Ethagala, known as Elephant Rock, is the largest and most prominent of the bare granite outcrops that rise dramatically above Kurunegala. At 316 metres it towers over the town, and its distinctive silhouette — a crouching elephant seen from certain angles — gives the city one of Sri Lanka's most recognisable skylines. A large white Buddha statue now crowns the summit, added in the early 2000s and visible from much of the town.
You can climb Ethagala on a stepped path that starts near the base of the rock. The ascent takes around 30–45 minutes and the views from the top over the lake, the town and the surrounding coconut-covered plains are excellent. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and to catch the light at its best.