Gampaha City
Gampaha: Urban city in Sri Lanka with a mix of modern amenities and cultural heritage, including historic temples, bustling markets, and scenic landscapes.
Yakkala City
Yakkala, a vibrant town in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka, is located within the Western Province and serves as a key gateway for travelers heading to Colombo or exploring the central parts of the island. This city is a blend of traditional rural charm and modern developments, offering visitors a unique insight into both Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and its evolving urban landscape. The town's proximity to Colombo makes it a convenient stop for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the bustling capital.
Surrounded by rich agricultural lands, Yakkala is known for its fertile soil, supporting the cultivation of various crops such as vegetables, rice, and spices. The natural beauty of the area is complemented by nearby wetlands, forests, and rivers that sustain local biodiversity. The town's proximity to well-known regions like Kegalle and the Central Province provides visitors with the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka's rural charm while still being within reach of major tourist destinations and cultural hubs.
Visitors to Yakkala can enjoy a peaceful yet enriching experience, with activities such as village tours, nature walks, and local food explorations. The town offers a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan village life, with bustling markets and scenic landscapes that highlight the beauty of rural Sri Lanka. It also serves as a starting point for those traveling to nearby attractions like the Kegalle District, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, all of which provide immersive nature and wildlife experiences.
Yakkala can be visited year-round, with the dry season from December to April offering the best weather for outdoor activities. It is easily accessible from Colombo, making it a convenient day trip or an extended stay for those looking to explore Sri Lanka's countryside. The area is well-connected by road, with easy access to major highways leading to cultural, natural, and historical sites across the island. Whether for a short visit or a longer stay, Yakkala offers a peaceful retreat and an authentic slice of Sri Lankan life.
About Gampaha District
Gampaha is an urban city in Sri Lanka and is the capital of the Gampaha District in Western Province, north of Colombo. Gampaha District is separated from Colombo mainly by the Kelani River. Gampaha town is about 4km from Miriswatta on Colombo-Kandy road. Gampaha is surrounded by Yakkala, Miriswatta, Weliweriya Udugampola and Ja-Ela towns.
The name "Gampaha" in Sinhala literally means Five Villages. The five villages are known to be Ihalagama, Pahalagama, Medagama, Pattiyagama and Aluthgama.
About Western Province
The Western Province is the most densely populated province of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well to Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center. Western Province is divided into 3 main districts called Colombo (642 km²), Gampaha (1,386.6 km²) and Kalutara (1,606 km²) districts. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in western province.
Having the highest population in the all the provinces, the almost all the premier educational institutions in the island are located in western province. Universities in the province include the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Open University, Sri Lanka, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and University of Moratuwa .Western province has the largest amount of schools in the country, which includes National, Provincial, Private and International schools.
【Text by Lakpura™. Images by Google, copyright(s) reserved by original authors.】