Heritage

Thunadichena Archaeological Site (තුණ්ඩිචේන පුරාවිද්‍යා ස්ථානය)

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Located in Kaverikulama, this Anuradhapura-era monastic site features four stone pillars and a finely finished foundation slab. Despite significant disturbance and broken masonry, these remains confirm a permanent ancient complex once existed near the Kaverikulama Reservoir.

The Thunadichena Building Ruins are located in the village of Kaverikulama, within the Uriyankaddu 213 Grama Niladhari Division, under the Korala Pattu North (Vakarai) Divisional Secretariat. The site represents the remains of an ancient monastic complex, attributed to the Anuradhapura Period.

Location and Access

Traveling from Vakarai towards Kadiraveli, proceed approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) to reach the Kadiraveli Junction. From here, take the Kaddumuridu Road and continue for about 15 km (9.3 miles). Then turn onto the Kaverikulama Road and travel for approximately 2.6 km (1.6 miles) to reach the Kaverikulama Reservior. From the tank bund, proceed about 1 km (0.62 miles) westward to reach the site

Historical Background

The architectural design of the structures and the characteristics of the associated artifacts correspond to construction traditions of the Anuradhapura Period.

Site Condition and Archaeological Evidence

The site has been significantly disturbed, with its original context altered due to recent destructive activities. Despite this, it is evident that a building once stood here, constructed using stone pillars and stone slabs.

At present, four pillars remain in situ, representing part of the original structure. Additional pillars, now broken into various sizes, are scattered across the site, indicating collapse and displacement over time. A well-finished foundation stone slab measuring approximately 120 × 30 cm (3.9 × 1 ft) is also present.

Due to the extent of the damage, it is no longer possible to clearly determine the original function, layout, or full scale of the building.

Geographical Coordinates

The exact location of the site is as follows:

Latitude: 8° 05′ 52.2″ N
Longitude: 81° 21′ 43.3″ 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 Thunadichena Archaeological Site

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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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Traveling Directions to Thunadichena Archaeological Site

Route from Trincomalee to Thunadichena Archaeological Site

Through: Kinniya – Mutur – Serunuwara – Verugal
Distance: 132 km
Travel time: 3 hours
Driving directions : see on Google Maps

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