Rajarata Farm, Galkiriyagama is situated in the Mahaweli System ‘H’, and is approximately 15km from Dambulla.  The extent of the farm is 140 acres.
 

It is a model farm visited by many government officials, farmers and enthusiasts.
 

The main crop on the farm is TJC Mango.
 

It is a quality mango renown for it luscious flavor and smooth flesh.
 

In addition to TJC Mango, the farm also grows Karthakolomban Mango, Willard Mango, Embul Banana, Coconut, Rice, Ambarella, Jambu and Grapes.
 

The farm has an Agriculture Department registered Grade 1 nursery.
 

The farm has a beautifully laid out herbal garden with over 100 varieties of plants used for Ayurvedic Medicine.  It is a collection that continues to grow and will be a very important resource base for the future.
 

There are 60 full-time employees on the farm.
 

The farm is home to many species of animals, birds and reptiles and  insects.
 

30-40 peacocks inhabit the farm and a few can be seen while taking an evening walking through the farm. Malabar Pied Hornbills, Brahmini Kites, Serpent Eagles, Kingfishers and Parrots are some of the species seen on the farm.
 

The farm maintains a boundary with the Balalu Wewa-Kalawewa Sanctuary.  Many species of wildlife including elephants are to be found in the area.  Ellawala Horticulture is sensitive to the wildlife in the habitat and at all times does its best to maintain agricultural practices that have least impact on them.
 

The electric fence maintained by the farm prevents elephant intrusions and also helps protect the boundary of the sanctuary.  The electric fence has also helped the Dambewatana village by reducing the incidence of elephants entering inhabited areas.  The farm worked together with the Dept of Wildlife Conservation and neighbouring villages to erect a 14 km electric fence along the boundary of the sanctuary, providing much relief to both man and animal.
 

Many butterflies, dragonflies and other insects too can be seen on the farm.  This is a testament to the careful use of pesticides and insecticides by the farm.
 

HISTORY AND POINTS OF INTEREST IN THE AREA

The farm lies next to the Dambulu Oya which feeds into the Kalawewa, one of Sri Lanka’s most important ancient irrigation works.
 

Kalawewa was built by King Dhatusena around 400 AD. The reservoir has a circumference of 40 miles (64.4 km) and has a total area of seven square miles (18.1 km2) at full capacity. The adjoining twin reservoir Balalu Wewa and Kala Wewa were rehabilitated in late seventies under Mahaweli Development Program to receive Mahaweli River water from Polgolla in Katugastota, through Bowatanne Reservoir.
 

Kalawewa water then irrigates lands in Mahaweli ‘H’ areas North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
 

There is much folklore around this picturesque tank which is considered to be the pinnacle of irrigation work undertaken by King Dathusena.   The King considered water as his wealth and treasure. The dam is recognised as one of the world's greatest by many.  According to historical records King Mahinda the II (777-797) expanded the Kalawewa.
 

As per Mahavamsa, his son Kassapa killed King Dhathusena by plastering him to the bund of Kalawewa.
 

The sanctuary encompasses the Kalawewa tank, adjacent Balaluwewa tank and the Kahalla-Pallekele mountain range.  It is indeed one of the most picturesque parts of the country.
 

There are more than two hundred elephants that make their home in this area.  The Kalawewa elephant herd has the highest density of tuskers amongst the Sri Lankan elephants.  Presently, around sixteen tuskers have been sighted in this herd.  The best period for viewing elephants is during the July-Mid October dry season.
 

The Kalawewa-Balaluwewa tank areas are also teeming with birdlife.
 

It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of god and goddess. The latter 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 m². Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha's temptation by demon Mara and Buddha's first sermon.
 

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is a large stone and ancient rock fortress and palace ruin, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescos), which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. It is one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
 

Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees of the Buddhist Sangha. According to the chronicles as Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa (AD 477 – 495), and after the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.
 

The Mahaweli Ganga Development Programme, is the largest integrated rural development multi-purpose programme ever undertaken in Sri Lanka was based on water resources of Mahaweli and allied six river basins. Main objectives were to increase agricultural production, Hydro-power generation, employment opportunities, and settlement of landless poor and flood control. The programme originally planned for the implementation over a 35-year period was brought to acceleration in 1979.
 

The Rajarata Farm lies with system “H” of the Mahaweli Area.
 

Rajarata Farm is approximately 4 hours drive from Colombo (165km). To reach Rajarata Farm from Colombo, drive along the A1 route (Kandy Road) to Ambepussa (55km). At Ambepussa, turn left on to the A6 route (Kurunegala Road) and proceed to Dambulla (90km). Pass Dambulla town at Mirisgoniya Junction turn left on to the A9 route (Anuradhapura Road) and proceed to Madatugama (8km). At Madatugama, turn left on to the Andiyagala road and proceed to Pubbogama (4.5km). At Pubbogama (cross roads), turn right on to the Galkiriyagama road and proceed to Dambewatana (5.5km). Pass the Dambewatana School on your right.
 

The entrance to Rajarata Farm is located at the spot where the tarred road ends and the dirt road begins.