Theldeniya Karalliyadda Ambalama

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In bygone eras, individuals would traverse vast distances either by foot or by cart. Journeys from one village to another for purposes of pilgrimage or trade would often span several days. Consequently, rest stops known as Ambalams were established at regular intervals along commonly traversed routes. These structures were strategically positioned in close proximity to essential amenities such as wells or streams, ensuring the comfort and convenience of weary travelers.

The Ambalam held a significant role as a communal gathering space for the inhabitants of the village. Notably, these structures were constructed with the support of royal or local aristocratic figures, leading to variations in size and artistic ornamentation in different Ambalams based on the wealth of the patron.

Karalliyadda Ambalama is located in the Theldeniya area of Kandy. At present, this Ambalama is situated within a private land and is enclosed by residential properties.

This Ambalama is built on a stone foundation about one and a half feet high. A frame built with four large wooden logs is placed on top of 4 smaller stones on the foundation. These logs are also used as seats. The base is not filled inside so there is room for feet. The roof rests on 4 wooden pillars rising from the four corners of Ambalam. These pillars, which start as square, take a hexagonal shape in two places. Apart from this, these pillars are devoid of other carvings. The roof of Ambalam has been preserved in its original form using petal tiles from the Kandy period.

This Ambalama is built on a stone foundation about one and a half feet high. A frame built with four large wooden logs is placed on top of 4 smaller stones on the foundation. These logs are also used as seats. The base is not filled inside so there is room for feet. The roof rests on 4 wooden pillars rising from the four corners of Ambalama. These pillars, which start as square, take an octagonal shape in two places. Apart from this, these pillars are devoid of other carvings. The roof of the ambalama has been preserved in its original form using flat clay tiles from the Kandy period.

If you want to visit Karalliyadda Ambalama, go to Theldeniya on the Mahiyangana road from Kandy, pass the Theldeniya SLTB bus depot, and go about 500 meters. On the left side is the Karalliyadda Ambalama archeological board. Ambalama can be seen in a private land that is close to the road and in front of this board.

This Ambalama was declared a protected archaeological site by a special gazette on 16 August 2013 and then again on 30 September 2022.

References

The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – No. 1823/73 – Friday, August 16, 2013
The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – No. 2299/60 – Friday, September 30, 2022

Also See

Map of Theldeniya Karalliyadda Ambalama

Driving Directions to Theldeniya Karalliyadda Ambalama

From Kandy to Theldeniya Karalliedda Ambalam

Via : Thannekumbura – Pallekele
Total Distance : 23 KM
Time : 45 Minutes
Driving Directions : View on Google Map

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References

Also See

Map of Theldeniya Karalliyadda Ambalama

Driving Directions to Theldeniya Karalliyadda Ambalama

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