Ussangoda is an archaeological site on the Colombo – Kataragama road near the Ambalantota – Nonagama junction in the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka. Ussangoda is a coastal highland. Due to its soil structure and vegetation, Usgoda is different from other places in Sri Lanka. It is a nature reserve and is located in the southern turtle breeding zones.
There are many folk tales related to Ussangada. The general belief is that it is part of a meteorite or close to a meteor. The main argument for this belief is that the soil is characterized by brick-like wood. Some speculate that some rock and soil layers are pollutants of heat. It is also suspected that the mineral / metal concentrations that give the soil its unique color are high. It is obvious that the earth is rich in minerals like nickel. Some of the ingredients in the soil may be magnetic attractions.
The history of Udangoda dates back to the Rama-Ravana period. Farmers believe that Ussangoda is the place where King Rawana built his harbor and landed a large peacock shaped aircraft. Another summary is Ugigoda, the resting place of the gods. The archaeological site of Ussangoda has been found geographically close to “Maniha Galkanda” and there is evidence of human existence.
The unique habitat of Usangoda provides a home for many species of animals. Dry tropical birds are common here, including unusual species such as the nightjar. Small mammals are also abundant, and nocturnal species such as kangaroo rats can be seen at night. During the day, gray langur monkeys roam the trees and scratch their way to Ussangoda. Usangoda is part of the Kalametia Wildlife Sanctuary. It consists of a large system of beaches, wetlands, and scrubland. The sea coast extending from Welipatanvila to East and Lunama to the west are important nest sites for five endangered marine turtles; The Green Turtle, the Olive-Ridley Turtle, the Horned Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle are the largest marine turtle in the world. The beach from Welipatanwila to Godavaya is probably the most important nest for the Leatherback turtle in Sri Lanka and an important nest for this species in the entire Indian Ocean. The high tide pools on the slopes provide an opportunity to observe small marine animals such as hermit crabs, limpets, barnacles and rock cutters.
