Heritage

Kurangukodipottamale Drip Ledge Cave (කුරන්ගුකොඩිපෝට්ටමලේ කටාරම් සහිත ගුහාව)

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Located in Kathiraveli, this Anuradhapura-era cave features early Brahmi inscriptions and drip ledges, marking it as a significant monastic dwelling. Despite its historical value, the site faces severe threats from unauthorized excavations and commercial quarrying in the Vakarai region.

The Kurangukodipottamale Drip-Ledge Cave is a little-known archaeological site in the Vakarai region. It provides important evidence of early settlement and Buddhist religious activity during the Anuradhapura Period, particularly through the presence of early Brahmi inscriptions.

Location and Access

The site is located in the village of Kathiraveli, within the Korala Pattu North Divisional Secretariat.

From the Kathiraveli Government Hospital, take the side road to the left, heading towards the Verugal paddy fields, and continue for approximately 2 km (1.2 miles). At the junction, turn right and proceed for a further 400 m (0.25 miles) to reach the site.

Archaeological Features

The site is defined by a south-facing rock cave that displays early habitation by meditating bhikkus.

Carefully carved drip ledges are present above the cave entrance. These channels were designed to divert rainwater away from the interior, a common feature of early monastic dwellings. The cave also contains early Brahmi inscriptions, which are key chronological markers linking the site to the Anuradhapura Period. Fragments of ancient bricks scattered around the cave entrance indicate that a more complex structure or enclosure may once have been associated with the natural rock shelter.

Local Tradition

The site is locally known by a Tamil name, Kurangukodipottamale, that translates as “the rock where the monkey flag was placed,” reflecting a bit of regional folklore associated with the location.

Conservation Status

The site is currently under threat. Unauthorized excavations have caused partial damage, and a larger adjacent rock formation has already been completely destroyed due to commercial quarrying activities.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

Latitude: 8° 13′ 10.0″ N
Longitude: 81° 22′ 42.6″ 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 Kurangukodipottamale Drip Ledge Cave

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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 Kurangukodipottamale Drip Ledge Cave

Route from Trincomalee to Kurangukodipottamale Drip Ledge Cave

Through : Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance : 67 km
Travel time : 1.30 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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