Heritage

Thamarakulama Wewa Drip-Ledge Cave (තාමරකුලම වැව කටාරම් ලෙණ)

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This is a historical cave structure with a carved drip ledge located along the banks of the Thamarakulama Wewa in the village of Kathiraveli. This site serves as an example of the spread of early Buddhist monastic or sheltered life within the Vakarai region.

Location and Access

The site lies within the Kathiraveli 213 Grama Niladhari Division, under the Korala Pattu North (Vakarai) Divisional Secretariat.

From the Kathiraveli junction, proceed a short distance along the main road towards Verugal. Near the Kathiraveli Visitors Park on the right-hand side, continue approximately 200 m (650 ft) north along the bank of the Thamarakulama Wewa Reservoir to reach the cave.

Historical Background

This cave, distinguished by its carved drip ledge, is attributed to the Anuradhapura Period. It is considered contemporaneous with several other drip-ledged caves found on a nearby rock formation, suggesting the presence of a cluster of monastic or habitation activities in this area during that time.

Archaeological Features

The cave is oriented with openings to both the north and the south. Carefully carved drip ledges have been cut into the rock surface above the entrance. These channels were designed to divert rainwater away from the cave interior, ensuring that the sheltered space remained dry even during the rain and suitable for habitation.

The vertical height from the cave floor to the drip ledge measures approximately 4 m (13.1 ft).

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

Latitude: 8° 13′ 48.5″ N
Longitude: 81° 23′ 34.7″ E

References

Exploration and Documentation Division (Ed.). (2017). පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථාන හඳුනා ගැනීමේ ගවේෂණ වාර්තාව, මඩකලපුව දිස්ත්රික්කය. Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of the Thamarakulama Wewa Drip-Ledge Cave

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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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Travelling Directions to Thamarakulama Wewa Drip-Ledge Cave

Route from Trincomalee to Thamarakulama Wewa Drip-Ledge Cave

Through : Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance : 62.5 km
Travel time : 1.30 hours
Driving directions : see on google maps

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