Kurunegala District, Administrative district in North Western Province, Sri Lanka.
Kurunegala District is an administrative area in the North Western Province with varied terrain and numerous settlements across its territory. It comprises multiple administrative divisions and villages linked by an extensive road system.
The region hosted four major royal centers during different periods of Sri Lanka's medieval history: Panduwasnuwara, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and Kurunegala. Each site marks a different phase of governance and reveals the area's political importance over centuries.
The area is home to Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Moors, and Tamil communities, with Buddhism shaping daily life and local celebrations throughout the region. Religious practice influences what you see in towns and villages, from temple architecture to seasonal gatherings.
The district is well connected by roads and offers access to six neighboring areas, making travel throughout the region straightforward. Visitors should plan time to explore the varied landscapes and different communities across this large territory.
Several natural rock formations in the area bear animal names, an unusual feature that reflects local naming traditions. One formation rises to a considerable height and offers views across the surrounding landscape.
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