Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

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උඩුනුවර පිටවල අම්බලම (පල්ලේපිටවල අම්බලම) - Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama — උඩුනුවර පිටවල අම්බලම (පල්ලේපිටවල අම්බලම) – Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

In ancient times, people travelled from place to place either on foot or by cart. Journeys for pilgrimages or trade took days, unlike the hours it take today. As a result, rest houses, known as ambalamas, were established. These ambalamas were used by travellers to spend the night safely and prepare simple meals. They were constructed along frequently used routes.

When selecting a location for building an ambalama, it was essential to choose a place with the necessary facilities for a traveller, such as proximity to a well or a stream.

In addition, these ambalams served as important gathering places for the local community. Often, ambalams were built under royal patronage or with the support of regional chieftains. Consequently, the size and artistic features of these ambalams varied according to the wealth and status of their patrons.

The ambalama (roadside resting place) at Pitawala, also known as Liyakatayamiya, is an important landmark along the rough and difficult road from Kandy to Mahiyangana passing through Pitawala, Dayagavillla, Thanne, Galpadipele, Yahalagama, and Minipe. The nature of the route would have necessitated many ambalamas on this route.

In order to protect the wood of Amabalam in this area, where there is often a wet climate, a platform is made of rubble stone and clay about 2 feet above the ground like a Tampita, and the wooden frame is placed on it.

The structure consists of four large wooden beams, each with mortises cut at the corners, forming a frame. Positioned horizontally, another four large wooden beams with tenons support a secondary wooden frame, which holds the roof in place. The vertical wooden posts are intricately carved, adding to the aesthetic appeal. This Ambalama is estimated to be around 150 years old. A similar Ambalama in terms of height, size, and layout can be found in Udunuwara Kevulgama.

On the Kandy -Mahiyangana road, past Kovilamada and from Tampitiyana (Tammitiawa) area, one can reach Pitawala Ambalamby travelling about 4-5 km towards Pitawala Rajamaha Viharaya on the road south towards Kalunthanna

Note that the Google map below marks only the approximate area where these Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama is located.

Refences

අම්බලම හා සමාජය : ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ පුරාණ පිළිබඳ ඓතිහාසික හා පුරාවිද්‍යාත්මක පර්යේෂණයක්, 2018. 1. Colombo: Godage Brothers (Pvt.) Company Limited.
කෙවුල්ගම අම්බලම, 2020. මිහිතුරු [online],

Also See

Map of Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

Please click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map (ගූගල් සිතියම් පහලින්)

Show Location (ගූගල් සිතියම)

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

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

Travelling Directions to Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

From Kandy to Ududumbara Pitawala Ambalama

Via :Thannekumbura – Hunnasgiriya – Kovilamada – Tampitiyana
Total Distance : 59 Km
Travel Time: 1.45 Minutes
Time To Spend: Around 15-30 Minutes
Driving Directions : Check Google Map

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Refences

Also See

Map of Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

Travelling Directions to Udunuwara Pitawala (Pallepitawala) Ambalama

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