Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu

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Tammannawala (also spelled Thammannawala) is one of several ancient Buddhist monastery sites now lying in ruins within Wilpattu National Park.

Located near a waterhole between the park entrance and Maradanmaduwa, the site contains the remains of a stupa, stone pillars, foundation stones, and brick fragments. The ruined stupa has a circumference of approximately 55 meters, with a 2-meter-deep pit dug into its center by treasure hunters. The surviving stone pillars, ranging in height from 1.2 to 3 meters, suggest they once supported multiple structures of varying sizes.

The nearby waterhole, measuring about 30 meters across, was likely the primary water source for the monastery. Brick fragments have also been found scattered along the path from this site toward Kukulkatuwa, indicating a broader monastic presence in the area.

As Wilpattu National Park enforces strict regulations prohibiting visitors from leaving their vehicles, special permission is required to access and explore this archaeological site on foot.

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park, while celebrated for its wildlife, remains one of the least archaeologically explored regions in Sri Lanka. Historical interest has largely focused on a few ancient inscriptions and proto-historic sites, leaving much of its rich heritage still shrouded in mystery. Yet, the park and its surroundings are steeped in folklore, early legends, and connections to foundational episodes of Sri Lanka’s past.

One of the most significant legends linked to the park is that of Tammanna Nuwara, widely believed to be the landing site of Prince Vijaya, the first recorded king of Sri Lanka. Around 500 BCE, Vijaya and his 700 followers are said to have disembarked near Kudiremalai Point, close to the mouth of the Moderagam Ara. According to tradition, they first rested their hands on the soil, which left their palms stained red. This tale finds geological support in the stretch of reddish latosols—iron-rich soils—running parallel to Sri Lanka’s western coastal belt. These soils are part of ancient marine terraces, dating back millions of years to when the landmass emerged from beneath the sea.

Local folklore also links Wilpattu to the Yaksha Princess Kuveni, whom Vijaya married upon his arrival. The ruins of Kuveni’s mythical palace are said to lie at Kali Vila, while traces of her presence are believed to linger around the Kokmote Bungalow.

Another important cultural site is Galbendi Neeravia, located northeast of Maradanmaduwa Tank. It is traditionally believed to have been the dwelling of Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, and his beloved Asokamala, a woman of a lower caste. Their story, dating back around 2,000 years, is remembered as a tale of love and social defiance.

Some of the sites inside Wilpattu National Park with significant archaeological evidence are listed below;

Galbendi Neeravia Ruins : ruins of buildings spread over 10 acres
Galge Viharaya Archaeological Ruins : Caves with brick walls, granite ruins
Hunuvila Gama Ruins : Stupas, shrine house
Kimbula Ketu Gala Ruins : numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks—likely remnants of a long-lost monastery
Maha Andaragollewa Wewa Archaeological Ruins : foundation stone, a square-shaped stone block, and scattered brick fragments
Nai Pena Guhava Ruins : Two caves and a Stupa, a pond
Ochchappu Kallu Archaeological Ruins : Caves, Stupa, Image houses, and Inscriptions
Palace of Kuweni Archaeological Ruins : Ruin pillars, Stupa
Pomparippu ancient Burial Site
Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins : Ruins of Stupa, Pillars, Foundation stones, Bricks, and Pond
Veli Vehera Archaeological Site
Weeransole Archaeological Ruins : Three Buddha statues, three image houses

References

IUCN Sri Lanka. (2006). Resource Inventory of Wilpattu National Park: Final Report. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu

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Travel Directions to Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

Route from Colombo to Tammannawala Buddhist Ruin (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

Through: Negombo-Puttalam
Distance :190 km
Travel time : 4 hours.
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

Tammannawala Archaeological Ruins in Wilpattu (විල්පත්තුවේ තම්මැන්නාවල පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන්)

Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

References

Also See

Map of Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu

Travel Directions to Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

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Significant Archaeological Sites Inside the Wilpattu National Park

References

Also See

Map of Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu

Travel Directions to Tammannawala Buddhist Ruins in Wilpattu (up to Wilpattu National Park Entrance)

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