The Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama structure consists of four large wooden beams, each with mortises cut at the corners, forming a frame. Positioned horizontally, another four large wooden beams with tenons support a secondary wooden frame, which holds the roof in place.
The Boer War Ceylon Contingent Memorial depicts a trooper of the Ceylon Mounted Infantry giving the signal “enemy in sight”. It is currently located inside the Army Barack on Brownrigg Street, Kandy.
When travelling from Haguranketha towards Rikillagaskada, approximately 1½ km along the way, you’ll encounter the Madanwala Ambalama situated on the right side of the road. This Ambalama features four main stone pillars supporting the roof, with 5-foot-high stone walls built on three sides. Inscriptions within the Ambalama record that it was constructed in 1901 by Abhayasinghe Appuhami, the Secretary of Sagaruwanketa.
The Udunuwara Wattappola Ambalama is constructed using granite blocks. It undergoes annual repairs, carried out by the descendants of the individual who originally built it. Currently, cement-treated lime has been applied over the black stone surfaces.
Hidden amid the quiet lanes of Daskara village, the Vegiriya Ambalama stands as a timeless relic of Sri Lanka’s travel heritage. Built in 1925, its stone pillars, lotus-carved Madol Kurupawa, and tiered seating echo stories of ancient travelers who once rested beneath its elegant Kandyan roof.
Many are familiar with the renowned Godamunna Ambalama adorned with intricate wood carvings. However, located approximately 500 meters away lies another Ambalama lesser-known to many. Dubbed Godamunna Gal Ambalama, this structure is crafted from stone. Positioned atop a cliff near a picturesque waterfall, it is also referred to as Godamunna Ella Oya Ambalama.
Yatiwawala is located in the Galagedara area of the Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat in the Kandy District. To find the Ambalama, one must walk along Polwatte Mawatha, situated in front of the Yatiwawala Cemetery, for approximately 350 meters. The Ambalama can be found in front of a paddy field along this route.
The Wahugapitiya Ambalama, once a beautifully crafted structure, now stands in a state of disrepair. Its roof is covered with galvanized roofing sheets, and the surrounding jungle encroaches upon its perimeter. Given its deteriorating condition, restoration efforts are imperative to preserve this historic building for future generations.
The Wattappola Dharmashalawa’s exquisitely carved pillar heads, featuring downward-facing four lotus flowers with stalks on each side of the stone pillars, stand as a testament to the remarkable skills of the wood craftsmen of the Kandian era. These intricately crafted pillar heads not only showcase the craftsmanship of the time but also provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural heritage of the period.
Sivurupitiya Tampita Viharaya is one of the smallest of its kind. It is built on 4 short pillars. Connected to it from the front lies a large preaching hall further dwarfing the Tampita Viharaya. The preaching hall is built with a two-layered roof and based on the architectural features, the building can be dated to the late 18th century.
According to folklore, the Asupini Ella Falls (Ahupini Ella Falls) derives its name from a desperate suicide attempt, where a mounted monarch leapt from its upper reaches.
Allakolla Estate Sumaithangi Stone lies inside the Alakola Estate in Kosgama Gramasewaka Division of Panvila Divisional Secretariat of Kandy District. The structure lies right next to the road thus difficult to miss. The horizontal stone has fallen off and lies on the ground.
Near the Kandy Lake between the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Queens Hotel, lies a 4 sided stone pillar, probably the last milestone of the Colombo-Kandy road. In clean carved letters, one side states “72 MILES From COLOMBO”. On the opposite side, it displays “ROUND LAKE 2 MILES 46 FEET 1680 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL”.
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Kandy’s “Royal Forest Park,” is a historic hillside reserve once reserved for royalty. This lush 104-hectare rainforest features scenic trails, ancient meditation caves, and diverse birdlife. Tourists can explore the “Lady Horton’s Drive” for panoramic city views and discover peaceful forest monasteries just minutes from the city center.
The Ambuluwawa Tower is a unique multi-religious center and biodiversity complex near Gampola, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Standing at an elevation of about 1,112 meters above sea level, the tower is one of the most striking landmarks in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and towns.
According to folklore, the history of the Medawala temple dates back to the reign of King Wattagamani Abhaya (103 BC), where it is believed this temple was built by him during the stay in Malaya Rata. There are two written sources that shed light on the temple’s history. One is the inscription in the garden of the Medawala Viharaya and the other other is a Medawala Sannasa.
Medamahanuwara mountain is today known as Hunnasgiriya mountain. On the top of this hill are the remains of an ancient fort or palace. According to legend, this fort was built by King Senarath (1604 – 1635) who ruled Kandyan Kingdom.
The Karalliyadda Ambalama is built on a stone foundation about one and a half feet high. A frame built with four large wooden logs are placed on top of 4 smaller stones on the foundation. These logs are also used as seats. The base is not filled inside so there is room for feet.
Pattiyawatta Ambalama, which is made of brick and mortar and the roof has been restored using semi cylindrical clay tile. The ambalama, is made in a rectangular shape and a small hall-like extension has been added to enter from the front. The roof is built as two parts for two sections.
The 1817/18 Uva-Wellassa Rebellion was Sri Lanka’s first major freedom struggle against British rule. Led by the valiant Keppetipola Dissawa, the revolt nearly ousted the colonizers despite brutal scorched-earth tactics. Ultimately betrayed, Keppetipola was executed in Kandy, where a memorial now enshrines his skull.
