Panduwasnuwara & Dambadeniya Ruins

Two of the short-lived medieval capitals that Sri Lankan kings retreated to as the dry-zone cities fell. Panduwasnuwara has a moated citadel and the round tower of the legendary Ekesath Prasada; Dambadeniya has the rock-top palace where the Tooth Relic was hidden. Together they fill the gap between Polonnaruwa and Kandy that most itineraries skip entirely.