Eppawala

Eppawala is a town in the Anuradhapura District of North Central Province, located about 50 km northwest of Anuradhapura. It is known for the Eppawala phosphate mine, one of the largest phosphate deposits in Asia, which has been a subject of economic and environmental debate. The town is surrounded by agricultural land and scrub forest.

Eppawala is also close to Wilpattu National Park and serves as a gateway to the park's eastern boundary. The area has several Buddhist temples. Climate is hot and dry, best visited December–April.

By Plane

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB IATA) is 200 km south.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Anuradhapura (50 km southeast).

By Car / Road

Eppawala is 50 km northwest of Anuradhapura on the A12 highway. Buses take 1 hour.

Tuk-tuks.

Eppawala Phosphate Mine — The large open-pit mine. Wilpattu National Park — The eastern boundary is close by. Buddhist temples — Several local temples.

Visit Wilpattu National Park.

Local restaurants.

King coconut water.

Basic accommodation.

Local produce.

• Anuradhapura (50 km southeast, 1 hr) — Ancient sacred city.
• Wilpattu National Park (10 km west, 20 min) — Wildlife safari.
• Nochchiyagama (30 km north, 40 min) — Agricultural town.
• Puttalam (80 km southwest, 2 hr) — Lagoon town.