Kaveri Kulam Wewa Reservoir (කාවේරිකුලම වැව)

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Kaveri Kulama Wewa is an ancient reservoir in Vakarai, likely dating to the Anuradhapura Period. Evidence including nearby ruins, clay pot fragments, and significant slag deposits suggests long-term settlement. Though the original embankment was breached, a modern replacement preserves this vital irrigation link between the forest and local agriculture.

Kaveri Kulama Wewa, located in the village of Kaveri Kulama within Uriyankaddu 213 of the Korale Pattu North (Vakarai) Divisional Secretariat Division, is an ancient reservoir associated with early settlement activity in the region.

Access Route

When traveling from Vakarai toward Kadiraweli, turn left onto Kadu Murivu Road near the Kadiraweli junction. Continue for approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) until reaching Karuveekallu road. Proceed along this road for about 15 km (9.3 miles), then turn right onto Kaverikulam Road and travel a further 2.6 km (1.6 miles) to reach the Kaverikulam tank.

Historical Background

Ancient clay pot fragments have been discovered in the vicinity of this tank. Additionally, two archaeological sites located to the west and east of the reservoir have been dated to the Anuradhapura era. Based on this evidence, it is likely that the tank itself was constructed during the same historical period.

Site Description and Archaeological Evidence

The original embankment of the tank has been breached, and a new embankment has since been constructed to enclose it. It appears that soil used for this reconstruction was extracted from both within and outside the tank area. Notably, slag fragments are found in significant quantities among these deposits. The embankment is situated on the eastern side of the tank, while the water catchment area extends to the west. The spillway is located toward the southwest.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 8°05′47.0″ N
East Longitude: 81°22′12.7″ 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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The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Travelling Directions to Kaveri Kulam Wewa Reservoir

Route from Trincomalee to Kaveri Kulam Wewa Reservoir

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance: 132 km
Travel time: 3 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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