|
Kegalle is a town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It is located on the Colombo
- Kandy road. Its 48 miles/78 km away from Colombo and 24 Miles/40 km away from
Kandy. It is the Capital City of the Kegalle District which is one of the two districts
belonging to Sabaragamuwa province the other being Ratnapura District. According
to the 2001 census Kegalle has a population of 86,581.
The town itself is located close to the centre of Sri Lanka and is located at the
bottom of a steep rock face. The surrounding area produces graphite, precious stones
and agricultural products such as rice. Kegalle has an agricultural based economy
and mainly produces rubber. Nearby is the Pinnawala elephant orphanage which is
a major tourist attraction.
A zoological garden is proposed near the existing elephant orphanage in Pinnawala.
District of Kegalle, situated in between the central highlands and western southern
planes and has an enchanting environment. Height of the western region is less than
500 feet from the sea level while eastern region exceeds 1000 feet. Rubber cultivation
has stretched over most of the area of the District and minor export crops such
as coffee, cocoa, pepper, clove and nutmeg takes an important place in the economy
of the District. Sri Lanka’s best graphite mine is situated at Bogala in Kegalle
District. The extent of the District is 1692.8 km2 (169,280 in hectares).
|