Kurunegala

Six large rocks encircle Kurunegala, each named for the animal its shape suggests — the largest, Ethagala or Elephant Rock, rising dramatically above the surrounding coconut plantations and rubber estates. This Sri Lankan city served as a royal capital for around fifty years between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, and sits within reach of several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the wider region. The compact centre has cafés, restaurants, and historic churches, with scenic viewpoints accessible from the surrounding terrain.

• Population28,571
• Nearest water from center0.9 km
• Nearest mountain from center0.2 km
• UNESCO within 50 km2