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Kuruvikkal Archaeological Ruins (කුරුවික්කල් පුරාවිද්‍යා ස්ථානය)

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The Kuruvikkal Monastery is an Anuradhapura-era complex built around a rocky outcrop in the Vakarai forest. Despite heavy damage from treasure hunting, the site preserves a rare combination of structural masonry and rock-cut features that define early Buddhist monastic planning.

The ruins of the Kuruvikkal Buddhist monastic site, located in the Grama Niladhari Division Uriyankaddu 213 within the Korale Pattu North (Vakare) Divisional Secretariat, represent the remains of a monastic complex dating to the Anuradhapura period.

Access Route

When traveling from Vakare toward Kathiraveli along the Trincomalee road, turn left onto the Kaddumurivu road and proceed for approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) to reach the Kaddumurivu junction. From there, take a smaller forest road on the left and continue for about 9 km (5.6 miles) to arrive at the site.

Historical Background

All identified monastic remains at the site correspond stylistically to construction traditions of the Anuradhapura period, indicating its use as a Buddhist religious establishment during that era.

Site Layout and Archaeological Evidence

The site consists of a monastic complex constructed around a rocky outcrop. The visible remains have been extensively damaged over time, both by natural processes and by human interference, particularly treasure hunting.

At the southern end of a moderately elevated rock stands the remains of a stupa, constructed using bricks and stone fragments. The surviving mound measures approximately 2 m (6.56 feet) in height and about 10 m (32.8 feet) in diameter. The central portion of the stupa has been excavated and disturbed by treasure hunters.

To the east of the stupa lies a natural pond containing a sacred footprint stone, known as a Siripathul Gala. Surrounding this area, particularly to the east and south, are leveled terraces formed using irregular stone slabs. These terraces indicate the former presence of structural buildings, all of which have now been completely destroyed.

Northeast of the stupa is a rock surface featuring a conical cavity. Nearby, there is further evidence of construction activity, including terraced remains. At the northern edge of the rock outcrop, a natural cave is present, which may have been utilized even during prehistoric times.

Approximately 75 m (250 feet) to the west of the stupa are two rock-cut pools, accompanied by a carved stone gutter. This gutter measures about 3 cm (1.2 inches) in depth and 1 cm (0.4 inches) in width and extends for approximately 2 m (6.6 feet) in length. In proximity to this feature, closer to the stupa, a stone pillar base has also been identified.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

North Latitude: 8°06′44.3″ N
East Longitude: 81°23′24.4″ E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Traveling Directions to Kuruvikkal Archaeological Ruins

Route from Trincomalee to Kuruvikkal Archaeological Ruins

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1.45 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

Map of the Kuruvikkal Archaeological Ruins

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