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Akurana, Sri Lanka

Region: Central

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Geographic Coordinates: 7.365000, 80.617200

Climate: Data not available.

Population: 63397

Language: Sinhala

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Akurana is a vibrant town located in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, Akurana offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, And warm hospitality. This picturesque town is situated approximately 20 kilometers away from the bustling city of Kandy, Making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. One of the most striking features of Akurana is its stunning landscape. Surrounded by tea plantations and paddy fields, The town boasts breathtaking views that are sure to captivate any visitor.

The air is crisp and refreshing, Making it a perfect escape from the heat of urban areas. Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise as they explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through this scenic region. In addition to its natural beauty, Akurana also holds great historical significance. The town is home to several ancient temples that are steeped in tradition and spirituality. The Rambukkana Rajamaha Viharaya stands out as one such temple known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist rituals or simply soak up the peaceful ambiance while exploring these sacred sites. The local culture of Akurana is another aspect that sets it apart from other towns in Sri Lanka. Traditional crafts such as wood carving and batik-making thrive here, Providing visitors with an opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work or even try their hand at these crafts themselves. The locals take great pride in preserving their cultural heritage through various festivals held throughout the year where traditional music, Dance performances, And vibrant processions take center stage.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by Akurana’s culinary offerings as well. The town is renowned for its delectable local cuisine which includes mouthwatering dishes like biriyani (flavored rice), Hoppers (a type of pancake), String hoppers (rice noodles), And an array of spicy curries. Visitors can indulge in these flavorsome delights at local eateries or even participate in cooking classes to learn the secrets of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. For those seeking a unique shopping experience, Akurana is famous for its gem and jewelry industry. The town is dotted with numerous shops selling precious stones such as sapphires, Rubies, And topaz.

Visitors can browse through an impressive collection of jewelry or even witness the intricate process of gem cutting and polishing. Akurana offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, And culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. Whether you are exploring ancient temples, Hiking through scenic landscapes, Immersing yourself in local traditions or indulging in mouthwatering cuisine – this charming town has something to offer every traveler seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

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1. Hanthana Mountain Range: Located close to Akurana, the Hanthana Mountain Range offers beautiful hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
2. Ceylon Tea Museum: Situated in Hantane, near Kandy (approximately 12 km from Akurana), this museum showcases the history and production process of Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry.
3. Temple of Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa): Located in Kandy, about 15 km from Akurana, this sacred Buddhist temple houses a tooth relic believed to be that of Lord Buddha. It is one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka.
4. Royal Botanical Gardens: Situated in Peradeniya, approximately 20 km from Akurana, these gardens showcase an extensive collection of plants and trees spread across 147 acres.
5. Udawattekele Sanctuary: Also known as Udawatta Kele, this forest reserve is located near Kandy and offers nature trails for visitors to explore its lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
6. Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue: This towering white Buddha statue can be seen from various parts of Kandy city and offers a panoramic view once you reach its location on Bahirawakanda Hill.
7. Ambuluwawa Tower: Located approximately 45 km from Akurana, this iconic tower stands at an elevation offering breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.

While these attractions may require some travel outside of Akurana itself, they are within reasonable distance for day trips or short visits while staying in or around the town.

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1. Textile Manufacturing: Akurana is famous for its textile mills and garment factories. It specializes in producing high-quality textiles, including fabrics, garments, and home textiles.
2. Handloom Industry: The town has a significant handloom industry that produces traditional Sri Lankan handwoven textiles such as sarees, sarongs, and batik fabrics.
3. Gemstone Trade: Akurana is also known for its gemstone trade. Many gemstone dealers and lapidaries are based in the area who specialize in cutting, polishing, and trading precious stones like sapphires.
4. Agriculture: Although not as prominent as the textile industry, agriculture plays a role in the local economy of Akurana. Farmers cultivate crops such as paddy rice, vegetables, fruits like mangoes and bananas.
5. Retail Businesses: There are numerous small retail businesses catering to the local community’s needs in Akurana—shops selling groceries, clothing stores offering traditional attire or Western-style clothing options.
6. Tourism-Related Services: Due to its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Kandy (approximately 15 km away), some businesses provide tourism-related services such as guesthouses or homestays accommodations or tour operators offering guided tours to nearby attractions.

It’s important to note that while these industries are significant contributors to the local economy of Akurana; there may be other smaller-scale enterprises operating within the town that cater to specific niches or sectors not mentioned above.

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1. Akurana Mosque: The town is primarily known for its large Muslim population and the Akurana Jumma Mosque. The mosque has historical significance as one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka.
2. Cultural Diversity: Akurana is known for its multicultural environment where Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities coexist harmoniously.
3. M.H.M Ashraff: Mohamed Hussain Mohamed Ashraff was a prominent politician from Akurana who played a significant role in Sri Lankan politics. He founded the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and served as a minister in several governments.
4. Education: Akurana has several schools that have contributed to education in the region, including Al Azhar Central College and Zahira College Mawanella Branch.
5. Economic Contribution: The town’s economy mainly relies on agriculture, with tea plantations being an essential source of income for many residents.
6. Historical Significance: While there might not be any major historical events directly associated with Akurana itself, it is located near Kandy, which was once the capital city of ancient kings in Sri Lanka.

Overall, while not extensively recognized historically or through notable figures compared to other regions in Sri Lanka, Akurana retains cultural diversity and holds importance within its local community context.

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1. Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) – Located in Kandy, this temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.
2. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Situated near Kandy, these beautiful gardens feature a vast collection of plants and trees from various parts of the world. It’s a great place to explore nature and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
3. Royal Palace of Kandy – Also known as the Maligawa, this historical palace was once home to the last Sinhalese king before British colonial rule. Visitors can explore its architecture and learn about Sri Lankan history.
4. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary – A peaceful forest reserve located near Kandy, offering scenic walking trails amidst lush greenery and wildlife sightings.
5. Gadaladeniya Temple – This ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa showcases unique South Indian architectural influences and intricate stone carvings.
6. Lankatilaka Vihara – Another historic temple near Pilimathalawa known for its impressive architecture, including a towering brick-built image house with beautiful wall paintings.
7. Ambuluwawa Tower – Located in Gampola (close to Akurana), this tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides and towns from its observation deck at 3600 feet above sea level.

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1. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about specific sports teams and their histories in Akurana, Sri Lanka.
2. However, it is known that cricket is a popular sport in Sri Lanka, and there may be local cricket teams in Akurana.
3. Additionally, football (soccer) is also played in the country, so there might be football teams representing Akurana as well.
4. To gather more detailed information about specific sports teams and their histories in Akurana, it would be best to consult local sources or reach out to sporting authorities or community members from that area.

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1. Kandy Esala Perahera: Although not directly in Akurana, the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahera is held annually in nearby Kandy city during July or August. This grand procession features traditional dancers, musicians, beautifully adorned elephants, and religious rituals.
2. Akurana Mosque Festival: The town has a significant Muslim population, and the annual festival at the local mosque is an important event for the community. It usually includes religious ceremonies, special prayers such as Taraweeh during Ramadan), food stalls serving traditional Muslim cuisine, and various cultural activities.
3. Vesak Poya: Vesak Poya celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. In Akurana and throughout Sri Lanka this festival is observed with great devotion by Buddhists who decorate their homes with colorful lanterns (Vesak koodu) and visit temples to engage in religious activities.
4. Sinhala New Year: Celebrated on April 13th or 14th each year according to the Sinhalese calendar (Aluth Avurudu), this festival marks the beginning of a new agricultural season. In Akurana you can witness locals engaging in traditional games like tug-of-war (kamba adiya), pillow fights (kotta pora), cooking competitions (kehel mal) as well as preparing sweetmeats like kiribath (milk rice) to share with family and friends.
5. Maha Shivaratri: This Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated by Hindus living in Akurana as well as across Sri Lanka. Devotees visit temples throughout the night offering prayers and performing rituals to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
6. Christmas: Akurana has a Christian minority and Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm. The town is adorned with festive decorations, churches hold special services, and people come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

These are just a few examples of cultural events and festivals in Akurana. The town’s diverse population ensures a vibrant tapestry of celebrations throughout the year, reflecting the harmony among different communities in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lankan Cuisine

1. Rice and curry

   This is a staple dish in Sri Lanka, consisting of rice served with a variety of curries such as dhal curry, chicken curry, fish curry, and vegetable curries.

2. String hoppers

   These are thin rice noodles steamed and served with coconut sambol or curries.

3. Kottu Roti

   A popular street food dish made by chopping roti bread into small pieces and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, meat (optional), spices, and sauces.

4. Biryani

   A flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices like saffron or turmeric along with meat (chicken or mutton) or vegetables.

5. Lamprais

   A Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish featuring rice boiled in stock along with various meats (such as beef or chicken), wrapped in banana leaves and baked until the flavors meld together.

6. Seafood dishes

   Being an island nation, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of delicious seafood options including prawns, crabs, cuttlefish, and fish prepared in various styles such as grilled or curried.

Popular Restaurants in Akurana

1. Hotel Ashford

   Known for its traditional Sri Lankan cuisine including biryani and string hoppers.

   Address: 20 Kandy Rd., Akurana

2. Hotel Nadee

   Offers a variety of local dishes including seafood specialties.

   Address: 16/1 Colombo Rd., Akurana

3. Restaurant Deen’s

   Popular for its authentic Muslim cuisine like biryani and kottu roti.

   Address: 65 Kandy Rd., Akurana

4. Hotel New Star

   Famous for its delicious seafood dishes.

   Address: 24A Gampola Rd., Akurana

5. Restaurant Al-Madina

   Known for its flavorful biryani and other Muslim dishes.

   Address: 21A Kandy Rd., Akurana

These are just a few examples, and there are many more local eateries and restaurants in Akurana that offer diverse Sri Lankan cuisine.

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1. Ramboda Falls Park: This park is located near Akurana and offers beautiful views of the Ramboda Falls. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, walking trails, and photography.
2. Victoria Park: Situated in nearby Nuwara Eliya, Victoria Park is a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. It features well-maintained gardens, a lake with paddle boats, children’s play areas, and walking paths.
3. Gregory Lake: Also located in Nuwara Eliya, Gregory Lake is a scenic spot where visitors can go boating or simply relax by the lakeside.
4. Hakgala Botanical Garden: Another attraction near Akurana is the Hakgala Botanical Garden in Nuwara Eliya. It offers beautifully landscaped gardens with a wide array of plant species to explore.
5. Haggala Mountain Range: Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in hiking or trekking activities at the Haggala Mountain Range near Akurana.
6. Golfing at Victoria Golf Club: Located within close proximity to Akurana in Kandy district, the Victoria Golf Club provides an opportunity for golf lovers to enjoy their favorite sport amidst stunning natural surroundings.
7. Udawattakele Forest Reserve: Situated in Kandy city, this forest reserve offers nature trails for hiking and birdwatching opportunities.
8. Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens: A short distance from Akurana lies one of Sri Lanka’s most famous botanical gardens – Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens – featuring a vast collection of plants from around the world as well as serene pathways for leisurely walks.

These are just some examples of parks and recreational activities available near Akurana; there may be additional options depending on personal preferences and interests.

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