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Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

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නිදන් සොයා වනසා ඇති ත්‍රිකුණාමලය ලිංගපුර බෞද්ධ ණටබුන් - Lingapura Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

This location can be reached by taking the Kantale–Serunuwara–Dehiwatte road toward Lingapura, and then turning left either just before or at Saraswati Vidyalaya. From there, proceed a short distance to reach the site.

The ruins in Lingapura village are spread across an area of approximately five acres. Due to activities such as earth excavation, many of the remains have been either destroyed or buried beneath the soil. At the site, a small rock outcrop rises above the terrain, atop which stands a brick stupa approximately 20 feet in diameter. This stupa has been extensively damaged by treasure hunters, leaving bricks scattered around. The interior layers of bricks are clearly visible through a large cavity dug into the structure.

To the west of the stupa lies an ancient reservoir. On the northern side, several old building foundations have suffered significant damage due to excavation work. Despite the destruction, the excavated western embankments still reveal visible layers of natural soil, remnants of brick walls, and earth mixed with pottery fragments and broken clay vessels. Moreover, four to five distinct layers of bricks—likely foundations or parts of ancient walls—can still be clearly seen. Scattered across the site are also stone pillars and other architectural remnants. Two large square-based pillar foundation stones, dislodged during excavation, are found nearby as well.

On the western slope of the rock that holds the stupa, a rock inscription dating back to the 4th–5th centuries CE can be seen. In its vicinity are two ancient conical cavities carved into the rock surface, although signs of attempted destruction are evident. The area below the inscription becomes waterlogged during the rainy season, suggesting that it may have been a pond used to supply water to the monastery in ancient times.

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Map of Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

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Travel Directions to Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

From Kantale to Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

Route: Via Sooriyapura
Total distance: 42 kilometers
Estimated travel time: Around 1 hour + forest trek
Time to spend: Approximately 30–45 minutes
Driving directions: View on Google Maps

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Also See

Map of Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

Travel Directions to Lingapuram Buddhist Ruins in Trincomalee

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