Laggala-Pallegama is a newly developed area following Moragahakanda-Kaluganga project. Laggala town was shifted to a new place and new carpeted roads were built to connect with Bakamuna, Naula and Hettipola. Laggala-Pallegama (ලග්ගල-පල්ලෙගම) region became famous for gems recently and number of people visits the area to buy gems.
This was kind of a one day trip to Laggala-Bakamuna-Elahera areas in view of visiting some road side highlights and archeology places. We have hiked Lunumudagala (ලුණුමුඩාගල) in previous day and stayed at Prasad guest Haththota Amuna.
Some of these archeology places were visited by me in 2012 by a motor bike. It was my first writing to Lakdasun page.

List of places we visited around Laggala-Bakamuna-Elahera are

1. Kalu Ganga reservior dam
2. Kumara Ella archeology reserve
3. Buduruwayaya Archeology site
4. Orubendisiyamabalawa
5. Elahera Minneri Dewalaya
6. Elahera Gal Amuna
7. Moragahakanda Dam view point
8. Moragahakanda Reservior view point

We have exit the area at Naula and visited Nalanda Reservior to wind up the day.

The day began from Prasad guest Haththota Amuna (හත්තොට අමුණ). We had breakfast from a food stall situated closer to Haththota Amuna. I can’t remember the name of this place but it can be recommended as we have visited there at number of times. Then we drove towards Bakamuna and just crossed Amban Ganga to visit Kumara Ella archeology site.

1. Kumara Ella archeology site (කුමාර ඇල්ල පුරාවිද‍යා බිම) (7.733036, 80.834383)
Kumara Ella archeology site is a recently excavated archeology site at Kumara Ella on Dambulla-Kalagahawela new expressway. It is situated at one bank of Amban Ganga (අඹන් ගග). Here they have identified ruins of Jantagara (ජන්ථාගරය) / bath house for Buddhist Monks and a Bodhigara (බෝධිගරය). Excavation and renovation started in 2004 and currently ruins of two buildings can be seen here. When you look at Google map it would be nicely seen the road was built with a bend to preserve this archeology site.

There is a place at Amban Ganga called Kumara Ella where Amban Ganga flows through a narrow place to form a small waterfall. It is called as the narrowest place of Amban Ganga / Mahaweli Ganga. I have visited at this place in my last visit.

Dambulla-Kalagahawela road goes over Amban Ganga. They have built it with a bend to preserve the archeology site. Soon Amban Ganga joins with Kalu Ganga.

At Kumara Ella archeology site

Kumara Ella archeology site

Kumara Ella archeology site. This building might be Jantagara / Bath house.

Kumara Ella archeology site

Entrance to a building.

Gal Kotuwa at Janthagaraya.

Kumara Ella archeology site.

Buduruwayaya Buddha statue is situated closer to Kumara Ella archeology site towards further to Bakamuna side.

2. Buduruwayaya archeology site (බුදුරුවයාය) (7.741117,80.842627)

The site is said to be of the early Anuradhapura period. A large number of artifacts, which includes a small Dagoba built on a platform, the reclining Buddha image carved out from the parent rock, image house etc. found spread over the site.
(Quoted from Archeology board placed at Buduruwayaya site).

We have turned from main road to a by road to reach Buduruwayaya. The reclining Buddha statue is the main attraction here. They have built a shelter to protect the Buddha statue, but it was not there at my last visit.

Buduruwayaya Archeology Site

The stupa made on a platform. There are guard stones and moon stones as well.

The stupa

Stones lay on the ground of Stupa.

The reclining Buddha statue carved out of parent rock.

The reclining Buddha statue with shelter

Head end of Buddha statue

Moragahakanda-Kalu Ganga project is one of the major development projects of the country. This was done under Mahaweli development authority and it is the final reservior built under Mahaweli project.
Moragahakanda and Kalu Ganga reservoirs were built under this project in purpose of supplying water for irrigation and hydro power generation.

3. Kalu Ganga Reservior (කළු ගග ජලාශය) (7.538801,80.855031)
Kalu Ganga is a tributary of the largest branch of Mahaweli River-Amban Ganga. Kalu Ganga is dammed at Pallegama area to build Kalu Ganga reservior. Construction of Kalu Ganga project began at April 2014 and maiden water was released in 26th December 2018.
Kalu Ganga dam is a large gravity dam with length of 546m and height of 67m. The purpose of building this reservior is irrigation. Kalu Ganga reservior and Moragahakanda reservior are connected by a connecting tunnel. Because of construction of this reservior Rambukoluwa village and old Pallegama town were isolated.
During this trip we were able to visit Kalu Ganga dam and this connecting tunnel. We got this opportunity as Isuru Lasan was working as a tunnel engineer at Kalu Ganga project. The access road to Kalu Ganga dam is situated on the way to Ranamure village. Therefore we have visited the dam on the day of Lunumudagala Hike. Wamarapugala, Katukithule Kanda, Lakegala and Kehelpothdoruwegala were rising beyond Kalu Ganga reservior. We have enjoyed the sun set from Kalu Ganga dam.

Evening at Kalu Ganga Dam

Kalu Ganga dam and reservior

Mountains seen beyond Kalu Ganga reservior: Wamarapugala, Katukithule Kanda, Lakegala and Kehelpothdoruwegala

Giant Wamarapugala

Mighty Lakegala. Bambugala is also seen just left to Lakegala.

Kalu Ganga dam

Spill gate of the dam

Kalu Ganga dam and isolated mountains of Pallegama area

On Kalu Ganga dam

Evening at Kalu Ganga dam

Sun set over Kalu Ganga dam

Sun set

Capturing

Silhouette

Silhouette

I had an opportunity to fly the drone over Kalu Ganga reservior.

Kalu Ganga reservior and dam

The view over the dam

Cross section of mountains of Knuckles. Yahangala also can be seen here

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The road over the dam

Access roads

Access roads

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.	Group photo…..

We were privileged to visit at connecting tunnel of Kalu Ganga reservior and Moragahakanda reservior. The purpose of this tunnel is to divert water from Kalu Ganga reservior to Moragahakanda. After wearing protective equipments we got into the tunnel by a cab. It was about 2 km from the out let to the tunnel end. Chinese workers were working at the tunnel end.

At the entrance of tunnel. It is essential to wear protective equipments.

Tunnel no 01 out let

Tunnel no 01 out let

Inside the tunnel. Illuminated by lights.

Selfies at tunnel.

Chinese were working at tunnel end. This machine is to expand the tunnel

End of the tunnel

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4. Moragahakanda Reservior (මොරගහකන්ද ජලාශය)
Moragahakanda-Kalu Ganga project is the last step of Mahaweli project. Construction of Moragahakanda reservior was started on 25th January 2007 and was completed in 2018. The maiden water of the dam was released in January 2017. A granite Buddha statue built opposite the Moragahakanda reservior was unveiled on 23rd July 2018. The Original Moragahakanda reservior was first constructed by King Wasaba 111 AD.
The Moragahakanda dam is a 65m high gravity dam. The storage capacity of the reservior is 521, 000,000 cubic meters. The purposes of building this reservior were irrigation, inland fishing, water supply and power generation. Moragahakanda reservior is used to power 25 MW electricity.
This was renamed as Kulasinghe reservior by President Maithripala Sirisena, in memory of late Dr. A.N.S. Kulasinghe.
There are two places to watch Moragahakanda reservior. Both places are open for the public.
1. Moragahakanda Dam view point (7.698776, 80.771374)
2. Moragahakanda reservior view point (7.698982, 80.758916)

Moragahakanda dam can be accessed by Naula-Elahera-Pallegama-Hettipola road. We have parked the vehicle at Vehicle Park and walked to dam view point. Here you can’t walk over the dam to other side where replica of Awukana Buddha statue and Moragahakanda power station are situated. Karagahathenna peak and Gammaduwa peak were seen over Moragahakanda dam.

Dam of Moragahakanda reservior. It is a gravity dam.

Other side of the dam

It was renamed as Kulasinghe Reservior-Moragahakanda

Spill gates and power station. The Buddha statue is also situated at this end of the dam

Close up of spill gates

The reservior

The monument

When you look at spill gates from below

With Moragahakanda Dam

View of Karagahathenna and Gammaduwa peaks

Karagahathenna peak (left) Gammaduwa peak (right)

Moragahakanda Reservior view point is also situated at Naula–Elahera-Pallegama-Hettipola road. A large part of the reservior is seen to this place except the dam. A different set of mountains are seen here.

Moragahakanda reservior and mountains

Moragahakanda reservior and Wamarapugala

Pathangala and Riverstone peaks

Karagahathenna, Gammaduwa and Sandamadala peaks

Moragahakanda reservior and the circuit bungalow

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It is not hard to find ice cream sellers at this view point

Elahera Gal Amuna, Orubendisiyamabalawa and Elahera Minneri Dewalaya are situated at Elahera.

5. Elahera Gal Amuna and Parakrama Inscription (ඇළහැර ගල් අමුණ සහ පරාක්රම සෙල් ලිපිය) (7.704878, 80.783119)

It is situated half a kilometer inside Wasgamuwa National Park. Historical evidence records that the Amban Ganga, a tributary of the Mahaweli Ganga was diverted by the construction of a stone weir across it and water channeled to paddy fields through the Elahera Ela by the reign of king Wasaba (65-109). Later king Mahasen (276-303) extended the Elahera canal to carry water to Minneriya and the Kaudulla reservoirs. King Vijayabahu (1070-1110) and King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) too had carried out renovations to this irrigation system. Elahera Ela (canal) is sometimes referred to as Yodha Ela. The British too had carried renovations and built a new weir near the ancient weir. 20 km away from this weir the canal branches off carrying water to Minneriya and Girithale reservoirs at a place called Diyabeduma. (Quoted from Amazing Lanka site)

Diversion of Mahaweli River at Elahera is one of the milestones of Sri Lankan irrigation history.

We have stopped at new Aban Ganga anicut which is situated at side of Naula-Elahera-Pallegama-Hettipola road. Here we have crossed new Amban Ganga anicut and followed the foot path into the forest. The pillar inscription called Parakrama Sel Lipiya came across on our way to Elahera Gal Amuna. This pillar inscription mentioned about the irrigation canal made by King Parakramabahu 1.
Then we have walked on a long stretch of concrete wall over Amban Ganga to reach Elahera Gal Amuna. The ancient Elahera Gal Amuna was situated at the other end of this concrete stretch. Nowadays you can see slices of stones belong to Elahera Gal Amuna.

New Elahera anicut to divert water into Elahera Yoda Canal

Crossing new Elahera anicut

Follow the foot path within the forest

Pillar inscription-Parakrama Sel Lipiya

There was a clear foot path into the forest

Walking over large concrete stretch

Amban Ganga- Largest tributary of Mahaweli River

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Remains of ancient Gal Amuna

Elahera Gal Amuna….Slices of nicely cut rocks

With Elahera Gal Amuna

Elahera Gal Amuna

6. Ancient Minneri Dewalaya at Elahera (පුරාණ මින්නෙරි දේවාලය ඇළහැර)

Elahera and Minneriya areas are blessed with Minneri Dewiyo.
We have noted the board mentioning Ancient Minneri Dewalaya Elahera when we drove parallel to Elahera Yoda Canal. It was situated on the other side of Elahera Oya. A small country type Dewalaya was there with a Bo tree. Don’t know the history of this place.

The board of ancient Minneri Dewalaya at Elahera

Elahera Yoda Canal

.	Bo tree at Dewalaya premises

Ancient Minneri Dewalaya at Elahera

The Bo tree

7. Orubendisiyamabalawa Dewalaya (ඔරුබැදිසියඹලාව දේවාලය) (7.760065, 80.803566)

This ancient Tamarind tree which is situated closer to Elahera Yoda Ela was used to tie boats transported from Minneriya to Elahera. King Mahasen (276-303) who frequently travelled from Polonnaruwa to Elahera by using this canal used to tie his Royal Barge to this Tamarind tree. Therefore this Tamarind tree was named as Orubendisiyamabalawa and the area was also got this name.
Orubendisiyamabalawa Tamarind tree was rediscovered by three engineers in 1850. At the time of it’s discovery it was 26 feet and two inches girth. The old Tamarind tree was died later and a new Tamarind tree can be seen there.
Hon.D.S. Senanayake has built current Dewalaya (Minihiri Dewola) (මිණිහිරි දේවාලය) next to Tamarind tree at Orubendisiyamabalawa.

Ancient Tamarind tree at Orubendisiyamabalawa

New Tamarind Tree

Tamarind at Orubendisiyamabalawa

Orubendisiyamabalawa Ranmini Dewola

Coin box at Ranmini Dewalaya

The statue of Ayyanayaka Dewiyo

We have noted a hanging bridge over Elahera Yoda Ela while we drove back to Elahera from Orubendisiyamabalawa.

Hanging bridge over Elahera Yoda Ela at Orubendisiyamabalawa

Elahera Yoda Ela

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There was a nice grassy area closer to Elahera Yoda canal next to the road. We didn’t forget to stop over there.

The grassy area shaded with large trees

The grassy area shaded with large trees

.	Official vehicle partner having a rest

After spent hours and hours at Laggala-Elahera-Bakamuna area we have reached Naula in view of going to Colombo. Nalanda reservior was in my bucket list for a long time and it was the high time to visit Nalanda reservior.

Nalanda Reservior (නාලන්දා ජලාශය) (7.670355, 80.623772)
Nalanda Oya which is a tributary of Amban Ganga is dammed at Nalanda area to build Nalanda reservior. It is situated at quite high attitude-400m, which is the highest reservior of Amban Ganga. Therefore the road to Nalanda reservior is steep. We have turned at Hungawela (After Naula) in A9 road and drove along a steep road to reach the reservior. Last 2-3km of the road is not suitable for low ground vehicle. There was about 500m walk from the parking point to the dam.
The Dam of Nalanda reservior is considered as the first concrete dam in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1950 by department of irrigation. The dam was built in 9 months having a dam crest length of approximately 125m and a maximum height of about 36m. The spillway consists of: (1) a low-level uncontrolled ogee-crested horseshoe
section with a crest length of 46m, and
(b) a high-level broad crested weir with a crest length of 43m.
It was designed and constructed according to the standard practices adopted throughout the world.
Over the years, Nalanda dam has been showing signs of deterioration which is suspected to be Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR). The dam was also shown to be deficient with respect to the stability levels required by modern standards. Under a program of dam safety improvement of the dams throughout Sri Lanka, it was decided to stabilize Nalanda dam as the first step in addressing a series of issues affecting the dam. Then it was renovated in 2013.

Nalanda Reservior

Walking to the dam after parking the vehicle

.	Monument placed after renovation of the dam in 2013.

Nalanda reservior and dam. 1st concrete dam in Sri Lanka.

Steps on the rock to reach the dam

Nalanda dam. You can walk over the dam. But there was a board mentioning not to walk.

Close up…

Nalanda Reservior.

Fishing at Nalanda Reservior

View of Gammaduwa towers from Nalanda Reservior.

Gammaduwa towers.

Selfie with Nalanda.

Thanks for reading

Kumana National Park was called as Yala East National park earlier and currently functioned as a separate entity. Panama is the most southern village of eastern province situated closer to Kumana NP. Both Kumana NP and Panama village have number of archeological sites. This is my attempt to give a short account of these places.

“The Southern boundary of the Eastern province today is the Kumbukkan Oya. As this flowed through the Kamboja Gama it was earlier known as Kambojanadi. The villages of Kumana and Panama are situated closer to this stream. Once a flourishing area, today it is covered with thick forest. Travelling upwards along the stream one can find many ruins of dams, canals and buildings belonging to the very early periods. “The Sinhala Buddhist heritage of East and North of Shri Lanka by Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero”.

The places of interests were
1. Nagapabbatha Hermitage or Bambaragsthalawa Vihara
2. Bovattegala Vihara
3. Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya-Kumana
4. Okanda Dewalaya and Ran Oru Gala
5. Sastravela Vihara / “Bodhigiri Naga Pabbata Vihara”

There are more to add this list in future.

Nagapabbatha Hermitage or Bambaragsthalawa Vihara (නාගපබ්බත විහාරය /බඹරගස්තලාව) 

This is a monastery situated at Southern of Sri Lanka, started early centuries and gradually developed into a large monastery complex by 4th-8th centuries. The Rasavàhinì mentions of a great Thera named Thissa Mahanaga (තිස්සමහානාග) who dwelt in this Nagapabbatha Vihara.
The “Great Statue cave” (6.644656, 81.717766) is one of the important caves here. There is a paved path built by DWC to this cave as it is frequently visited by travellers. According to Ven. Medhananda Thero’s description there were some brick walls in this cave, but can observe only one wall at the moment. Upper edges of the walls are decorated with swan sculptures. The northern side of the cave was first used as a dwelling house of the Sangha and later converted into a shrine house.
“A vestibule was made in front of the cave, measuring 16’ Χ 48’. Ten square holes were dug in the brow ridge of the cave so that wooden beams could be inserted to them. Stone pillars in front side supported those beams at the front. A wooden door frame and one wooden pillar exist today.’’ We were able to see that wooden pillar but door frame was not there.
The reclining Buddha statue was renovated by Archeology Department few years ago. It’s length was described by Ellawala Thero as 36’. This Buddha statue was made by Brick, mud and lime plaster.

Bambaragasthalawa marked in metric map. I have a doubt about the height marked here.

Paved path to Bambaragasthalawa Great Statue Cave

Drip ledge of Great Statue Cave

Great Statue Cave

Brick wall

Please note the upper edge of brick wall is decorated by swan sculptures

Renovated recline Buddha statue

Renovated recline Buddha statue

Earlier the head was broken by treasurer hunters

Double drip ledge of the cave

How it looks far….

Scattered ruins around the cave

Tiles

The wooden pillar

A square shaped hole

Great Statue Cave with Buddha statue

How this cave appeared to distance

The brick wall and Buddha statue

In addition we have visited two other rock caves with drip ledges. One cave was like an umbrella and had many scribbles on wall done by travellers. There was a large slab rock with open area where you can view the rocks of Bambaragsthalawa Vihara. There were two rock ponds at this slab rock.

Large slab rock where most of the rocks of Bambaragasthalawa are appeared

A rock pond situated at slab rock

Another rock pond

At Bambaragasthalawa

Umbrella shaped cave

Scribbles on the wall

Other cave was situated at bit higher level and the length is about 200ft. This cave has a big opening to surrounding area. This cave has letters mentioning “Naga Pavata Lena’ (නාග පර්වත ලෙන) (6.643645, 81.722338). It was dwelt by monks intermittently during last few years. They lived here at time of “Was” (වස්) months and alms provided by Kudumbigala Hermitage and DWC.
The book describes of a rock with ruined pagodas, but we couldn’t find such a construction

The cave was dwelt by monks recently. There was a flag on top of this cave and Kasun have reached there. We assume this is the highest point of Bambaragasthalawa.

Opening of this large cave.

At this cave

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We were able to point out Kudumbigala, Bagure Gala, Deegal Hela, Maragala Mountain Range, Neelagiri Hela, Chimney Gala and Dikgala from Bambaragasthalawa. These Chimney Gala and Dikgala are situated at Kotiyagala area.

Kudumbigala from Bambaragasthalawa. Kudumbigala Akasa Chaitya is seen right upper corner.

Deegal Hela –far one

Maragala Range-far one

Neelagiri Hela

Chimney Gala

Dikgala

Unknown rocks

The rock with Great Statue Cave

Feels this as the highest point of Bambaragasthalawa. We have noted a flag on top of it as well. But the highest point of Naga Pavata Lena might be the highest point.

Bovattegala Vihara (බෝවත්තේගල විහාරය) (6.556864, 81.687241)

Bovattegala Vihara is another cave complex found in Kumana NP. Actually it is a short distance from main safari track. There was a paved path to the hill. Soon we hiked, we came across a stone cut rock pond. Two wild buffalos were there. One found dead and other was stucked in muddy water. Though we attempted to save the life of exerted one it was unsuccessful. Later we knew it was kind of a mode of death of wild buffalos due to heat.

“Bovattegala hill range consists of many caves. Drip ledges and Brahmi inscriptions are found in most of them. Brick walls were built in front to convert them into beautiful shrines and dwellings. The fact that the Brahmi inscriptions shrines and dwellings. The fact that the Brahmi inscriptions belong to the Pre Common Era, and some bricks belong to later periods proves that these were inhabited throughout the ages. The many buildings scattered over the hillside suggest that a monastery existed here. There are ruins of stupa on the hill tops. An examination into the bricks say the stupa belonged to Anuradhapura period. The four inscriptions refer to a minister named Naka, a king named Jetatisa, his eighth year, and a son of Mahasena Maharaja Apaya. Further they give information about the Aryawansa sutra discourse at this place. “The Sinhala Buddhist heritage of East and North of Shri Lanka by Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero”

The chronicle states that the Kshatriyas of Katharagama attended the planting of the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodiya at Anuradhapura and later received a sapling of the same tree as a present. This tree is said to be planted in Katharagama. Considering the above and the name Bovattegala which could interpreted as the “Garden by the rock where the Bo tree is situated” it has been assumed that the sapling from the Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura was planted at Bovattegala and not in the present Katharagama as per the popular belief. “Amazing Lanka article on Bovattegala Monastery”

One wild buffalo found death and other one was struggling there.

Ruined stupa

Ruined stupa, excavated by treasure hunters.

There were a set of drip ledge caves together and we were able to observe couple of slab inscriptions in front of this cave. Seems this cave was an inhabitant site of people from time to time. There were scribbles and some Weddha paintings at walls of the cave

A slab inscription

The main cave of Bovattegala Hill

The cave opening

Might be Wadda paintings…..

Might be Wadda paintings…..

Scribbles

Bovattegala cave

Inscription under drip ledge

The drip ledge of the cave

Main cave of Bovattegala

He wanted to pose in this frame

The team in front of Bovattegala cave

Scattered ruins….

In addition to above mentioned cave, we have noted another three or four caves around this rock.

Another side of the rock….another cave

Front view….

A different one….

Another long cave

These Brahmi inscription were found below the drip ledge of cave

These Brahmi inscription were found below the drip ledge of cave

Close up…

Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya-Kumana (කුඩා කැබිලිත්ත දේවාලය කුමන) (6.515640, 81.698263)
This is the most visiting places in Kumana NP. Travellers go to worship this place as a separate journey and a part of Pada Yathra.
An ancient Dewalaya for God Katharagama is situated at the bank of Kumbukkan Oya (කුඹුක්කන් ඔය). This is a land mark of the route to Kebiliththa / Siyambalawa Dewalaya through Kumana entrance.
Amila and Myself have visited Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya in 2015 as a separate journey. Here we got the help of Major Alexander who is a friend of Amila. We have travelled from Colombo to Panama to visit Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya. The road was blocked by protestors at Lahugala area due to a problem of Neelagiri Stupa.
Old Kumana village was situated at Kumana NP and removed due to LTTE attacks. We have visited this place as an army post was situated here. (Nowadays you can’t see this army post as well).
There are no archeologically important structures at Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya. A small Dewalaya with statues of God Katharagama is the only construction here. As this is within the premises of Kumana NP, new constructions are not allowed. This was observed in my repeated visit to this place in later years.

The road is blocked by protestors

The road is blocked by protestors

Kumana National Park entrance

Army post at old Kumana village

Army post at old Kumana village

Passing Giant Hearth- යෝධ ලිප

At Giant Hearth

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A bridge

Jeep tracks at Kumana

Black headed ibis

Water bodies are important birding sites of Kumana

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Kuda Kebiliththa Dewalaya-2015

Statue of God Katharagama

Tasting Wood apple

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.	The team….

Jumbo

Jumbo

Okanda Dewalaya and Ran Oru Gala (ඔකද දේවාලය හා රන් ඔරු ගල) (6.649931, 81.772743)

Okanda Dewalaya is situated about 15km from Panama and road goes through Kudumbigala-Panama sanctuary after Panama village. This is the most southern point of eastern province where public can reach by a vehicle without DWC permission. Traditions of the area mention that God Katharagama landed to the country at this site. It is true that Okanda bay served as port in the South eastern section of the country. Katharagama Dewalaya at Okanda was built in 1800 by Mr. Siyathu (සියාතු රටේ මහත්තයා). Buddhist owned the Devale till 1970, after which Tamils over-rode the Sinhalese. Now this Devale becomes a Kovil. Currently it is named as Murugan Kovil (Murugan is a different form of God Katharagama).

According to Ellawala Medhananda Thero, he has noticed ruins of a circular shaped stupa on a rock hill situated at Dewalaya premises. There is a rock cut flight of steps to climb on to the top.

Okanda Dewalaya in 2015

Bells

Okanda Dewalaya is for God Katharagama

Some accessory Kovil at Okanda premises

This was found at Dewalaya / Kovil premises. Don’t know what it is.

Rock with ruined stupa

Close up view of circular ruined stupa

View of Kudumbigala from Okanda (Right corner one)

Ran Oru Gala (රන් ඔරු ගල) (6.646079, 81.776672)
Okanda is the place people believe God Katharagama has landed to Sri Lanka. The boat which was turned into a rock is called Ran Oru Gala

Ran Oru Gala is seen to Okanda beach

Jeep parked at Okanda beach

Walking to Ran Oru Gala

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Ran Oru Gala

Waves over Ran Oru Gala

Okanda beach is seen to Ran Oru Gala

Ancient Dewale of Ganadewi-Panama (පානම පුරාණ ගණදෙවි දේවාලය)

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Somewhere in Panama. I can’t remember.

Sastravela Vihara / “Bodhigiri Naga Pabbata Vihara” (ශාස්ත්‍රවෙල / බෝධිගිරි නාගපබ්බත විහාරය) (6.807972, 81.817249)

The name Sastravela is derived from Rahatunvela (රහතුන්වෙල). This large area of paddy fields was watered by Hada Oya. Arahants who lived in the Vihara walked towards the river for water passing the paddy fields (vela).
There is another explanation for the name of Sastravela due to the famous institution situated here. When the marriage between King Kawanthissa and Vihara Maha Devi happened astrologists at Sastravela mentioned auspicious time for the wedding.
The rock inscription mentions the name of the temple as “Bodhigiri Naga Pabbata Vihara”. The letters of the cave inscriptions and the ruins of some of the stupas suggest that this shrine complex was an ancient as the first century P.C.E.
This place is situated about 1km from main road to Panama from Arugambay. Ven. Ellawala Thero describes ruins at this place into three parts: The ruins close to the sea, ruins on top of the rock and those at the foot of the rock.
Anyway we have visited a drip ledge cave with brick walls. There was a plaster on the ceiling of the cave. There was a sign of a large stupa o top of a hill. According to the description dimensions of this stupa was 501’ in the round and 60’ in height. The hill was a good view point towards surrounding. It said this stupa was built by King Mahanaga and renovated by King Kawanthissa and his son King Saddhatissa. King Mahanaga who was a brother of King Devanampiyatissa and established his kingdom at Ruhuna.

Traditional black board to Sastravela

Road to Sastravela from main road

Directions to ruins

Steps to ruins

A slab…

Plaster over the roof of the cave… Evidence of paintings.

Brick wall around the cave

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Stone steps to the rock

Ruins of large stupa

New constructions on the rock

View of crocodile point from the rock

Close up…

View of Arugambay

Scattered ruins

Scattered ruins

.	Ruins of a pagoda

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Evening snaps at Panama
I had a superb sunset from Panama while I was waiting for the return bus after Kebiliththa journey.

Sun set over Maragala range

Sun set over Maragala range

Newly built temple at Panama

Newly built temple at Panama

Newly built temple at Panama

Thanks for reading

This is a continuation of some historical places of ancient Seethawaka Kingdom plus waterfalls at surrounding area. I have visited the same area in 2013 in view of visiting archeology sites. Some of places I have revisited at this time. Let’s list the places I visited this time.

Day 01
1. Salgala Hermitage
2. Manella Falls-Revisited
3. Lenagala Cave Temple
4. Paradeniya Suspension Bridge
5. Theli Ella
6. Dedigama Kota Wehera-Revisited

Day 02
1. Dutch Fort and premises of Seethawaka palace of King Rajasinghe-1
2. Brandi Kovil-Revisited
3. Rathnapura National Museum

Day 03
1. Goraka Ella

Day 04
1. Tomb of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe
2. The sacred foot print at Thimbiripola

Day 01
Anupama, Nuwan and Myself were the members of this journey. Nuwan and I came by bus to Galapitamada town and Anupama came by his bike. Our first place of visit was Salgala Buddhist Monastery.

Salgala Hermitage (සල්ගල ආරණය) (7.122707, 80.250822)

Direction: Colombo-> Warakapola->Galapitamada-> Salgala

Salgala Buddhist Hermitage is situated 2.5 miles from Galapitamada junction. The forest reserve belongs to the Buddhist hermitage is called “Katangilla Mukalana” (කැටන්ගිල්ල මූකලාන) (Katangilla Forest-86.2 ha) and it spreads over 600 Acers. This Buddhist Hermitage was started in 1939 and it has 18 caves for meditation. Some of these caves have Sanskrit names as well. The stone door frame seen here was donated by Hon. D.S.Senanayake.
The history of Salgala forest goes back to King Walagamba reign (103 B.C.). This is one of the places King Walagamba has hidden during Chola invasion. Mutaseewa and Mahanaga who were two ministers of King Walagamba have offered two drip ledge caves to Bikku. One of the viewpoints of Salgala Forest is called Belumgala (බැලුම්ගල) which was used by troops of the king to watch around.
There are well paved foot paths at Salgala Buddhist Hermitage. It was the time following breakfast we have visited the place.

Notice to public

Notice to public

Salgala forest reserve

Paths within the hermitage

Entrance

Buildings of Salgala Buddhist Hermitage

Foot paths

Foot paths

A drip ledge cave

“Ethu Bandi Lena”-ඇතුබැදි ලෙන

“Wehara Lena” – වේහාර ලෙන

A meditation cave

The drip ledge and Brahmin letters

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A small Stupa

Sal tree at Salgala

Buddha statue at shrine house

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Foot path to Belumgala

At Belumgala

View from Belumgala

View from Belumgala

“Sakman Maluwa”/ pleasure garden

Stone door frame donated by Hon.D.S. Senanayake.

“Dathu Mandiraya”

After visiting Salgala Monastery we came to Weragala road by a short cut and reached Manella waterfall.

Manella Waterfall-Revisited (මානැල්ල) (7.1119033, 80.272392)
Manella has two waterfalls as Kuda Manella (කුඩා මානැල්ල) (upper fall) (6m tall) and Maha Manella (lower fall) (20m). Manella is formed by Puhuwala Ela. The name Manella derived as God Manella lives here. First we visited Maha Manella (මහා මානැල්ල) (lower fall) and crossed the stream. Then ascend the stream in it’s right hand side to reach Kuda Manella (upper fall). Top of Kuda Manella is a famous bathing place. Manella also had low water level compared to my previous visit.

Maha Manella Falls. Low water level.

Maha Manella Falls. Low water level.

The base pool of Maha Manella Falls. Don’t know it is safe to bath here.

Crossing the stream to other side.

Kuda Manella / Upper falls

Kuda Manella / Upper falls

On top of Kuda Manella Falls.

The Banyan tree situated adjacent to the stream.

Lenagala Cave Temple (ලෙනගල ලෙන් විහාරය) (7.116111, 80.264033)

Directions: Colombo->Galigamuwa->Kannanthota-> Lenagala

Lenagala cave temple was built during the period of King Walagamba. It has a shrine house divided into three chambers. One shrine room has a sleeping Buddha statue and other has a seating Buddha statue. There is an inscription below the drip ledge of the cave and it says “Arya Dhutha” (ආර්ය දූත) has made this cave temple.
The shrine house with sleeping Buddha statue was closed when we visited there. You can reach top of Kondagala (කොණ්ඩගල) which is a view point but we didn’t try it.

Lenagala Cave temple is situated at base of “Kondagala”.

Brahmin letters

What inscription says

Makara Thorana to main shrine house

Gets light into the shrine house

Seated Buddha statue

The shrine room with Stupa

Ceiling paintings

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Paradeniya Suspension Bridge (පරදෙනිය සoගිලි පාලම)
Paradeniya Suspension bridge connects Paradeniya to Maththamagoda over Gurugoda Oya.

One end of the bridge

Paradeniya Suspension Bridge

Gurugoda Oya

Paradeniya Suspension Bridge

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Theli Ella (තෙලි ඇල්ල) (7.169323, 80.273204)

Directions: Colombo-> Nelumdeniya->Thunthota Junction->Aranya Road->Theli Ella

We have followed the Aranya road from Thunthota junction about 4-5km. This concrete road becomes a gravel road and ends at Gurugoda Oya. Flat area of Gurugoda Oya makes 3m tall Theli Ella at this place. Gurugoda Oya has law water level when we visited. Theli Ella is kind of a popular bathing place among villagers. In 2013 when I visited Thunthota area I tried to visit Theli Ella but we couldn’t find the exact place of the fall.

We have reached Gurugoda Oya and proceed down stream

We came to top of Theli Ella

3m tall Theli Ella. It had law water level.

3m tall Theli Ella.

.	Gurugoda Oya after forming Theli Ella

After visiting Theli Ella we were back to Thunthota Junction and visited Kota Wehera at Dedigama.

Dedigama Kota Wehera-Revisited (දැදිගම කොට වෙහෙර) (7.208576, 80.262905)

Directions: Colombo->Nelumdeniya->Dedigama->Kota Wehera

Dedigama Kota Wehera comes across in 3km from Nelumdeniya junction at Dedigama. There are two stupa here; Soothigara Stupa (සූතිඝර ස්තූපය) / Kota Wehera and small Stupa. This is considered as the birth place of Great King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). Kota Wehera has three basal rings and dome only.

.	Kota Wehera

Kota Wehera

Dedigama Kota Wehera-Three basal rings and dome

Basal rings of Kota Wehera

About small Stupa

Day 02

This was one and half day trip to Seethawaka and Rathnapura area in view of hiking Rajjurugala at Kuruwita. The day before the hike we have visited Seethawaka palace and Berandi Kovil.

Dutch Fort and premises of Seethawaka palace of King Rajasinghe-1 (6.953034, 80.224350)

Seethawaka city is originally built by King Mayadunne in 1524 A.D and functioned as a kingdom during the reign of Rajasinghe 1. Ancient palace was situated at the land called Bandarawaththa. What archeologists found at here belongs to ancient Seethawaka kingdom but hasn’t identified as belongs to Seethawaka palace certainly.

Dutch has built a fort in 1675 A.D. which was situated south to this premise. They have used the remains of the palace to build the fort but it was abounded in 10 years. Later English has used this as their provincial administrative center.

The premises of Seethawaka palace of King Rajasinghe is situated next to archeological office at Awissawella.

Well informative display of Dutch fort and premises of Seethawaka palace

What they identified as remains of ancient Seethawaka city

Remains of Seethawaka city, most probably belong to the palace

Remains of Seethawaka city.

Remains of Seethawaka city.

Remains of Seethawaka city.

Yakahatuwagala is seen to Seethawaka Palace premises

This nice stone sculpture can be seen at outside of Archeology office. It was shifted from Brandi Kovil.

Berandi Kovil-Revisited (බෙරණ්ඩි කෝවිල) (6.955256, 80.224165)
The great king Rajasingha (The last king who has brought the Sri Lanka to one canopy in 16th century.) has built this kovil under instructions of “Aretha keewendu Perumal” (අරිඨ්ඨ කී වෙන්ඩු පෙරුමාල්). This was built as seven stories building to worship devil Kala or god Shiva. Rajasingha I has killed his father and later worried about it. The person Aretha Keewndu came from India and instructed the king the only way to come out of the sin is to build a Kovil by diverting the Seethawaka River.
Later Portuguese have destroyed it.
Now we can only observe the basement of this building. This land is boarded by Seethawaka River from three sides. (Quoted from my previous report Random visit at places in ancient Seethawaka Kingdom)
Berandi Kovil is situated at Thalduwa town. Parking available at Kovil area. When you look at Google map, Berandi Kovil is situated at one bank of Seethawaka River while the palace is situated at other bank.

Basement of Berandi Kovil

Basement of Berandi Kovil

Berandi Kovil

At Berandi Kovil

Stone sculptures at Berandi Kovil

Where shrine was placed

At Berandi Kovil

National Museum Rathnapura (රත්නපුර ජාතික කෞතුකාගාරය) (6.684423, 80.399574)
This is one of the national museums of Sri Lanka. Rathnapura National Museum is opened on 13th May 1988 at the building called Ehelepola Walauwa (ඇහැලේපොල වලව්ව). Ehelepola Walauwa belongs to Ehelepola Nilame who was the Disawe (local Governor) of Rathnapura under the reign of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.
The museum includes exhibits on prehistoric archeological inventions, natural heritage, geological, anthropological, zoological artifacts and models relating to the Sabaragamuwa Province.
The grounds of the museum contain a palaeobiodiversity park, with life sized animal sculptures of species believed to have existed in the region.

We have visited Rathnapura National Museum following the hike of Rajjurugala. This place has a good educational value, especially suitable for school children. It takes about 2 hours to visit the museum with Biodiversity Park.

Ehelepola Walauwa was converted into National Museum of Rathnapura.

Details of Ehelepola Walauwa.

Inside the Museum. Well displayed and informative.

Inside the Museum. Well displayed and informative.

Some drawings of Sabaragamuwa Dancing Tradition.

Sculptures at Biodiversity Park.

Sculptures at Biodiversity Park.

Sculptures at Biodiversity Park.

Paved paths at Biodiversity Park.

Details of an extinct Elephant

Extinct Elephant

Day 03

Goraka Ella (ගොරකා ඇල්ල) (7.019190,80.195105)
Goraka Falls is situated at Thalduwa- Meewitigammana road (B408). There is a foot path from main road to the waterfall by crossing paddy fields and streams. This foot path ends up at bottom of the fall. Goraka Ella has different sections and there is another foot path parallel to the stream on left side to reach top of the waterfall. There is a pool at top of the waterfall. The water has diverted from top of the waterfall for cultivation and drinking purpose. Therefore usually it has low water level.

My visit to Goraka Ella happened in an evening on my way to Balangoda to hike Pettigala. As this is a famous bathing place crowd and pollution would be more.

Goraka Ella falls from Bottom. Note it has different sections. This is low water level of the fall.

Goraka Ella

Goraka Ella falls from Bottom.

After forming the waterfall

With Goraka Falls

With Goraka Falls

A middle section of the fall

A middle section of the fall

The foot path lies on left side of the fall

Reaching top of the waterfall

The view from top of the waterfall

The pool at top of the waterfall. This is suitable for bathing.

A tank is built to collect water

On top of Goraka Falls

Day 04

Tomb of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe (රාජසිoහ සොහොන) (6.976031, 80.217819)

The place is considered as the site of King Rajasinghe I body was buried. Seethawaka Rajasinghe / King Rajasinghe I had his last battle with Knapped Bandara (later he became King Wimaladarmasooriya I) and lost his army at Balana. Then he withdrew his army to Royal Park at Pethangoda. King Rajasinghe lost his life at Pethangoda garden due to stuck of a fatal bamboo splinter and his body was brought back to Seethawaka kingdom and buried here.

According to folklore Rajasinghe’s viceroy of Kandy Weerasundara Bandara mentioned at Rajawaliya died at this spot.

It is situated in 2km from Talduwa along Meewitigammana road.

Historical information

The path

Tomb of Seethawaka Rajasinghe

Tomb of Seethawaka Rajasinghe

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The sacred footprint at Thimbiripola (තිඹිරිපොල සිරිපතුල) (6.956527, 80.254380)

There is a sacred footprint engraved on a rock situated at bank of Seethawaka River at Thimbiripola area at Awissawella. This was published in an archeology site at face book and I was interested in visiting the place. According to the discussion was at that site this was done at the time of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe. The princess of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe got an intense like (දොළ දුක) to visit at Sri Pada when she was pregnant. The king has sculptured this foot print on the rock and accompanied the princess in a long way to the place at night to persuade it as sacred footprint.
This was bit tiresome journey to find the exact place of the foot print. We first inquired from a three wheel driver at Thimbiripola junction (6.965481, 80.255195) and he guided us very well. The car was parked at Thimbiripola suspension bridge (6.957278, 80.252721) and we followed the foot path in left hand side. According to the details he provided the foot print is engraved on a rock closer to the bank. But the river bank was highly covered with forest and there were some tea plots next to the bank. Somehow we met a villager and he said it is situated at the land next to this tea patch. But this bare land had heavy Mana growth beyond my height and luckily I noticed a foot path through the Mana (someone has created it on that day or a day before it) and it brought us to the small rock where footprint was situated. Here our luck was tested as someone has visited the place very recent. This rock is sheltered by a bamboo bush and there are bamboo bushes at the bank of River.

We have parked the car near the suspension bridge of Thimbiripola. Followed the foot path directed by arrow.

Seethawaka River and bank

The rock situated at bank of the river

The foot print on the rock

Thimbiripola sacred foot print

Just to compare the size

Thimbiripola sacred foot print

Closer look

Thanks for reading