DRAG

Gampola: The Forgotten Hill Capital of Kings, Carvings, and Cloud-Kissed Towers

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Gampola is a town where history, heritage, and hill country serenity converge. Once the royal seat of a medieval kingdom, today Gampola is a quiet yet culturally rich destination—home to ancient temples, artisan traditions, and one of the island’s most iconic biodiversity towers. With its panoramic landscapes, spiritual landmarks, and echoes of regal grandeur, Gampola is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.

The Name and Its Origins

The name Gampola is believed to derive from the Sinhala word “Ganga Siri Pura”, meaning “the resplendent city by the river”, a reference to its proximity to the Mahaweli Ganga, Sri Lanka’s longest river. Historically, the town was also known as Gangasiripura and Yapawwa, reflecting its sacred and strategic significance.

Gampola rose to prominence in the 14th century when King Buwanekabahu IV moved the capital from Kurunegala to this fortified hill town in 1341 AD. The move was likely for defensive purposes, as the surrounding hills offered natural protection. Under the reigns of Buwanekabahu IV, Parakramabahu V, and Vikramabahu III, Gampola flourished as a center of Buddhist scholarship, temple architecture, and artistic expression.

Population & Demographics

As of the most recent census, Gampola town has a population of approximately 37,871 residents, while the urban area spans 3.3 km² with a density of 11,476 people per km². The broader Gampola polling division includes over 156,000 residents.

The demographic composition is predominantly Sinhalese Buddhist (55.9%), with significant communities of Sri Lankan Moors (22%), Indian Tamils (13.5%), and Sri Lankan Tamils (7.9%), along with smaller groups of Burghers and Malays. This diversity is reflected in the town’s religious sites, festivals, and culinary traditions.

The median age is approximately 30.6 years, with a slightly higher female population (54.3%) than male (45.7%). The community is youthful, industrious, and deeply connected to both its heritage and the surrounding natural environment.

Main Occupations & Local Economy

Gampola’s economy is shaped by its geography, history, and artisanal legacy:

  • Agriculture & Tea Cultivation: The surrounding hills are home to tea plantations, vegetable gardens, and spice farms. Many residents are engaged in tea plucking, processing, and estate management, contributing to Sri Lanka’s global tea reputation.
  • Artisanal Crafts: Gampola is renowned for its wood carving, brassware, and temple art, especially from the Gampola Kingdom era. Temples like Embekke Devalaya showcase some of the finest woodwork in South Asia.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: With the rise of eco-tourism and cultural travel, locals are increasingly involved in guesthouses, tuk-tuk tours, and heritage guiding, especially around sites like Ambuluwawa Tower and Lankathilaka Viharaya.

Education & Public Service: As a regional hub, Gampola hosts schools, health centers, and administrative offices, providing stable employment for many families

Signature Stays: Where to Sleep in Style

Gampola’s hospitality scene blends boutique charm, eco-conscious design, and hill country elegance. Top-rated options include:

  • W15 Ambuluwawa – A luxury boutique hotel perched above the clouds, offering panoramic views, curated interiors, and immersive nature experiences.
  • Kirinda Walauwa – A 200-year-old colonial estate offering cooking classes, market tours, and warm hospitality in a lush garden setting.
  • Elpitiya Walauwa – A heritage home with spacious rooms, spring water baths, and stories of aristocratic lineage.
  • Ambuluwawa View Inn – A cozy guesthouse with tuk-tuk services, home-cooked meals, and easy access to the tower.
  • Villa Nilmalee – A tranquil retreat with a pool, garden, and proximity to the Ambuluwawa complex.
  • Liyara Villas – A modern villa with stylish interiors, friendly staff, and a peaceful setting.
  • Hanthana SK Paradise – A nature-immersed stay with a garden, restaurant, and exceptional service.

Top Tourist Attractions

Gampola offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, spiritual depth, and architectural wonder:

  • Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex: A hilltop sanctuary celebrating religious harmony and environmental diversity, featuring a spiraling white tower with panoramic views, a stupa, mosque, church, and Hindu kovil—all in one place.

  • Lankathilaka Viharaya: A 14th-century Buddhist temple built by King Buwanekabahu IV, showcasing South Indian-influenced architecture, rock inscriptions, and ancient murals.

  • Gadaladeniya Temple: Constructed by King Vikramabahu III, this rock temple is known for its Dravidian-style architecture, stone carvings, and historical inscriptions.

  • Embekke Devalaya: Famous for its intricate wood carvings, this temple is a masterpiece of Kandyan-era craftsmanship, with over 500 unique motifs.

  • Tea Plantation Workers Museum: A moving tribute to the lives and contributions of estate workers, featuring artifacts, oral histories, and cultural exhibits.
  • Kotmale Reservoir & Dam: A short drive from Gampola, this hydroelectric marvel offers scenic views and insight into Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure.

  • Pilimathalawa Brassware Village: A nearby artisan hub where visitors can witness traditional brass casting and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.