Walpolamulla Explained

Official Name:Walpolamulla
Settlement Type:Village
Pushpin Label Position:bottom
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Sri Lanka
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Central Province
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Matale
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:0.004
Area Land Km2:0.004
Population As Of:2024
Population Total:2
Timezone:Sri Lanka Standard Time
Utc Offset:+5:30
Coordinates:7.4943°N 80.7687°W

Walpolamulla is a village located within the Knuckles Mountain Range in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the smallest and most secluded villages in Sri Lanka, nearly abandoned, with only remnants of homes and paddy fields remaining. [1] Located near the Malkirigoda Gap, the village is only accessible by foot, being a 8 km trek from Etanwela, the last point with road access in the region.[2] [3] As of April 2024, the population is just two: a single married couple.[4]

2008 saw the last major exodus from the village, with elephant incursions driving out all of its residents. The population at the time was 7, consisting of three families; as of 2024, two appear to have returned.[2] Agriculture (historically, rice and betel nut) has been the mainstay in employment among residents.[2] [3] The village now serves as a paid campsite/overnight stay location as well.[4]

Notes

1.The total area of the village is estimated to be slightly lower than this value (an acre).[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-12-07 . The smallest village in Sri Lanka aboutceylon . 2024-11-24 . en-US.
  2. News: Rodrigo . Malaka . Village on the move . 28 November 2024 . The Sunday Times . Plus . The Sunday Times . 6 July 2008.
  3. Web site: Fernando . Kimarli . https://www.facebook.com/kimarlif/posts/walpolamulla-sri-lankas-hidden-smallest-abandoned-villagewalpolamulla-is-renowne/1065587125568114/ . Facebook . 28 November 2024.
  4. Web site: Wikramanayake . Mihiri . Trekking to Asia's Smallest Village. Walpolamulla Sri Lanka . Mihipedia . 12 April 2024 . 28 November 2024.