The Siyambalapitiya Ambalama features plastered masonry pillars, an open-ventilated design, and a tile-clad pyramidal hipped roof. It includes multi-tiered interior benches illustrating historical caste distinctions, alongside a vaulted front alcove designed for a Pinthaliya drinking water pot.
The Thalgamuwa Ambalama is constructed from dressed granite blocks with lower half-walls featuring broad tops wide enough for seating. Square stone pillars support an open-sided upper section for ventilation, all beneath a traditional tile-clad, four-sided hipped roof.
The Gasnawa Ambalama is a large rectangular kabook-and-mortar resting house. Supported by eight pillars, its low perimeter walls feature built-in seating at varying heights to reflect historical caste hierarchies, topped with a timber roof for an open, ventilated shelter.
The Nilwakka Ambalama is a rectangular rest house on a 0.6-meter platform with a low, open-walled design for ventilation. Built with flat clay roof tiles and seven pillars, recent restoration altered its original roof shape and replaced wooden pillars with cement.
The Nakkawita Hanging Bridge, built across the Sitawaka Ganga River, was begun in 1819 and opened to the public in 1823. Its primary purpose was to transport tea produce from the Nakkawita and Maliboda areas to Deraniyagala.
Located next to the famous Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoological Gardens is Sri Lanka’s first open-air zoo, designed to let animals roam in spacious, natural habitats. From exotic birds to majestic mammals, it’s a family-friendly destination where wildlife and conservation come together.
The Waththewa Ambalama is a modest, square-shaped structure. Built on a small raised platform, its walls stand about 2.5 feet high. From each corner rises a cylindrical pillar that supports the simple roof. The current structure appears to be a recent reconstruction, made using cement.
Though Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya now appears modern, its origins trace back to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BCE). Scattered among the newer structures are remnants of its ancient past: granite pillars and stone steps likely from an old image house and a granite pinnacle believed to date back to the Anuradhapura period.
Moratota Himi began the construction of Selawa Rajamaha Viharaya during King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe’s time. The project was later continued and completed under King Rajadhi Rajasinghe (1781–1798), who was himself a disciple of Moratota Himi. It was King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798–1815), the last monarch of Sri Lanka, who finally completed the enshrinement rituals by placing the “eyes” on the Buddha statue
The Molligoda Ambalama is a small square stone ambalama. This ambalama is built on a stone foundation about 2½ feet high. Large, well-cut stone blocks have been used for this. On top of it, 4 stone pillars have been built. The roof of this is completely collapsed. Only three of the four pillars remain.
The Tampita Viharaya at Maliyadda is built on 22 stone pillars, each 610 mm high. The circumambulatory path surrounding the structure is 787 mm wide on all three sides. The image house within measures 2.3 meters in width and 5.2 meters in length
Travelling from Mawanella to Aranayake, and then 2½ kilometres from the Aranayake junction via Horewala to Salawa by road, you will find the Arama Rajamaha Viharaya on slightly elevated ground next to the Maha Oya (Ma Oya). Between the mountains on the right, you can see the Asupini Ella Falls.
The natural cave with petroglyphs in Urakada was first discovered by the former Director General of Archaeology, W.H. Wijayapala in 1983. Petroglyphs also called rock engravings which have been achieved using some form of sharp instrument, on the face of a rock or a cave wall. In Sri Lanka, only seven such sites have been discovered.
Nestled within the picturesque paddy fields of Parambe, a quaint ambalama stands as a charming refuge in Kegalle District. This delightful structure, adorned with simplicity, boasts a square design with short walls. Providing convenient seating, the ledges along the walls offer respite for weary travellers.
Alagalla Ambalama situated in the midst of a paddy field serves as a crucial gathering point for many individuals, offering respite and relaxation during farming activities. Both children and adults travelling to Kalpitiya via Alagalla frequently seek shelter in this Ambalama when it rains. The residents are urging responsible parties to take action to preserve and maintain this essential structure for the benefit of the community.
Upon examining the ruins present, it appears that the Ganegoda temple follows the architectural style of South India. While there are hints suggesting it might have originally been a three-storied structure, what remains today is a modest, small-scale temple.
Kitulgala Beli Lena is a major prehistoric cave in Sri Lanka where the 12,000-year-old skeletal remains of the “Balangoda Man” were discovered. Nestled behind a scenic waterfall, this archaeological treasure offers travelers a fascinating look into ancient human habitation amidst the lush, adventurous rainforest landscapes of Sri Lanka’s wet zone.
One of the villages within the Paranakuru Korala is Kehelpannala, also known as Keselpannala. According to historical accounts, a Brahmin named Divakara from India, accompanied by two disciples, settled in this village and made it their home. It is said that the village derived its name, Kehelpannala, from the practice of using banana leaves for constructing dwellings.
While building the Central Expressway between Colombo and Kandy, a discovery was made of ruins of two ancient stupas which has never been reported before. The site lies in Rambukkana Miniyampitiya area in Kegalle District.
There is a stone staircase with 100 steps leading from the temple grounds to reach this cave temple. The cave temple is built under a rock that protrudes from the mountain. The len viharaya (cave temple) is 43 feet 8 inches long. To the south of the temple building is a small stupa inside the cave. The len viharaya has both front and side entrances.
