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Archeology

Introduction

Buried in the thick jungles of the Wilpattu National Park lays evidence of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and ancient civilizations from a golden era. Sixty-eight (68) historical sites were recorded scattered throughout the park and showcase chronological proof of prehistoric life, the beginnings of the Sinhalese civilization and the more moderncolonial times.

kuwenis palace

These archeological sites have been categorised to four major segments, namely, the Miocene Fossil Sites, the Prehistoric Sites which include Paleolithic and Mesolithic sites, the Proto-historic and Historical-Megalithic and Monastic Ruins, and lastly, the Irrigation and Agricultural sites.

Archeology at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich heritage.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 archeological sites at the park.

Archeology at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich heritage.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 archeological sites at the park.

Kuda Vilacchiya tank

Kuda Vilacchiya tank

The ancient Kuda Vilacchiya is a reservoir, which is now in ruins and nestled in forest. It is believed to have been built in (67-111 AD) by King Wasaba and the engineering of this masterpiece is exceptional with the well-packed rip-rap stone slabs fitted to perfection and remains intact after being abandoned for decades.

Pomparippu Urn burial site

This site is located near the 21st milestone of the old Mannar-Puttalam road in Block V of WNP. The area has been explored by several experts such as Deraniyagala (1957, 1958), and Begley (1981). The most extensive work has been conducted by Prof. Vimala Begley in 1971 and this excavation unearthed a total of 14 burials containing the skeletal remains of about 23 persons. It is believed that the burial site represents a large and settled population whose habitational remains must be within a short distance of the burials, perhaps to the East towards the Galge Vihara complex.

Ochchappu Kallu - Kuba Vehera
Ochchappu Kallu - Kuba Vehera
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Occhappu Kallu

It is considered an ancient Buddhist shrine consists of ancient drip ledge caves, remains of a stupas which have been destroyed by treasure hunters, rock cut bases of buildings, moonstones, balustrades (korawakgal) and scatted pieces of rocks pillars over a vast area which had held the buildings of this complex. Well-preserved rock inscriptions at the Occhappu Kallu notes the charitable donations of King Kanitta Tissa (167-186 AD) of his time.

kudiramalai-point
kudiramalai-point-2-sm
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Kuderamalai Point

Kudiramalai was a famous ancient port city and is located near to Modaragam Aru estuary. This natural harbour which opens into the Gulf of Mannar, was named “Hipporus” (Horse mountain) harbour by the ancient Greeks. It is believed that Prince Vijaya and his companions landed close to this area. Fossils belonging to the Miocene period also has been recorded from this area.

remants of the kuveni's palace in wilpattu national park

Kuveni’s Palace

The Palace ruins found in the middle of the Wilpattu National Park near to Kali Villu, is believed to be once belonged to Kuveni, a princess of the Yaksha tribe. Kuveni married King Vijaya and said to have settled nearby in around 500 BC.

Facts

The Cobra-hood Buddha Statue found from Weeransole ruins, is one of four statues of its kind found in Sri Lanka.
A 4-acre burial site of the ancient people of Pomparippu can be sighted.
Sharped tools belonging to the prehistoric man, were found across the Wetlands and Grasslands of Wilpattu National Park.
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