Hanguranketha Zone-හඟුරන්කෙත

HANGURANKETHA

Hanguranketha town is just 27 Km from Kandy although it is in the Nuwara Eliya district. Hanguranketha Pothgul Viharaya is in the middle of the town and there are two historic temples located nearby. Araththana Viharaya is north to the town and Madanwela Raja Maha Viharaya is south to the town. During the time of instability of the Kandyan Kingdom, the Sacred Tooth Relic was removed

from the royal palace and had been hidden at the Aratthana Viharaya. The monks at this temple perform the rituals for the Relic as if it is yet there even now. Visitors can see the paintings inside this shrine house which belong to the Kandyan era. Hanguranketha Esala Perahera (procession) is an annual festival of the Pothgul Viharaya which is conducted annually with other Devales; Vishnu Devale, Patthini Devale, and Dadimunda Devalaya. This perahera is the second largest perahera and takes place just after the Kandy Esala Perahera. The next town is Rikillagaskada, just 4 Km on the Nuwara Eliya Road. You can reach Nuwara Eliya passing Padiyapelalla, Walapane and Ragala which could be a nice drive through tea estates and large vegetable crops.