Rukula Ambalama (රුකුලා අම්බලම)

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Rukula Ambalama
Photo Credits : harithacharika – Travelling Nature in Sri Lanka

Rukulgama is an ancient village situated along the old Raja Mawatha, the historic route that connected the Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devalaya with the Gampola Kingdom. According to local tradition, King Parakramabahu II, who ruled the Dambadeniya Kingdom during the 13th century, built the Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devalaya nearby.

Legend further relates that the king appointed Rukula, the sister of his queen, to oversee the affairs of the Devalaya. She was settled in the surrounding area together with the necessary attendants and staff responsible for carrying out the temple’s daily functions. Over time, this settlement came to be known as Rukulgama.

The Rukulgama Ambalama is traditionally believed to date from this period and is thought to have been constructed to provide shelter and rest for travelers and pilgrims journeying to the Aluthnuwara Dedimunda Devalaya.

Architectural Features

The Rukulgama Ambalama is a brick-and-mortar structure supported by twelve large masonry pillars that bear the weight of the roof. The roof is clad with semi-cylindrical clay tiles known as Sinhala Ulu, a traditional roofing material widely used in Sri Lankan architecture.

The Ambalama underwent restoration in the year 2000.

Also See

Map of Rukula Ambalama

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Travel Directions to Rukula Ambalama

Route from Colombo to Rukula Ambalama

Distance : 100 km
Travel time : 3,5 hours
Time to Spent : 30 mins
Driving directions : see on google map

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Architectural Features

Also See

Map of Rukula Ambalama

Travel Directions to Rukula Ambalama

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