Heritage

Ilukkuvattugam Archaeological Ruins (ඉලුක්කුවට්ටුගාම් පුරාවිද්‍යා ස්ථානය)

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The Ilukkuvattugam site is a remote archaeological location in the Vakarai region that appears to contain the remains of a single ancient structure. While the site is currently obscured by forest growth and recent disturbances by treasure hunters, it provides evidence of early stone building.

The site with archaeological evidence at Ilukkuvattugam, located in Andankulam within Uriyankaddu 213 of Korala Pattu South (Vakare), represents a location of limited but notable archaeological interest.

Access Route

From Vakare, proceed toward Kathiraweli. At Kathiraweli, turn onto the Kaddumurivu road and continue for approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) until reaching the Kaddumurivu Wewa reservoir at the Kaddumurivu junction. From the reservoir, travel about 200 m (0.12 miles) east to reach Andankulam village. Continue along the Wewa road for a further 400 m (0.25 miles) until reaching the electrified elephant fence on the right. Then proceed approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles) along the fence, where the site will be located on the right-hand side.

Archaeological Evidence

Although archaeological evidence at this forested site is limited, the available indications suggest the former presence of an ancient structure. At present, the site has been excavated and disturbed to a depth of approximately 1 m (3.28 feet). Within this excavation, a stone slab can be observed partially buried in the soil, bearing visible grinding or rubbing marks on its surface. According to local accounts, bricks are present along the edges of the excavation pit; however, due to the accumulation of soil and water, these remains are difficult to see. No additional archaeological evidence has been identified in the surrounding area.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 8°06′21.1″ N
East Longitude: 81°18′21.9″ E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of the Kaveri Kulam Wewa Reservoir

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