Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela (පොල්ගහවෙල දෙල්ගොල්ල අම්බලම)

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Built beside ancient travel routes, the Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela provided historical travelers with shelter, water access, and rest. The rectangular brick structure features open-sided seating, cylindrical and rectangular pillars, an enclosed rear room, and a traditional tile-clad gable roof.

In ancient times, people traveled from place to place on foot or by cart. Pilgrimages and trading journeys were measured in days rather than hours, making the availability of resting places an essential part of travel. To meet this need, ambalams, or wayside rest houses, were constructed at strategic locations along well-travelled routes.

These ambalams provided travelers with a safe place to rest overnight, prepare simple meals, and seek shelter from the elements. They were typically built beside frequently used roads, with locations carefully selected to ensure access to essential resources such as wells or streams, enabling travelers to obtain water for drinking and cooking.

Although many ambalams were modest in appearance, they played an indispensable role in supporting travelers. Their simple yet durable construction offered protection, comfort, and a welcome respite from the hardships of long journeys.

Access Route

Travel approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from Polgahawela Junction towards Kurunegala to reach Godawela Junction. From there, turn onto Denagamuwa Road and continue for approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles). The Delgolla Ambalama is situated on the left-hand side of the road.

Architectural Features

The Delgolla Ambalama is a rectangular brick-and-mortar structure finished with smooth white plaster. It features an open-fronted resting hall enclosed by low perimeter walls. The broad, flat tops of these walls serve as built-in seating for travelers, while the open space above provides ample ventilation and natural light, offering shelter without restricting airflow.

The timber roof structure is supported by two sets of pillars. At the front entrance, two rectangular masonry pillars and two cylindrical pillars frame the open gable. Along the side walls, six plain cylindrical pillars rise from the low masonry walls to support the roof. Each pillar is finished with a traditional molded capital that carries the main timber roof beams.

Unlike the typical single-room, open-plan ambalama, this structure incorporates an enclosed rear chamber. This room is accessed through a centrally positioned wooden door in the rear interior wall, providing a secure and private space within the building.

The structure is crowned by a pitched gable roof clad with Rata Ulu (Calicut clay tiles), a roofing material widely used in traditional Sri Lankan architecture.

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Map of Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela

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Travel Directions to Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela

Route from Polgahawela Town to Delgolla Ambalama

Through : Nilwakka Road
Distance: 2.8 km
Travel time : 6 minutes
Time to Spent : 10 mins
Driving directions: see in Google Maps.

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Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela (පොල්ගහවෙල දෙල්ගොල්ල අම්බලම)
Built beside ancient travel routes, the Delgolla Ambalama in Polgahawela provided historical travelers with shelter, water access, and rest. The rectangular brick structure features open-sided seating, cylindrical and rectangular pillars, an enclosed rear room, and a traditional tile-clad gable roof. […]
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