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Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala (කොටියාගල කරගහඇල්ල නටබුන්)

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Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala –
source : Ruins of the Ancient Ruhuna Civilization – In the Jungles of Kumbukkan Oya Basin SRI LANKA.

Karagahaella rocky plateau is situated 1.5 kilometers south-southeast of Dimbulagala Kanda Monastery amidst paddy fields in the village of Kotiyagala in Monaragala.

The region between Monaragala and the northern border of Yala is a vast expanse of wilderness dotted with remote villages that rely primarily on paddy and Chena cultivation for survival. Thick jungles blanket much of the land, while rocky outcrops of varying shapes and heights rise dramatically across the landscape. Many of these rock formations conceal traces of ancient Buddhist monasteries, offering valuable glimpses into the region’s forgotten past. Although most of these ruins remain undocumented, a research team led by Takashi Okamura of Hosei University, Japan, conducted two expeditions in 1985 and 1993, uncovering and recording a remarkable number of hidden archaeological sites scattered across this remote area.

The archaeological site lies atop a low rocky hill stretching approximately 150 meters from east to west and rising about 20 meters high. Scattered across the summit are the weathered remains of a dagoba (A), a pathaha (B), a structural foundation (C), and a flight of steps (D), all heavily eroded by time and the elements.

The ruined stupa, now heavily damaged by treasure hunters, measures about 10 meters in diameter and 2 meters in height. Two stone slabs are found around it — one on the northern slope (100 cm long, 93 cm wide, and 10 cm thick) and another on the western slope (72 cm long, 73 cm wide, and 18 cm thick). Additionally, an unidentified circular stone plate is partially buried in the soil nearby (see Fig. a-1).

Map of the research area
Source : Ruins of the Ancient Ruhuna Civilization – In the Jungles of Kumbukkan Oya Basin SRI LANKA.

References

Okamura, T., 1999. Ruins of the Ancient Ruhuna Civilization – In the Jungles of Kumbukkan Oya Basin SRI LANKA. Tokyo: Exploration Club of Hosei University.

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Map of Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala

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Travel Directions to Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala

Route from Kodayanna Junction to Dimbulagala Kanda Ruins in Kotiyagala
Through : Distance : 24 km Travel time : 45 mins Time to spent : about 1 hour Driving directions : see on Google map

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References

Also See

Map of Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala

Travel Directions to Karagahaella Ruins in Kotiyagala

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