Near Mahakalugolla, on the banks of the Heda Oya, lies the archaeological site of Na-Maluwa, also known as Namaluwa. It brings together various features made of stone and rock. In front of the stupa is a polished flower altar; the site also includes a basin cut into the rock, numerous drip-ledge caves, and rock inscriptions. A Korawakgala, or balustrade stone, lies beside a broken circular pillar. For travelers interested in archaeological details, Na-Maluwa is a specific cultural point of reference near Mahakalugolla.

Stone Objects on Different Scales

The flower altar in front of the stupa is considered well preserved. It measures approximately 3.3 meters in length, 1.27 meters in width, and 0.2 meters in thickness. These measurements make its proportions easy to grasp: its length is considerably greater than its width, while its thickness is around 20 centimeters. This makes the altar easy to classify as an elongated, flat stone object. Its position in front of the stupa adds a specific context within the site to the measurements.

The stone basin has a different shape. It is cut into the rock, has drainage openings, and measures approximately 15.8 meters long and five meters wide. Based on these approximate measurements, it is almost five times as long as the flower altar. The comparison in length conveys the difference in scale; at the same time, these are not two objects of the same kind: the altar is a polished standalone piece, while the basin is carved into the rock. The drainage openings are another specific feature of the basin.

The site also includes numerous drip-ledge caves and rock inscriptions. This broadens the picture beyond individual stone objects: alongside worked stone are caves and written records. The relationship is especially specific in the case of the Korawakgala—the balustrade stone—which lies beside a broken circular pillar. The two architectural elements remain distinct: the balustrade stone and the damaged pillar are not the same object. For anyone classifying archaeological sites by different forms and states of preservation, these provide further concrete points of comparison.

Location and Directions

The route to the archaeological site first goes 4.5 kilometers from Siyambalanduwa in the direction of Lahugala. This is followed by a five-kilometer drive through chenas and paddy fields to a rocky outcrop near the Heda Oya. The two sections provide different points of orientation: first the direction of Lahugala, then the landscape along the drive through chenas and paddy fields. Together with the rocky outcrop near the Heda Oya, this gives a more precise picture of the route described.

The distinction between the site’s location and the starting point of the drive is relevant when choosing where to stay. Na-Maluwa is near Mahakalugolla, while the route begins in Siyambalanduwa. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Mahakalugolla, you can consider the archaeological site as a cultural point of reference for the destination and treat the start of the drive as a separate point of orientation.

Discover more destinations: Boragasketiya, Passara, Lunugala, Diyathalawa, Thanamalwila, Monaragala, Mirahawatta, Badulla

For the overview of the wider region: Uva Province.