Balana Fortress - History untold

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Balana Fortress


Sri Lanka has been under various colonial powers namely Portuguese, Dutch and the English but both Portuguese and Dutch were unable to conquer the whole Island. In the centre of the Island Kandyan Kingdom survived as an Independent Kingdom.

Kandyans kept their independence due to their fierce fighting styles and the strategic location of the kingdom. Kandyans used the strategic location as a protective measure and the Alagalla Mount range was such a strategic location.  This marked a natural boundary between Kandy and Colombo and Kadugannawa pass was the only place that allowed an army to enter the Kandyan Kingdom.  Many fierce battles has taken place over this pass. Kandyan kings established a Fortress to guard this pass known as Balana Fortress.






Kadugannawa pass is visible from this place might have been a great advantage to monitor the activities happening via the pass.

You can reach this place by using Kadugannawa Pottepitiya road and turning left after around 4.5 km there is a board indicating the road to the Fortress after travelling approximately 2 Km. Rest of the journey you have to walk through tea states.




We were lucky see the train going through the Kadugannawa pass from the top of the Fortress.


If you are planning to visit Kandy you can include here to your to do list since it won't take much time.
Location: Balana, Sri Lanka

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