Distance from Ampara – 70.2 km (1 hour 23 minutes)

Introduction to Henannegala

Henannegala is a large rock that stands tall along the Ampara – Uhana – Maha Oya Highway inside the Maduru Oya National Park in Ampara district. It is believed to be the place where Prince Dutugemunu combined his forces before launching his attack on his enemy, Elara, the South Indian Invader who ruled in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. The name “Senanigala” later became Henannegala.

Henannegala Cave Temple

Below the Henannegala Rock lies the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back to the 3rd to 1st century BC. Under the rock lies ones of the longest drip ledge caves in Sri Lanka, extending from 1500 to 2000 ft. and with a height of 10 to 80 ft. 3 drip ledges at varying levels have been carved above the cave to prevent water from dripping in to the cave. There are paintings, inscriptions, and ruins of stupas scattered in this site.

Getting to Henannegala

From Ampara travel approximately 70 km along the Ampara – Uhana – Maha Oya Highway passing Uhana, Weranketagoda, Gonagolla, Mangalagama, and Maha Oya to reach Henannegala which is situated inside the Maduru Oya National Park.

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