Kurunegala hotels & places to stay

Discovering Kurunegala: Fun Facts and Things to Do

Kurunegala is a city in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 94 kilometers from Colombo and is the capital of the Kurunegala District. The city is surrounded by lush green hills and is known for its ancient history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the interesting things about Kurunegala is its name, which means "Elephant Rock" in Sinhalese. This name was given to the city due to the large rock formation that resembles an elephant, which can be seen from a distance. The rock is also known as Ethagala and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. Aside from the elephant rock, Kurunegala is also home to several other historical and cultural attractions. These include the Kurunegala Lake, which is a man-made reservoir built during the British colonial era, and the Kurunegala Clock Tower, which was built in 1929 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. For those interested in learning more about Sri Lankan history, the Kurunegala National Museum is a must-visit. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city and the country as a whole.

Reasons Why Kurunegala Should Be on Your Travel List

Kurunegala is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka that offers a unique and authentic travel experience. The city is not as well-known as other popular tourist destinations in the country, which means that it is less crowded and more peaceful. Here are some reasons why Kurunegala should be on your travel list: 1. Rich History and Culture: Kurunegala has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was a major center of the Sinhalese Kingdom during the 13th century and has since been ruled by various kingdoms and colonial powers. As a result, the city has a diverse mix of cultural influences that can be seen in its architecture, food, and traditions. 2. Natural Beauty: Kurunegala is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to several natural attractions, such as the Ridi Vihara Caves and the Ibbagala Rajamaha Viharaya. These places offer breathtaking views of the city and are perfect for nature lovers. 3. Authentic Sri Lankan Experience: Kurunegala is not as commercialized as other tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, which means that visitors can experience the authentic Sri Lankan way of life. The city is home to friendly locals who are always willing to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Getting to Kurunegala: A Guide to Transportation

Kurunegala is easily accessible by road and rail. The city is located on the A6 highway, which connects Colombo to Kandy. The journey from Colombo to Kurunegala takes approximately 2 hours by car, depending on traffic. For those who prefer to travel by train, there are several trains that run from Colombo to Kurunegala daily. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Sri Lankan countryside. Once in Kurunegala, visitors can get around the city by tuk-tuk, which is a popular mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. Tuk-tuks are affordable and can be easily hailed on the street.

Unforgettable Experiences: Fun Things to Do in Kurunegala

Kurunegala offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the fun things to do in Kurunegala: 1. Visit the Elephant Rock: The Elephant Rock is a must-visit attraction in Kurunegala. Visitors can hike up to the top of the rock and enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. 2. Explore the Kurunegala National Museum: The Kurunegala National Museum is home to a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city and the country as a whole. 3. Take a Boat Ride on the Kurunegala Lake: The Kurunegala Lake is a man-made reservoir that offers a peaceful and scenic boat ride. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills while on the lake. 4. Visit the Ridi Vihara Caves: The Ridi Vihara Caves are a series of ancient caves that are located approximately 10 kilometers from Kurunegala. The caves are home to several ancient statues and paintings and offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Book Your Kurunegala Accommodation with Agoda.com

Agoda.com offers a wide range of accommodation options in Kurunegala to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of our top hotel picks in Kurunegala: 1. Mangala Lodge: This charming guesthouse is located in the heart of Kurunegala and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation. The guesthouse is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful and relaxing stay. 2. The Kandyan Reach: This luxury hotel is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The hotel features spacious and elegant rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves delicious Sri Lankan and international cuisine. 3. Hotel Blue Sky: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable and clean rooms. The hotel is perfect for travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort. 4. Hotel Surasa: This eco-friendly hotel is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. The hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves organic and locally sourced food. 5. Birds Park: This unique hotel is located in a bird sanctuary and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. The hotel features comfortable and spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant that serves delicious Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

The Best Time to Visit Kurunegala: A Seasonal Guide

The best time to visit Kurunegala is from December to March, which is the dry season. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is less crowded. The dry season is also the best time to visit the Ridi Vihara Caves and the Ibbagala Rajamaha Viharaya, as the weather is ideal for hiking and exploring.

Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Kurunegala Adventure

Here are some travel tips for a hassle-free Kurunegala adventure: 1. Respect Local Customs: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. 2. Stay Hydrated: Kurunegala can get hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 3. Pack Light: The streets of Kurunegala can be narrow and crowded, so it's best to pack light and carry a small backpack or shoulder bag. 4. Learn Some Sinhalese: Learning a few basic phrases in Sinhalese can go a long way in making connections with locals and showing respect for their culture.

Where to Stay in Kurunegala: Agoda.com's Top Hotel Picks

Agoda.com offers a range of accommodation options in Kurunegala to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of our top hotel picks in Kurunegala: 1. Mangala Lodge: This charming guesthouse is located in the heart of Kurunegala and offers comfortable and affordable accommodation. 2. The Kandyan Reach: This luxury hotel is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. 3. Hotel Blue Sky: This budget-friendly hotel is located in the city center and offers comfortable and clean rooms. 4. Hotel Surasa: This eco-friendly hotel is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. 5. Birds Park: This unique hotel is located in a bird sanctuary and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

Kurunegala Cuisine: What to Eat and Where to Find Them

Kurunegala is known for its delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, which is a mix of Indian, Malay, and Dutch influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Kurunegala: 1. Kottu Roti: This popular Sri Lankan street food is made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, and is served with a spicy curry sauce. 2. Pol Roti: This Sri Lankan flatbread is made with coconut and flour and is served with spicy sambal and curry. 3. Hoppers: These crispy and fluffy pancakes are made with rice flour and coconut milk and are served with a variety of toppings, such as egg, onion, and curry. 4. String Hoppers: These thin and delicate noodles are made with rice flour and are served with a variety of curries and sambals. 5. Lamprais: This Dutch-inspired dish is made with rice, meat, and vegetables and is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.

Exploring Kurunegala: How to Get Around the City

Kurunegala is a small city that can be easily explored on foot or by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are affordable and can be easily hailed on the street. For those who prefer to walk, the city center is compact and easy to navigate. Visitors should be aware that the streets of Kurunegala can be narrow and crowded, so it's important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.