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Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
The ruins at the abandoned Helamulla Degalhela Viharaya, located at the foot of Degalhela Rock, represent another little-known ancient Buddhist site in the Siyambalanduwa area. The mountain known as Degalhela derives its name from two adjoining rocks that appear fused, forming a distinctive rocky ridge.
To reach the site, one must travel along the Ampara Road from Siyambalanduwa up to the 7 kilometer (approximately 4.3 mile) marker. At this point, a turn to the right near the new court complex of Siyambalanduwa leads toward the ruins, along the same route that also provides access to the ancient Katupelellegala ruins.
Ancient Ruins
The Helamulla Degalhela temple complex, now largely deserted, is scattered with the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery believed to have existed at the location for centuries, thousands of years ago. Fragments of ruined structures can still be seen around the temple grounds, indicating that the site was once an active religious establishment situated at the base of the rocky Degalhela mountain.
Also See
Map of Helamulla Degalhela Viharaya
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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Travel Directions to Helamulla Degalhela Viharaya
| Route from Siyambalanduwa Junction to Helamulla Degalhela Viharaya |
| Through : Ampara Road Distance : 7 km Travel time : 30 minutes Driving directions : see on Google map |
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