The land mass between Monaragala and Yala northern border is filled with remote villages who mainly survive on paddy and Chena cultivations. Most of the land is covered in jungles and rock formations of various size an height rise at various locations. At most of these rock formations, you will find remains of ancient Buddhist monasteries providing a glimpse of the past of this area. Most of the ruins are not even reported but a research party headed by Takashi Okamura from Hosei University in Japan had made 2 research visits in 1985 and 1993 and has documented a significant number of hidden ruins in this area.
Nagalena is currently a functional temple built on a ancient monastic site. The temple is located l.5km northeast of Ethimale post office.
There are two rock shelters (A and B) with drip ledges cut on to their brow, four pillar foundation stones (C), one uncertain structure (D). Restored temple is on the western part of the Rock shelter (A). The cave measures 15m wide, 4m deep and 3m high. No inscriptions are found here. Rock shelter (B) lies 60m east of rock shelter (A),. This measures 11m wide, 6m deep and 4m high. A collapsed building (D) constituted by bricks and stones, measuring l0m across, is located adjoining to the rock shelter (B). The shape of it is not clearly seen.
References
- Okamura, T., 1999. Ruins of the Ancient Ruhuna Civilization – In the Jungles of Kumbukkan Oya Basin SRI LANKA. Tokyo: Exploration Club of Hosei University.
Also See
Map of Nagalena Viharaya Ruins
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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Travel Directions to Nagalena Viharaya Ruins
Route from Kodayanna Junctionto Monaragala to Bhawanagala Aranya Ruins |
Through : Distance : 16 km Travel time : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |