Bogoda Wooden Bridge, located about 17km west of Badulla in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, is believed to be the oldest surviving wooden bridge in the country, dating back over 400 years to the 16th century. Stretching nearly 15m in length and 1.5m in width, the bridge is constructed entirely from wood, including wooden nails and wooden planks. It spans the Gallanda Oya, an ancient route that connected Badulla and Kandy, serving as a vital link in historic times. According to local folklore, the bridge was built by a skilled father and son team of craftsmen. Legend speaks of how the son, having completed his work, left before the father could add the finishing touches of the ritual, resulting in a curse that caused the son’s death. This blend of architectural uniqueness and historical importance makes Bogoda Wooden Bridge a treasured cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.
