Heritage

Katiyawa Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve (කටියාව මාලිගාකැලය පුරාවිද්‍යා රක්ෂිතය)

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Katiyawa Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve

Katiyawa is a village situated in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. Within the grounds of Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya, also located in Katiyawa, a rock inscription was discovered that references Queen Kathiya, the consort of King Gamini Abhaya. The village’s name, Katiyawa, is believed to have originated from Queen Kathiya’s name (Atukorala, 2025).

The village is also home to one of the Dethispala Bodhi trees, found at the Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya. Just before reaching this temple, near the ancient Katiyawa Wewa reservoir, lies a small forest patch containing the ruins of an ancient monastery. This area, known as Maligakelaya or “palace forest” is thought to have earned its name because villagers believe it marks the site of an old palace complex.

Visiting the Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve

To reach the Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve, begin your journey from Kekirawa town along the B213 Kekirawa–Thalawa road. After traveling approximately 24 kilometers, you will arrive at the D. S. Senanayake Junction near Eppawala. From there, turn left onto the Endagala–Katiyawa road and continue for 5 kilometers, passing the Katiyawa Wewa reservoir. You will then encounter the familiar black archaeology department sign directing visitors to the Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve ruins.

References

Atukorala, N. (2025). Heritage of Sri Lanka: Asta Pala and Dethis Pala Bodhi. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.academia.edu/129706319/

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Travel Directions to Katiyawa Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve

Route from Thalawa to Katiyawa Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve	Route from Kekirawa to Katiyawa Maligakelaya Archaeological Reserve
Through : Kekirawa Road Distance : 19 km Travel time : 25 minutes Driving directions : see on Google Maps	Through : Thalawa Road Distance : 29 km Travel time : 35 minutes Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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