Ussangoda has been named an archeological site and is located on the Colombo/Kataragama Road, near Ambalantota – at the Nonagama Junction, in the Hambantota District, Sri Lanka. It is also a nature reserve, and is a breeding area for turtles. Ussangoda is an elevated surface patch by the ocean and spreads across a large region. It is only covered with grass and a few pockets of pigmy trees, unlike the remainder of the surrounding territory. The Ussangoda region’s summit pans like a plateau for a considerable length.
Ussangoda is known by soil structure, flora, and place for its uncommon positioning. There are a lot of folk stories about this site that people say a meteorite had hit the area hence the strange reddish color of the soil which is only prominent in this particular area. There is suspicion that this soil has a high content of minerals.
In several locations, rocks and soil can be found with various layers different colouring. However, it is uncertain whether any adequate science research has been carried out to test these speculations at all. It can also be noted that Ussangoda is geographically nearer to another “Miniha Gal Kanda” archeological site, where there is proof of human existence in the prehistoric era. There is a high iron concentration in the rock debris, that magnet attract them.
The region is connected to several legends. The site is regarded in local folklore as a sacred / forbidden are. One common belief is that Ussangoda is a land of “Mangara” the local demi-god. Other beliefs vary from an unwritten / alternate history linked to Ravana to religiously rooted backgrounds. Ussangoda was one of Ravana’s landing fields, according to Hindu puranas.
The climate is hot and very tropical in the area and if you are visiting Ussangoda make sure you take with you several bottles of water and sunhats.