As you travel along the Giriulla from Alawwa, 2.7 km down this road, passing a picturesque paddy field you will come across a special Geta Kumbuk tree by the road beside the ancient Paramaulla Ambalama. According to the the Central Environmental Authority this tree has been lying on a bund of the irrigation reservoir built by king Vijayabahu III (1232-1236) of Dambadeniya kingdom. The reservoir is no where to be seen today, with the land turned in to paddy fields. Thus this tree is about 800 years old.
Kumbuk (scientific name : Terminalia arjuna) is usually found growing on river banks , near dry river beds or on the edges of reservoirs and water tanks. The tree is usually found in the Indian sub continent and grows to about 20–25 meter height. It usually has a buttressed trunk, and forms a wide canopy at the crown, from which branches drop downwards. It has oblong, conical leaves which are green on the top and brown below; smooth, grey bark; it has pale yellow flowers which appear between March and June; its glabrous, 2.5 to 5 cm fibrous woody fruit, divided into five wings, appears between September and November.
The Kumbuk tree is also known as the tree under which the 10 Buddha (Aththadassi Buddhha) achieved enlightenment. The medicinal qualities of Kumbuk trees are have been known since the ancient kings and it was a practice of planting Kumbuk trees at the reservoirs since ancient times.
The Ambalama possibly not as old as the tree, would have been built when this was a popular route for travellers. Its small square structure. In 2016 the Ambalama was restored with a short ledge to sit on all 4 sides with no opening to the inside. However this has again been reconstructed from scratch with a tall platform, larger pillars with no side ledge on any of the sides.
The access road to the Paramaulla Tampita Purana Viharaya lies just in-front of this tree.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Paramaulla Ambalama and Geta Kumbuk Tree
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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Driving Directions to Paramaulla Ambalama and Geta Kumbuk Tree
Route from Alawwa to Paramaulla Ambalama and Geta Kumbuk Tree |
Though : Giriulla Road distance : 2.6 km Travel time :10 mins Time to spend : 10 mins Driving directions : see on google map |