Bogoda Wooden Bridge

Bogoda Wooden Bridge

Bogoda Wooden Bridge is situated in the Badulla district in Colombo. It is recorded to have been built in the 16^th century BC and the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka. It is stated that everything used in this structure has come from the same tree.

About the destination

The Bogoda Wooden Bridge is about 400 years old. The most impressive part of this bridge is that every single thing is made out of wood. From the bridge up to the nails, all have been beautifully carved out of wood.  The facts collected up to date have revealed that the wood of the whole bridge has been made out of one single tree.

The architecture of the Bogoda Wooden Bridge

The structure of the Bogoda Wooden Bridge is 2.4 meters tall and has a titled roof structure. The roof depicts the Kandyan architectural style in roofing. It is 15 meters long and 1.5 meters in breadth and it links the towns of Badulla and Kandy. The whole structure of the bridge is lying on a huge tree trunk and 11 meters in height. There is also a Buddhist temple beside the bridge and it is believed to have been built in the 1^st century BC.

The records state that Kumbuk logs and Jack fruit logs were mainly used for the construction of the bridge while Miller timber and Kaluwara timber have been used for the wooden decorations that are in the bridge.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

You have to take Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Then take the Southern Expressway. Follow Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Highway, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, and Bandarawela – Badulla Road then you have to drive to your destination in Uva Province.

From Badulla

Take Keppetipola Road to Bandarawela Road. Drive along Katawala-Haliela Road. Drive to Bogoda Bridge Road.