Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort (හාලිඇල ඇටැම්පිටිය කොටුගොඩැල්ල බලකොටුව)

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Remains of Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort — Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort – Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage

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The Hali Ella Atampitiya Fort, also known as the Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort, is situated on a hill near Atampitiya town and is believed to have been a Portuguese fort. A nearby place known as Parangi Ella is associated with local folklore, which holds that the bodies of Portuguese soldiers killed in these battles were thrown there.

In 1630, Portuguese Captain-General Constantine de Sá launched a major military campaign into the interior of the Kandyan Kingdom in an attempt to subjugate the Uva region. As his forces advanced through Idalgashinna and Etampitiya towards Badulla, they established temporary stockades and field fortifications to protect their march and secure their supply lines. The Portuguese troops ransacked Badulla before confronting the Sinhalese army at Randeniwela. The ensuing battle resulted in the near-total annihilation of the Portuguese force, with only a few survivors. (See Battle of Randeniwela for further details.)

It is believed that the fortification at Etampitiya may have been constructed during this invasion to protect the Portuguese army’s return route and the supply lines.

Access Route

The Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort can be reached via the concrete road beside the Etampitiya Government Hospital. From there, visitors must follow the gravel road leading towards the top of the hill. The fort is located approximately 750 meters from the main road.

Present Condition and Archaeological Status

Today, only the foundation of the fort remains visible. The site was declared a protected archaeological site in 2002.

Path towards Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort

View from the Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort

The diya agala around the Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort

Also See

Map of Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort

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The map above also shows other places of interest within approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information on these sites

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Driving Directions to Etampitiya Kotugodella Fort

Route from Colombo to Kotugodella Fort ( up to the Etampitiya Hospital)

Distance : 10 km
Travel time : 20 mins
Driving directions : see on google map

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