King's Road

The greatest king of Sri Lanka, King Dutugemunu went to war with a then invading Indian king by the name of Elara to win back the thrown of the country. King Dutugemunu started his invasion from the now, Katharagama region & went up to the Anuradhapura region. The king sent an advance team to lay a black stone path from Katharagama to Anuradhapura in order for his army to find the correct way.

What you see above is that magnificent road laid down in 161 BC. A piece of history lost & forgotten in the sands of time!!! Now the road has been destroyed in most of the regions from Katharagama to Anuradhapura due to various developments. You can witness the above inside Nilgala forest in Ampara.

"The King's Road" can be seen in a couple places inside the forest. If you're visiting this forest, make sure to go in a 4x4 vehicle since the road gets muddy due to the rain & there're wild elephants roaming around.

Lots of birding opportunities are also available.