks: Along with “Elephant rock,” there are seven other rocks named after animals: Etha-gala, Ibba-gala, Ada-gala, Elu-gala, Yakdessa-gala, Kuruminiya-gala, and Wandura-gala.
• Kurunegala Lake: Situated at the central part of the city this lake offers a great tourist attraction.  
• Kurunegala clock tower: Built in 1922, in memory of the brave officers, who died in World War I. The tower is also used as a memoriam for the soldiers of the Second World War as well.