Gampola Old Bridge

Spanning the Mahaweli River on the edge of the historic town of Gampola, the Gampola Old Bridge is a notable piece of mid-twentieth-century civil engineering in Sri Lanka's Central Province. Though it is one of more than a thousand bridges across the island, its construction method, international pedigree, and the storied town it connects make it worth a closer look for travellers passing through the Kandy District.

What makes the Gampola Old Bridge significant?

The bridge stretches 99 metres and was built using post-tensioned concrete technology — a technique that was relatively advanced for Sri Lanka at the time of construction. The superstructure consists of three I-girders, each 32.8 metres long, cast and stressed on site before being lifted into position. Supporting these girders are concrete abutments, retaining walls, and piers designed to handle the river's seasonal flood levels.

The project was undertaken by Kumagai Gumi Co. Ltd of Japan, one of Asia's most experienced infrastructure contractors, while the structural design came from Oriental Consultants, also of Japan. The Japanese involvement brought rigorous engineering standards that gave the bridge its longevity and reliability as a key crossing point in the district.

Where exactly is the bridge, and how do I get there?

Gampola sits roughly 20 kilometres south of Kandy along the A5 highway, making it an easy detour on a drive toward the hill country. Travellers arriving by rail can use the Gampola railway station, which lies on the main Colombo–Badulla line — the same scenic route that climbs through tea country toward Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Tuk-tuks from the station reach the bridge area within minutes.

If you are basing yourself in Kandy, a half-day excursion to Gampola can be combined with a visit to the Kandy city tour circuit or extended south toward the highlands. Private drivers familiar with the Central Province make the logistics straightforward.

What is the history of Gampola town?

Gampola carries considerably more historical weight than its modest size suggests. In the mid-fourteenth century, King Buwanekabahu IV chose the town as the royal capital of Sri Lanka, giving it a brief but important place in the island's medieval history. His successor, King Buwanekabahu V, ruled for around 29 years, making Gampola the seat of power for several decades in total.

It was during this Gampola period that the noble Alagakkonara began constructing a rival power centre at Kotte, near present-day Colombo — a shift that would eventually draw the political heart of the island westward. The Gampola era is therefore a crucial transition point between the ancient kingdoms of Polonnaruwa and the later coastal kingdoms.

Gampola's royal past is commemorated in local temples and old architecture scattered through the town. The broader landscape — surrounded by tea-covered hills and river valleys — has changed little in character, even if the population and infrastructure have grown.

What else can I see in and around Gampola?

The Saliyalapura Temple in Gampola houses a reclining Buddha statue that is among the longest in South Asia — a striking piece of religious art that draws pilgrims and curious visitors alike. The temple grounds are generally open during daylight hours, and a respectful dress code (covered shoulders and knees) is expected.

• Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex – A multi-religious site and biodiversity tower a short drive from Gampola town, offering panoramic views across the Central Province on clear days.
• Tea country drives – The roads south and east of Gampola wind through active tea estates. The area around Gampola contributed to the early spread of Ceylon tea cultivation in the 1870s and 1880s.
• Mahaweli River – Sri Lanka's longest river passes directly under the Old Bridge, and the riverbank near Gampola is a quiet spot to observe local life — fishermen, washerwomen, and schoolchildren crossing on foot.
• Padavigampola Village – Traditional rural communities near Gampola offer insight into paddy farming, home cooking, and village crafts that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

When is the best time to visit Gampola?

Gampola sits in Sri Lanka's wet zone interior, which means it receives rainfall throughout the year. The driest and most reliably pleasant months are generally January through April, when clear skies make the hill scenery especially rewarding. That said, the town is accessible year-round — brief afternoon showers in other months rarely disrupt a visit significantly.

Travelling during the Esala Perahera Festival season in July or August adds a cultural dimension if you plan to base yourself in nearby Kandy before heading south to Gampola.

Is Gampola worth visiting as a standalone stop?

For most travellers, Gampola works best as part of a broader Central Province itinerary rather than a primary destination in its own right. The Old Bridge itself is of interest to engineering enthusiasts and those curious about Sri Lanka's infrastructure history, while the town's medieval royal heritage and its proximity to tea country make it a satisfying stop for anyone who enjoys stepping off the main tourist trail. Combined with Ambuluwawa, the Saliyalapura Temple, and a drive through the surrounding highlands, a few hours here can be genuinely rewarding.

Practical information for visiting Gampola