Bogoda Bridge

The Bogoda Bridge near Badulla was built in the 16th or 17th century in the early Kandy period. It is the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka and the most beautiful specimen. The structure is standing on a single pier which is from a tree trunk of 11 metres height. All parts of 15 m long Bogoda Bridge exept from the roof tiles were constructed from wood, even fixing materials such as nails are wooden. Durable woods such as Kumbuk and Jackfruit logs were used for the construction and precious timber such as Ceylon Ebony for the decorations. The construction also served as an Ambalama, a traditional shelter for travellers and pilgirms. The wooden fences of the bridge are embellished by tytraditional Sinhalese decorations. Bogoda Bridge crossing the Gallanda Oya was important for traders and pilgrims travelling from Kandy to Badulla, which were then the two most important cities of the Sinhalese controlled territory in Sri Lanka.

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