Kudiramalai Point, Wilpattu
A remote headland on Wilpattu’s western coast where tradition places Prince Vijaya’s landing and an ancient horse-trading port, reached only by a long drive through the park.
What Kudiramalai Point actually is
Kudiramalai, ‘Horse Hill’ or Horse Point, is a cape on Sri Lanka’s west coast at the northern tip of Puttalam District, on the Gulf of Mannar. The Mahavamsa chronicle places Prince Vijaya’s landing in Tambapanni, traditionally dated to 543 BC, and Kudiramalai is one of the places identified with it. That identification is legend and tradition, not documented fact.
The site has real history of another kind. Excavations indicate habitation from around the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE, and Pliny describes a port he calls Hippuros, which writers have linked to this coast. The headland has reddish earth and rock, a sandy hillock with a view over the shore and offshore islets, and the remains of a structure on the cliff of uncertain origin, said by some to be the base of a horse statue.
Getting there is the point. It lies inside Wilpattu National Park, normally reached by safari jeep from the Eluwankulama entrance on a long red-dirt track. It is a full day out, and access rules and road conditions have changed more than once. Go for the landscape and the legend, not for visible ruins.
Worth your attention
Red earth and rock
The reddish soil and layered rock formations are unusual for the coast and are the visual reason to come.
The viewpoint
A sandy hillock gives a broad view over beach, forest and offshore islets such as Battalangunduwa.
The cliff ruins
Remains of a structure on the cliff, of uncertain origin; some say a horse statue, others a lighthouse or temple.
The coast
A beach of dark sand with a limestone reef, usually empty.
Before you go
Do this
- Plan a full day and start early.
- Book a jeep and guide through the park office or a licensed operator at Eluwankulama.
- Confirm road conditions and access before you set out.
- Carry water, food, sun protection and cash.
- Read about the Vijaya legend beforehand so the headland makes sense.
Know this first
- The park has been closed for long periods in the past, including 1988 to 2003.
- One recent listing says the Eluvankulama–Mannar road has been closed to the public since May 2025. Check status.
- Wilpattu is sometimes closed in the drought months from May to December per one older source; check.
- There is little to see beyond landscape; the history is mostly in the telling.
Getting to Kudiramalai Point, Wilpattu
Most people see Kudiramalai Point, Wilpattu as part of a stay around Wilpattu National Park. Our Wilpattu National Park guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Wilpattu National Park — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Wilpattu National Park guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Kudiramalai Point, Wilpattu — frequently asked
What is Kudiramalai Point?
A cape on the west coast at the northern tip of Puttalam District, inside Wilpattu National Park. It was an ancient port and is linked by tradition to Prince Vijaya.
Did Prince Vijaya really land at Kudiramalai?
According to tradition and the Mahavamsa chronicle, he landed in Tambapanni around 543 BC, and Kudiramalai is one of the places identified with it. It is legend, not proven history.
How do you get to Kudiramalai Point?
By safari jeep from the Eluwankulama entrance to Wilpattu, along a long red-dirt road through the park. Ticketing is at the Eluwankulama park office.
Is Kudiramalai Point worth the trip?
If you want legend, a remote coast and red earth, yes. If you expect substantial ruins, no.
Also worth stopping for around Wilpattu National Park
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