When travelling from Haguranketha towards Rikillagaskada, approximately 1½ km along the way, you’ll encounter the Madanwala Ambalama situated on the right side of the road. This Ambalama features four main stone pillars supporting the roof, with 5-foot-high stone walls built on three sides. Inscriptions within the Ambalama record that it was constructed in 1901 by Abhayasinghe Appuhami, the Secretary of Sagaruwanketa.
The Udunuwara Wattappola Ambalama is constructed using granite blocks. It undergoes annual repairs, carried out by the descendants of the individual who originally built it. Currently, cement-treated lime has been applied over the black stone surfaces.
To construct Wegiriya Ambalama beams crafted from jackfruit wood are positioned atop four large square stone pillars, serving as the frame for the roof. The roof is then supported by these beams. Notably, one of the stones in the structure stands approximately ten feet tall. The rafters of the roof are intricately joined together using a wooden Madol Kurupawa, adorned with a carved lotus flower for decorative embellishment.
Many are familiar with the renowned Godamunna Ambalama adorned with intricate wood carvings. However, located approximately 500 meters away lies another Ambalama lesser-known to many. Dubbed Godamunna Gal Ambalama, this structure is crafted from stone. Positioned atop a cliff near a picturesque waterfall, it is also referred to as Godamunna Ella Oya Ambalama.
Yatiwawala is located in the Galagedara area of the Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat in the Kandy District. To find the Ambalama, one must walk along Polwatte Mawatha, situated in front of the Yatiwawala Cemetery, for approximately 350 meters. The Ambalama can be found in front of a paddy field along this route.
The Wahugapitiya Ambalama, once a beautifully crafted structure, now stands in a state of disrepair. Its roof is covered with galvanized roofing sheets, and the surrounding jungle encroaches upon its perimeter. Given its deteriorating condition, restoration efforts are imperative to preserve this historic building for future generations.
The Wattappola Dharmashalawa’s exquisitely carved pillar heads, featuring downward-facing four lotus flowers with stalks on each side of the stone pillars, stand as a testament to the remarkable skills of the wood craftsmen of the Kandian era. These intricately crafted pillar heads not only showcase the craftsmanship of the time but also provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural heritage of the period.
Sivurupitiya Tampita Viharaya is one of the smallest of its kind. It is built on 4 short pillars. Connected to it from the front lies a large preaching hall further dwarfing the Tampita Viharaya. The preaching hall is built with a two-layered roof and based on the architectural features, the building can be dated to the late 18th century.
According to folklore, the Asupini Ella Falls (Ahupini Ella Falls) derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches.
Allakolla Estate Sumaithangi Stone lies inside the Alakola Estate in Kosgama Gramasewaka Division of Panvila Divisional Secretariat of Kandy District. The structure lies right next to the road thus difficult to miss. The horizontal stone has fallen off and lies on the ground.
Near the Kandy Lake between the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Queens Hotel, lies a 4 sided stone pillar, probably the last milestone of the Colombo-Kandy road. In clean carved letters, one side states “72 MILES From COLOMBO”. On the opposite side, it displays “ROUND LAKE 2 MILES 46 FEET 1680 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL”.
The lush forest cover of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has a long history dating back to many centuries. It was declared Tahansikele or forbidden forest by the Sinhala kings who ascended the throne when Kandy became the capital city.
Ambuluwawa peak situated in the center of Gampola Kingdom established by the great Sinhala King Buvanekabahu IV. (1341-1357 AD) . Modern development of Ambuluwawa has converted it to a multi religious center.
According to folklore, the history of the Medawala temple dates back to the reign of King Wattagamani Abhaya (103 BC), where it is believed this temple was built by him during the stay in Malaya Rata. There are two written sources that shed light on the temple’s history. One is the inscription in the garden of the Medawala Viharaya and the other other is a Medawala Sannasa.
Medamahanuwara mountain is today known as Hunnasgiriya mountain. On the top of this hill are the remains of an ancient fort or palace. According to legend, this fort was built by King Senarath (1604 – 1635) who ruled Kandyan Kingdom.
The Karalliyadda Ambalama is built on a stone foundation about one and a half feet high. A frame built with four large wooden logs are 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.
Pattiyawatta Ambalama, which is made of brick and mortar and the roof has been restored using semi cylindrical clay tile. The ambalama, is made in a rectangular shape and a small hall-like extension has been added to enter from the front. The roof is built as two parts for two sections.
The Uva Wellassa Rebellion, also known as the Rebellion of 1817/18, is considered the first freedom fight in Sri Lanka after the British captured the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815. This fight to free the kingdom of Kandy from the British was headed by Monarawila Keppetipola Dissawa was almost won but for the betrayal of other Kandyan…
The Ambalama at Kamburadeniya is a new structure built in 2021. However this is different from the more recent Ambalama’s which were more utilitarian structures compared to works of art in the past. This is a replica of a traditional Sri Lankan timber Ambalama design popular during the Kandyan Era. It was designed by renowned architects to showcase the ancient architectural designs.
he Ambalama at Guralawela is situated amidst a scenic paddy field. In close proximity, at a distance of 50 meters, there lies an ancient Uraketa well. These wells are characterized by a sturdy outer casing made from the trunk of a sizable tree such as Kumbuk, Milla, or Jackfruit. This casing serves the purpose of preventing sand from entering the well.
