Kunakola Lagoon ( also referred as Kunukola Lagoon, Kunukala Lagoon, Kunakala Lagoon) lies bordering the sea of Panama in the Eastern Province. Lying in the middle of the jungle close to the sea, ruins of an ancient buddhist monastery lies on a rock in the village known as Kunukolakanda.
These ruins has been declared as a protected archaeological site by the Government with the Gazette issued on 10th October 2014, and describes the location as follows ;
“Rock with evidences of the construction of ancient buildings, stone pillars, ponds and other archaeological evidences at the place called “Kunukola” Lagoon Kunukolakanda village in Grama Niladari Division PP02 Panama South in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Lahugala in Ampara District in Eastern Province. (latitude 06º 70694′ N and longitude 081º 79292′ E).”
GPS location is marked based on the above description. However it is recommended to get more information and directions before attempting to visit the place. It is very unlikely that you would get any assistance in locating this site from the predominately non buddhist villagers who would prefer to see such sites disappear.
Also See
Map of Kunakola Lagoon Archaeological Site
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
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Travel Directions to Kunakola Lagoon Archaeological Site
Route from Pottuvil to Kunakola Lagoon Archaeological Site |
Through : Panama Distance : 25 km Travel time : 45 mins up to the lagoon + walk Time to spend : 30-60 mins Driving directions : see on google map |