Kegalle

WHAT

Kegalle is located 77km from Colombo, in Sabaragamuwa Province, which is situated between the central highlands and western southern planes. Kegalle is known for rubber cultivation and export of coffee, cocoa, pepper, cloves and nutmegs. It used to be one of the seats of the country’s aristocrats, regional leaders and freedom fighters. It is famous for the island’s oldest and biggest graphite mine in Bogala, the elephant orphanage in Pinnawella and many waterfalls, forests, cave temples and other temples. Kegalle is one of the great cities in Sri Lanka dating back to the Stone Age. During the reign of the Sinhala Kingdom it had been divided into three parts – Sathara Koralaya, Thun Koralaya and Patha Bulathgama. The history of Kegalle is inseparably associated with the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British influence. Many Sinhala Kings built monuments and temples, however, most relics reflect influence of the Kandyan Kingdom as well.