Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
Ridi Vihara is situated east of the Kurunegala-Dambulla road, 2km from Ridigama vil-
lage.
Kurunegala
037 / Pop 34,500
Kurunegala is a busy, congested market town and transport hub between Colombo and
Anuradhapura, and Kandy and Puttalam. The town itself is not interesting, but there are a
few diversions nearby.
Sights
The large, smooth rocky outcrops that loom over the town are a striking feature of this
city. Named for the animals they appear to resemble (Tortoise Rock, Lion Rock etc), the
outcrops are, unsurprisingly, endowed with mythological status. It's said that they were
formed when animals that were endangering the free supply of water to the town were
turned into stone.
There's a road going up
Etagala
, a large black boulder on the eastern side of the city.
The views are extensive from here. On the way up you pass a small shrine,
Ibbagala Vi-
hara
, and at the head of the road there is a
temple
named after the rock itself.
Sleeping & Eating
Few travellers stay here but there are a couple of accommodation and dining options.
Hotel Viveka
HOTEL
)
An elegant whitewashed villa with a verandah overlooking the lake in a shady part of
town. Its five rooms have been recently renovated and have modern bathrooms. Viveka
doubles as Kurunegala's most convivial bar and restaurant (mains Rs 300 to 500).
