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Tholangamuwa Ambalama lies by a lush paddy field on Kandy Road between Ambepussa and Nelumdeniya. It lies 2.6 km from the Ambesussa Junction and 4.6 km from Nelumdeniya Town. A unique feature of this ambalama is the pond which is built right next to the ambalama.
In ancient times, people travelled from place to place on foot or by cart. Pilgrimages or trade journeys were measured in days, not in hours as they are now. Therefore, resting places (wayside rests) or ambalams were built at various places along these popular routes. These ambalams were used to cook small meals for travellers to spend the night safely. They are built around commonly used roads. Generally, a place was chosen where there are facilities for a traveller, i.e. near a well or a stream, to build an Ambalama.
At the same time, this Ambalama was also important as a gathering place for the people of that village. Often Ambalams were built under royal patronage or the patronage of local nobles. Therefore, the size of these ambalams and artworks changed according to the wealth of the people who sponsored them.
Tholangamuwa Ambalama is a brick and mortar rectangular structure with 4 brick pillars holding the roof and 2 wooden pillars at the entrance. A short wall is built around the ambalama and the top half is exposed. The roof is tiled with clay calicut tiles (Rata Ulu). The ambalama is built at the road elevation. However, the paddy fields behind are at a lower elevation. The pond is at the lower elevation and a stairway has been built right at the entrance to climb down to the pond.
Unfortunately, a group of misguided youth started painting murals on all such buildings and walls all over the country in 2019 and this ancient ambalama didn’t escape their attention. Today it is covered with now fading multi-colored murals diluting its historic value.
Also See
- List of Ambalama’s in Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Tholangamuwa Ambalama
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Travelling Directions to Tholangamuwa Ambalama
| From Ambepussa to Alawala Ambalama |
| Via : Total distance: 2.6 km Driving Duration : 6 minutes Time to be spent: About 15 minutes Driving Directions : View on Google Maps |
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