Badulla is a small town in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, located in the central highlands. It is the capital of the Uva Province and the administrative capital of the Badulla District. The town is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage and historical significance. Badulla has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times of the Sinhalese kingdom.
The earliest recorded history of Badulla goes back to the 3rd century BC, when it was first mentioned in the Mahavamsa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka. According to the Mahavamsa, King Pandukabhaya, the founder of the Sinhalese kingdom, established the city of Badulla as a border fortress to protect his kingdom from the invading Cholas. The name Badulla is believed to have been derived from the Sinhala words “badu” (fort) and “ulla” (place).
Badulla was the site of several battles during the reign of King Dutugemunu, who ruled the kingdom from 161 BC to 137 BC. In the 2nd century BC, Badulla was the scene of the famous Battle of Badulla, in which King Dutugemunu defeated the Cholas. This battle marked the end of the Chola occupation of Sri Lanka and the beginning of the Sinhalese kingdom.
Badulla was also an important center of Buddhism during the Anuradhapura period (3rd century BC to 11th century AD). The ancient Buddhist monastery of Mihintale, located near Badulla, was one of the most important monasteries in Sri Lanka. The monastery was a center of learning and was visited by many Buddhist monks from India, China and other countries.
Badulla was also a major center of trade during the Anuradhapura period. Badulla was the gateway to the Uva Province, which was rich in gems, spices and other natural resources. The city was also an important center of commerce and a hub for traders from India, China and other countries.
Badulla was under the control of the Portuguese in the 16th century and then the Dutch in the 18th century. In the 19th century, the British took control of Badulla and it became part of the British Empire. During this period, Badulla became an important center of tea and rubber production.
The city of Badulla has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several important historical sites. The Badulla Railway Station, built in 1867, is one of the oldest railway stations in Sri Lanka. The town also has several ancient temples, including the famous Mihintale Vihara, the oldest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
Badulla is also home to several national parks and nature reserves, including the Horton Plains National Park and the Uda Walawe National Park. These parks are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards and wild boars.
Badulla is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. It is a great place to visit for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Sri Lanka.