Kegalle: Prehistoric Traces and Historic Sites

Kegalle District can be explored through its prehistoric traces, historic and religious structures, and distinctive landscapes. These places tell different stories: from a Stone Age construction to a stupa at a royal birthplace and a waterfall whose height and landscape features are specifically identified.

Prehistoric Traces

The Padavigampola stone dolmen is described as the only example in Sri Lanka of a structure built by Stone Age people. Kithulgala Belilena is a prehistoric cave. Evidence found there supports the possibility that human settlement in Sri Lanka may have begun as early as the Pleistocene. The dolmen draws attention to a Stone Age construction, while Belilena offers archaeological evidence relating to early settlement. Excavations at Belilena also uncovered two fossilized ape skeletons, associated with ages of 3,000 and 22,000 years, respectively.

Historic and Religious Structures

Berendi Kovila was built by Aritta Kee Wendu Perumal during the reign of Seethawaka Rajasinha and is dedicated to Shiva. The Seethawaka River surrounds the site on three sides. A stone bridge measuring 4.6 meters wide and 4.6 meters long provides evidence of a former moat, which existed only on the western side. The dedication identifies the religious connection, while the river and bridge also offer clues about the former layout of the site.

Dedigama Kotawehera, also called Soothighara Stupa, is in the village of Dedigama in the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat Division, next to the third kilometer post on Galapitamada Road. The stupa was built at the birthplace of King Maha Parakramabahu. The precise road directions provide a practical landmark, while the connection to his birthplace offers a historical point of reference. Most of the antiquities discovered at Kotawehera are displayed in the museum in Dedigama. If you plan to visit the museum, check the current exhibition arrangements before your visit, as the displays may change.

Dewanagala is a huge historic rock near Mawanella in Kegalle District. The sanctuary covers 72 acres and is described as a historic natural cathedral of exceptional scenic beauty. This description links the site's historical significance with the sanctuary's expansive landscape.

Waterfall and Directions

Asupini Falls is a 120-meter-high waterfall in the Aranayaka area of Kegalle District. It is fed by the Maha Oya and plunges down toward the Ragala and Naththe mountains. The height gives a concrete sense of its scale, while the river and two mountains also place the waterfall in its landscape.

Road directions can also help you find your way: Pethangoda Park is 200 meters along the road between Warakapola and Anguruwella. It can be reached from the Kegalle–Avissawella Highway via the turnoff at Anguruwella Junction. Local road conditions can change, so check the route before setting out. Dedigama Kotawehera is next to the third kilometer post on Galapitamada Road—another precise landmark to use when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pinnawala, Deraniyagala, Mawanella, Galigamuwa, Ratnapura, Matale, Kandy.

See the regional travel overview: Sabaragamuwa Province.