Kurunegala City
Kurunegala: Bustling city in Sri Lanka's North Western Province, featuring historic sites, vibrant markets, and a blend of modern and traditional culture.
Lake Round Kurunegala
Lake Round Kurunegala, also known as Kurunegala Lake or Rantalia Lake, is a scenic water body located in the heart of Kurunegala in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. Spanning nearly 3.68 kilometers, the lake serves as both an essential water source and a landmark that enhances the town's natural charm. Surrounded by greenery and calm landscapes, it provides a peaceful environment away from urban noise. The lake is a symbol of life for the local community, supporting agriculture while adding aesthetic value to the growing city of Kurunegala.
The biodiversity around Kurunegala Lake includes freshwater fish, birds, and coconut groves, offering a refreshing natural atmosphere. The area features tree-lined walking paths, open green spaces, and scenic viewpoints that reflect Sri Lanka's environmental harmony. The lake's surroundings highlight the cultural and ecological balance found in North Western Province, making it a pleasant stop for nature enthusiasts and photographers exploring the region.
Visitors to Lake Round Kurunegala can enjoy walking or cycling along the modern promenade, relax by the lakeside, and experience the peaceful ambiance during sunrise or sunset. Locals often gather here for recreation, while newlyweds favor it as a backdrop for wedding photography. Dining at nearby eateries while overlooking the water enhances the visitor experience. The site provides a pleasant combination of leisure, culture, and everyday Sri Lankan life.
The best time to visit Lake Round Kurunegala is during the early morning or evening when the weather is cooler and the lake reflects the surrounding hills. The site is easily accessible from major cities such as Colombo, Kandy, and Dambulla, making it a popular stop during regional tours. Urban development projects have enhanced facilities by adding walking tracks, cycle lanes, seating areas, and lighting. Kurunegala continues to grow as a key urban center in the North Western Province, attracting travelers seeking scenic relaxation. With its picturesque views and peaceful environment, Lake Round Kurunegala remains a beloved recreational and cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.
About Kurunegala District
Kurunegala is the capital of the Wayamba Province in Sri Lanka and the Kurunegala District.Kurunegala was a royal capital for only 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the next, though even before this it was strategically placed in the middle of other majestic strongholds such as Yapahuwa to the north, Dambadeniya to the south and Panduwasnuwara in the east. Ethagala a rock reaching 316 meters, towers over the town, which is located at an altitude of 116 meters above sea level. The shape of Ethagala resembles an Elephant. A transport hub, it has a railway station, and several main roads linking important parts of the country.Kurunegala is situated about 94 km from Colombo, and 42 km from Kandy.
Most of Kurunegala's residents belong to the Sinhalese majority. Other ethnic minorities include the Sri Lankan Moors, Sri Lankan Tamils, Burghers and Malays. Residents from ethnic minorities live in all parts of the city, however, sizeable communities of Moors and Tamils also live in the areas of Teliyagonna and Wilgoda.
About North Western Province
North Western Province is a province of Sri Lanka. The districts of Kurunegala and Puttalam formulate North Western or Wayamba. Its capital is Kurunegala, which has a population of 28,571. The province is known mainly for its numerous coconut plantations. Other main towns in this province are Chilaw (24,712) and Puttalam (45,661), which are both small fishing towns. The majority of the population of Wayamba province is of Sinhalese ethnicity. There is also a substantial Sri Lankan Moor minority around Puttalam and Sri Lankan Tamils in Udappu and Munneswaram. Fishing, prawn farming and rubber tree plantations are other prominent industries of the region. The province has an area of 7,888 km² and a population of 2,184,136 (2005 calculation).
Wayamba is the third largest paddy producing area in Sri Lanka .Wayamba has a highly developed agricultural economy, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, flowering plants, spices, oil-seeds in addition to the traditional plantation crops such as Coconut, Rubber and Rice. Rich soils and varied climate give Wayamba a potential for growing of virtually any crop.
In Wayamba or North western province, home for ancient Buddhist rock temples, magnificent citadels Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa and Kurunegala. Impressive remains of those citadels, palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries provide exciting sight seeing to the visitors.