The most well known Buddhist temple is Lahugala is the ancient Magul Maha Viharaya where the wedding ceremony of king Kawantissa and princess Vihara Maha Devi is believed to have taken place in the 3rd century BC. However this area had been a thriving Buddhist community thousands of year ago and ruins of ancient temple complexes are scattered all over the jungles, mostly still undiscovered or unexplored.
Na Maluwa (Namaluwa) archaeological site is one such location which has been hidden in time. The location lies close to Mahakalugolla on the banks of Heda Oya. To reach Na Maluwa, you need to travel 4.5 km from Siyambalanduwa towards Lahugala and turn right. You need to travel 5 km down this road passing chana’s and paddy fields to reach this rocky outcorp close to the Heda Oya.
The most important archaeological monument of at this site is the considerably large stupa partially cleared of debris some time ago. Close to this stupa lies a rocky outcrop with a number of drip ledge caves. A lone monk live in one of the caves meditating and protecting this forgotten heritage.
The site is scattered with a large number of rock and drip ledge inscriptions. At the top, remains of a washed out stupa can be found. Another interesting artifact is a Kotta Gala, a bed caved in rock including a pillow.
Also See
Map of Ruins of Ancient Na Maluwa Buddhist Monastery
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
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Traveling Directions to Ruins of Ancient Na Maluwa Buddhist Monastery
Route from Siyambalanduwa to Ruins of Ancient Na Maluwa Buddhist Monastery |
Through : Lahugala road Time to spend – 1-2 hours Distance : 9.5 km Travel time : 20 mins Driving directions : see on google map |