A fine rock formation is found in the combination of Kuragala and Hituwangala. Kuragala is higher than Hituwangala and is situated within a short distance beyond it. A breathtaking view from Kuragala runs many miles over a stretch of the Kaltota fields to the green patches of vegetation where the walawe winds its way. The Kuragala was previously famed as a place for meditation of Buddhist monks, is now occupied by Muslim priests who converted it to a pilgrims place of their own religion.
It is 23 km from Balangoda and is situated off the Balangoda-Kaltota road. A recently constructed motorable road from the Balangoda-Kaltota road brings you to this splendid site, which lies near Galtam Yaya at Tanjantenna (now Kurudiyawala Viharaya). This reveals that its close relationship with Kuragala. The History of this place dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century BC as per the inscriptions on several caves. One of these says that Lasama, Samana and Dattha, who were said to be the leaders offered these caves for the use of Buddhist monks: lived and meditated here over many years. The drip ledges, considered to be one of the significant techniques in hydrological engineering of our fore fathers, show that the place was inhabited, during the above period. It is also said that this area belonged to Chandra Giri, one of the eight kingdoms ruled by the legendary king Ravana who abducted Sita from Rama.
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