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Galge Viharaya  -   Cherimakallu Cave Temple
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014
Galge Viharaya
06/29/2014

This is an ancient monastery and the inscriptions found here belong to 1AD. The GPS reading of the location is N 08.30315, E 079.97899.

The translation of the inscription reads as follows; Hail The cave of the three personages, (namely) the lawyer Naga, the Lord of Kadahalaka Vavi, Anulaya and Lapidary… (Inscriptions of Ceylon 1).  

I visited this site for the first time on the 29th of June 2014. There are remains of a Pagoda and a number of caves with drip ledges. In one cave the ancient brick walls can still be observed. The site over looks a tank. The ancient name of this tank is Kadahalaka Tank. One has to park the vehicle on the bund and walk for a short distance to observe the site, which is covered, in thick jungle. Great care must be exercised while on foot, as there were fresh Sloth Bear and Elephant droppings and footprints all over the site.

The distance to Galge Viharaya is 9 Kilometres from Tala Wila.   Four streams have to be crossed to reach this locality including the Karambakulama Oya. Thus it is advisable to avoid the rainy season.