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The Hanguranketha Ambalama is a historic wayside rest stop built over 150 years ago for weary travelers. Located between the Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya and the Hanguranketha Vishnu Devalaya, this large ambalama stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s age-old traditions of hospitality.
Unlike typical ambalamas, which are usually simple and open, this structure includes two enclosed rooms in addition to the open resting area. It is believed that the ambalama was originally built to accommodate traveling merchants, with the rooms used for securely storing their goods. However, it may also have served pilgrims visiting the nearby temple and devalaya.
Constructed primarily from granite, the ambalama features a distinctive roof structure, now tiled with traditional clay Calicut tiles (rata ulu). The building is modest, with no elaborate carvings or decorations. A short perimeter wall made of large rectangular granite blocks surrounds the open space, and sturdy granite pillars support the roof. These pillars are square at the top and bottom, with an octagonal shape in the middle—an elegant touch to an otherwise utilitarian structure.
In front of the ambalama is a pinthaliya—a traditional stone water basin offered for travelers—carved from a single granite block. A plaque beside it states that it was donated in 1905 by Salu Abhaya Gunasekara in memory of his parents.
Hanguranketha is located approximately 32 kilometers from Kandy, along the Haragama road, making it an easy and worthwhile stop for those exploring the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Hanguranketha Ambalama
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Travel Directions to Hanguranketha Ambalama
| Route from Kandy to Hanguranketha Ambalama |
| Distance: 32 km Travel time: 1 hour Time to Spend: 30 mins Driving directions: see on Google map |
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