Sri Lankan Heritage - Central Province

The Central Province is located in the central hills of Sri Lanka and consists of the three Districts Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya.  The land area of the Province is 5674 square kilometres which is 8.6% of the total land area of Sri Lanka. The Province lies on 6.6°- 7.7° Northern latitude and between 80.5°-80.9° Eastern longitudes. The elevation in the Province ranges from 600 feet to over 6000 feet above sea level in the central hills. The Province is bordered by the North Central Province from the North the Mahaweli River and Uma Oya from the east to the south from the mountain range of Adams peak, Kirigalpottha and Thotapala and the mountain ranges Dolosbage and Galagedera from the west. 

The city of Kandy lies at an elevation of 465 metres (1,526 ft) above sea level. Its plan developed around two open spaces: an extended square, at the end of which are the administration buildings of the old capital, and an artificial lake that is quadrangular in form. A public garden adds to the openness of the city's spatial organization.

On the north shore of the lake, which is enclosed by a parapet of white stone dating to the beginning of the 19th century, are the city's official religious monuments, including the Temple of the Tooth, known as Dalada Maligawa and the Royal Palace. Reconstructed in the 18th century, the Dalada Maligawa is built on a base of granite that was inspired by the temples of Sri Lanka's former capital city, Anuradhapura. Arrays of materials contribute to the richness of this temple. Throughout this small holy city, a number of Buddhist monasteries can be found. Kandy is located in the mountainous and thickly forested interior of the island. The city is located in between multiple mountain ranges including the Knuckles mountain range and the Hantana Mountain Range, giving the city an elevation of 500 metres above sea level. It lies adjacent to the artificial Kandy Lake and to the south of Udawattakele Sanctuary. Kandy has now grown out to encompass Peradeniya, home to the Botanical Gardens, the University of Peradeniya and Katugastota to the north, and in east to Kundasale, Tennekumbura and Gurudeniya.

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city of light", is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Piduruthalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. But the temperature changes and sometimes it can be as low as 3°C. In December, January and February it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost but it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.

The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. The climate of Nuwara Eliya made it the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon and it was called Little England then and it was also the hill country retreat of the British colonialists. Here they immersed in their leisure such as fox, deer and elephant hunting and also in polo, golf and cricket.

Though the town was founded in the 19th century by the British, the whole district is today visited by native travelers, especially during the month of April, the season of flowers, pony races, go cart races and auto rally. Many of the buildings retain features from the colonial period such as the Queen's Cottage, General's House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club and Post Office and even new hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. Anyone who visits the city can stumble in its memories of bygone days by visiting these landmark buildings. Many private homes still maintain their old English-style lawns and gardens.

The town in reality comes alive in April for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, and it is hard to find lodging as Sri Lankans holiday in the region during this period. The festive season starts on April 1^st in a festive manner consisting of a band show in which all the local school bands take part.

Main attractions during April season include the numerous motor racing and horse racing events. Motor racing comes alive with the Mahagasthota and Radella Hill Climbs, the former being run since 1934. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race and the 4X4 Lake Cross on edge of Lake Gregory attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Parties are held nightly in the hotels, and the season ends with the nine furlong (1811 m) Governor's Cup, Golf Tournaments and the Flower shows are held at the end of the month. The town's attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park in the precincts of the town is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular with birdwatchers at quieter times for citing of various species, particularly the Indian Blue Robin, Pied and Scaly Thrush and the Kashmir Flycatcher in the denser undergrowth. Galway’s bird sanctuary is close to Lake Gregory.

The town is a base for visits to Horton Plains National Park. This is a key wildlife area of open grassy woodland. Species found here include the Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Languor. Endemic highland birds include the Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Yellow-eared Bulbul. The slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world's finest tea, and several tea factories around Nuwara Eliya offer guided tours and the opportunity to sample or purchase their products. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya's countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. A grave stone of one of the Britishers is located in the very corner of the golf grounds. He was infamous for elephant hunting and killed nearly 1500 elephants. It says that every year his gravestone is struck by lightning for the great sin that he did. At present this place is not open for the visitors.

Another place related to folklore is the Hindu Temple dedicated to ‘Seetha’ wife of Lord Rama located in the village called "Seetha Eliya" which is on the way to Badulla from Nuwara Eliya before reaching the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The temple is related to the Ramayana story in Hinduism. There is also a Church called the Holy Trinity Church on Church Road, which accommodate an old grave yard and most of the grave stones have British names engraved on them.

Matale District portrays the northern part of Central Province in Sri Lanka. Matale district is enriched with many minerals.  The mountain ranges basically contain with Chan kite. This basic stone makes Anticlines and Synclines complex structures with the effect of time and inner earth. For this the best example is Knuckles mountain range. The mountain range contains eroding stones. This situation leads to severe lands slides in that particular area.

There are several mountain peaks. Sigiriya Dambulla and Beliyakanda are historically important of which the altitude is 500-1000 feet. The major tanks are Kandalama and Dewahuwa, while Inamaluwa, Talkote and Sigiriya are minor tanks.  Kalawewa and Minneriya of North Central province are fed by tributaries from Matale District. 

Matale valley and surrounded by many mountains as Knuckles, Guruluhela, Pansaltenna, Ovilikanda and Hunnasgiriya. Sudu Ganga which flows through the city adds beauty to it. The tributaries from these peaks constantly supplies water to most paddy fields.

Laggala mountain range is a special feature in eastern bound of the Knuckles Mountain. This region contains with three parallel mountain ranges. The district is experiences both monsoons. But the north-east monsoon is heavier than the south-west monsoon. As The knuckles mountain range is extremely high in bio-diversity it is considered as a national heritage of the country.  “Small Worlds End” is located in Pitawala. Laggala, Kaluganga and Haththota-amuna consist of gem pits. Wariyapola and Kaikawala are famous for mica while Talagoda and Rattota are famous for ceramics and also for lime and granite industry. A 3000 years old dead body was found near Ibbankatuwa.       

 Matale The current population of Matale is more than 400,000, and majority are Sinhala Buddhists living harmoniously with the minorities. The main cities of the district are Matale, Dambulla, Galewela and Rattota. Main income source is agriculture while paddy becomes the main crop of the district. In addition to that the minor export crops and vegetables are also being cultivated in the district and also there are several major scale tea factories. The Paddy is mostly being cultivated with irrigated water in Dambulla and Wilgamuwa.

Several historically important places as Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Aluvihare, Kawatayamuna Temple, Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil, St Anthony’s Church – Wahakotte, Nalanda Gedi-ge. Lakegala, Knuckles Mountain and Wasgamuwa National Park add beauty to nature. Laggala and Wilgamuwa are considered as very remote areas in the Island.

The town is a base for visits to Horton Plains National Park. This is a key wildlife area of open grassy woodland. Species found here include the Leopard, Sambar, and the endemic Purple-faced Languor. Endemic highland birds include the Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Yellow-eared Bulbul. The slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world's finest tea, and several tea factories around Nuwara Eliya offer guided tours and the opportunity to sample or purchase their products. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya's countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. A grave stone of one of the Britishers is located in the very corner of the golf grounds. He was infamous for elephant hunting and killed nearly 1500 elephants. It says that every year his gravestone is struck by lightning for the great sin that he did. At present this place is not open for the visitors.

Another place related to folklore is the Hindu Temple dedicated to ‘Seetha’ wife of Lord Rama located in the village called "Seetha Eliya" which is on the way to Badulla from Nuwara Eliya before reaching the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The temple is related to the Ramayana story in Hinduism. There is also a Church called the Holy Trinity Church on Church Road, which accommodate an old grave yard and most of the grave stones have British names engraved on them.

Matale District portrays the northern part of Central Province in Sri Lanka. Matale district is enriched with many minerals.  The mountain ranges basically contain with Chan kite. This basic stone makes Anticlines and Synclines complex structures with the effect of time and inner earth. For this the best example is Knuckles mountain range. The mountain range contains eroding stones. This situation leads to severe lands slides in that particular area.

There are several mountain peaks. Sigiriya Dambulla and Beliyakanda are historically important of which the altitude is 500-1000 feet. The major tanks are Kandalama and Dewahuwa, while Inamaluwa, Talkote and Sigiriya are minor tanks.  Kalawewa and Minneriya of North Central province are fed by tributaries from Matale District. 

Matale valley and surrounded by many mountains as Knuckles, Guruluhela, Pansaltenna, Ovilikanda and Hunnasgiriya. Sudu Ganga which flows through the city adds beauty to it. The tributaries from these peaks constantly supplies water to most paddy fields.

Laggala mountain range is a special feature in eastern bound of the Knuckles Mountain. This region contains with three parallel mountain ranges. The district is experiences both monsoons. But the north-east monsoon is heavier than the south-west monsoon. As The knuckles mountain range is extremely high in bio-diversity it is considered as a national heritage of the country.  “Small Worlds End” is located in Pitawala. Laggala, Kaluganga and Haththota-amuna consist of gem pits. Wariyapola and Kaikawala are famous for mica while Talagoda and Rattota are famous for ceramics and also for lime and granite industry. A 3000 years old dead body was found near Ibbankatuwa.       

 Matale The current population of Matale is more than 400,000, and majority are Sinhala Buddhists living harmoniously with the minorities. The main cities of the district are Matale, Dambulla, Galewela and Rattota. Main income source is agriculture while paddy becomes the main crop of the district. In addition to that the minor export crops and vegetables are also being cultivated in the district and also there are several major scale tea factories. The Paddy is mostly being cultivated with irrigated water in Dambulla and Wilgamuwa.

Several historically important places as Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Aluvihare, Kawatayamuna Temple, Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil, St Anthony’s Church – Wahakotte, Nalanda Gedi-ge. Lakegala, Knuckles Mountain and Wasgamuwa National Park add beauty to nature. Laggala and Wilgamuwa are considered as very remote areas in the Island.

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