Kimbula Ketu Gala Ruins in Wilpattu

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Rock Pool of Kimbula Ketu Gala in Wilpattu
Photo courtesy of Kithsiri Gunawardena

Kimbula Ketu Gala is one of the lesser-known archaeological sites hidden within the vast expanse of Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest wildlife parks. The name “Kimbula Ketu Gala” translates roughly to “Crocodile Carved Rock” in Sinhala—likely alluding to either a rock formation resembling a crocodile or a carving of a crocodile, which is not found now.

Kimbula Ketu Gala is an ancient monastic site located within Wilpattu National Park. Although no systematic archaeological excavations have been undertaken here, surface evidence points to the existence of an ancient Buddhist establishment. Scattered across the rocky outcrop and adjacent jungle are numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks—likely remnants of a long-lost monastery. The rock itself contains two natural pools, which may have served both practical and ceremonial purposes.

According to oral traditions maintained by villagers from Hunuwilagama, there once existed a carving of crocodiles near one of these rock pools. Unfortunately, this carving has reportedly been destroyed by treasure hunters, a fate that has befallen many unprotected sites within the park (IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006). Adding to the mystique of Kimbula Ketu Gala is a local legend that speaks of four seated Buddha statues hidden within the surrounding forest. These statues, believed to face the rock pool, have yet to be rediscovered (Gunawardena, n.d.).

Scholar C.W. Nicholas (1963) refers to a site with similar characteristics near Tibiriwewa, just south of Maradanmaduwa. This includes an inscription attributed to King Kumaradasa (also known as Kumara Dhatusena, 512–520 CE) and two additional inscriptions from the 5th century. Though the inscriptions have not yet been located, there is reason to believe that the site they describe may be Kimbula Ketu Gala (Nicholas, 1963; IUCN Sri Lanka, 2006).

Kimbula Ketu Gala can be accessed by taking the internal park road from Maradanmaduwa towards the Ikirigollawa Wewa Tank. The site lies approximately 4 kilometers from Maradanmaduwa.

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park, while celebrated for its wildlife, remains one of the least archaeologically explored regions in Sri Lanka. Historical interest has largely focused on a few ancient inscriptions and proto-historic sites, leaving much of its rich heritage still shrouded in mystery. Yet, the park and its surroundings are steeped in folklore, early legends, and connections to foundational episodes of Sri Lanka’s past.

One of the most significant legends linked to the park is that of Tammanna Nuwara, widely believed to be the landing site of Prince Vijaya, the first recorded king of Sri Lanka. Around 500 BCE, Vijaya and his 700 followers are said to have disembarked near Kudiremalai Point, close to the mouth of the Moderagam Ara. According to tradition, they first rested their hands on the soil, which left their palms stained red. This tale finds geological support in the stretch of reddish latosols—iron-rich soils—running parallel to Sri Lanka’s western coastal belt. These soils are part of ancient marine terraces, dating back millions of years to when the landmass emerged from beneath the sea.

Local folklore also links Wilpattu to the Yaksha Princess Kuveni, whom Vijaya married upon his arrival. The ruins of Kuveni’s mythical palace are said to lie at Kali Vila, while traces of her presence are believed to linger around the Kokmote Bungalow.

Another important cultural site is Galbendi Neeravia, located northeast of Maradanmaduwa Tank. It is traditionally believed to have been the dwelling of Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, and his beloved Asokamala, a woman of a lower caste. Their story, dating back around 2,000 years, is remembered as a tale of love and social defiance.

Some of the sites inside Wilpattu National Park with significant archaeological evidence are listed below;

Galbendi Neeravia Ruins : ruins of buildings spread over 10 acres
Galge Viharaya Archaeological Ruins : Caves with brick walls, granite ruins
Hunuvila Gama Ruins : Stupas, shrine house
Kimbula Ketu Gala Ruins : numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks—likely remnants of a long-lost monastery
Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins : foundation stone, a square-shaped stone block, and scattered brick fragments
Nai Pena Guhava Ruins : Two caves and a Stupa, a pond
Ochchappu Kallu Archaeological Ruins : Caves, Stupa, Image houses, and Inscriptions
Palace of Kuweni Archaeological Ruins : Ruin pillars, Stupa
Pomparippu ancient Burial Site
Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins : Ruins of Stupa, Pillars, Foundation stones, Bricks, and Pond
Veli Vehera Archaeological Site
Weeransole Archaeological Ruins : Three Buddha statues, three image houses

References

Goonatilake, W. L. D. P. T. S. de A. (2006). National Archaeological Symposium 2006. In Archaeologically important sites in Vilpattu National Park: present status and new findings (Vol. 1, pp. 57–80). Colombo.
Gunawardena, K. (n.d.). Species of Wilpattu National Park. www.wilpattu.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://www.wilpattu.com/species-ZebraBlue-165
IUCN Sri Lanka. (2006). Resource Inventory of Wilpattu National Park: Final Report. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka.
Nicholas, C. W. (1963). Historical Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series Volume VI Special Number.

Also See

Wilpattu – Galge Viharaya Ruins

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