Discover Kotmale

When planning your trip to Kotmale, several themes come together: Mahaweli Maha Seya on a mountain peak, historical accounts of Prince Gamini and the Sacred Tooth Relic, and Raja Pihilla, a royal bathing place. The locations range from the surrounding area to a precisely named site in Mahawela.

Mahaweli Maha Seya in the surrounding area

Mahaweli Maha Seya stands on the summit of Kadadora Mountain in the surrounding area of Kotmale. In terms of height, it is considered the second-largest stupa after Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Its summit location and ranking provide two distinct points of reference: Kadadora Mountain identifies the site, while Ruwanweli Maha Seya is the reference for its height ranking.

Historical accounts surrounding Kotmale

Historical accounts in the surrounding area of Kotmale are linked to several places and narrative themes. Dehedukadulla is described in one historical account as the main entrance to Kotmale and is associated with the hiding place of Prince Gamini’s sword. The Kotmale Pass near Mahaweli Maha Seya has a different association: according to one account, Prince Gamini used it as a link between Ruhuna and Pihiti Rata while attempting to unite Sri Lanka. The accounts thus differ in their historical focus: Dehedukadulla is associated with the main entrance and the sword, while the Kotmale Pass is associated with the link between the two regions.

According to the Mahawamsa, Kadadora was also an entrance to Kotmale that Prince Gamini passed through; he spent more than two decades of his life there. Dehadu Kadulla has been restored and is flanked by two layered stone walls. Here, an architectural feature accompanies the historical accounts of Prince Gamini.

The Sacred Tooth Relic in Pusulpitiya

In the surrounding area of Kotmale, one historical account links the Kotmale Pusulpitiya Rajamaha Viharaya to several instances when the Sacred Tooth Relic took refuge there during times of political unrest. The account gives the year 1815 for one such refuge: at that time, the relic reportedly sought refuge there when the British invaded the Kingdom of Kandy. This date distinguishes that specific episode from the more general series of refuges described.

Raja Pihilla and Mahawela

Raja Pihilla is a royal bathing place on a paddy field called Mahawela in Kotmale. Unlike the places in the surrounding area, it is located specifically in Mahawela; this precise location helps distinguish the place name from the wider Kotmale area.

Getting to Mahawela

A route from Nuwara Eliya to Mahawela in Kotmale goes via Ramboda. If you plan to take this route, check road conditions before setting off, as they can change. Mahawela thus links the location of the bathing place with the destination on the route from Nuwara Eliya.

Discover more destinations: Ginigathena, Pussellawa, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Agrapatana, Ragala, Hawaeliya

Go to the main travel overview: Nuwara Eliya.