On the Haragama to Marassana road from Kandy to Thannekumbura – Gurudeniya, it meets Ambalama at the Dehalkada Junction, 7 kms past Marassana.
This Ambalama is made of kabook stones and mortar. The design here is different from other Ambalams. The walls here are made to meet at four corners. Due to the size of Ambalama, three pillars have been added in the middle of the walls on two sides and rear to bear the weight of the roof. There are seats for travellers on the front and back walls.
In ancient times, people traveled from place to place on foot or by cart. Pilgrimages or trade journeys were measured in days, not in hours as they are now. Therefore, resting places (way side rests) or ambalams were built at various places along these popular routes. These ambalams were used to cook small meals for travelers to spend the night safely. They are built around commonly used roads. Generally a place was chosen where there are facilities for a traveller, i.e. near a well or a stream, to build a Ambalama.
At the same time, this Ambalama was also important as a gathering place for the people of that village. Often Ambalams were built under royal patronage or patronage of local nobles. Therefore, the size of these ambalams and artworks changed according to the wealth of the people who sponsored them.
Today, the roof of this Ambalama is covered with galvanized roofing sheets. It is difficult to coprehend of the original roof as there is no proof remaining. Dehalkada Ambalama is now in crumbling state. The building is overgrown and the plaster is falling off in places.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Marassana Dehalkada Ambalama
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travelling Directions to Marassana Dehalkada Ambalama
From Kandy to Marassana Dehalkada Ambalama |
Via : Thannekumbura – Gurudeniya – Haragama – Marassana Total distance: 24 km Duration : 45 minutes Time to be spent: About 15-30 minutes Driving Directions : View on Google Maps |