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Ochchappu Kallu  -   Kuba Vehera-       Other Name : Acsha Nagara
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013
Ochchappu Kallu
07/20/2013

Ochchappu Kallu is located about 8 miles from Kudiramale Point. I visited this site on the 20th of July 2013 and I spent about an hour and a half exploring and photographing the area. The thick scrub jungle is studded with large boulders and the rocky out crops making the area quite different to the typical forests observed at Wilpattu.  This is believed to be the largest ancient monastery complex found in the park. It has been identified by its ancient name Aksha Nagara by a number of archeologists as indicated in the rock inscription at Tonigala.

The well-preserved rock inscription found at this site is said to belong to Kanittha Tissa and refers to the location as Kuba Vehera. There are few other inscriptions in the nearby caves which are said to belong to the first or second century BC. The early archeologists who visited this site write about the existence of a few buildings including shrine rooms, pagodas and stupas of Lord Budda. However none can be seen now as they have been destroyed by treasure hunters. As depicted in the photographs, other than the stone pillars and remains of bricks there is an unusual leaning rock supported by a stone pillar at the center of this location with a drip ledge. Drip ledges are also found on the large caves of this locality.

Large boulders and rocky outcrops can be observed in the vicinity of this ancient site. The view from the summit is quite pleasing as the carpet of thick scrub jungle is pierced with many large rocky outcrops and impressive boulders. One needs to walk through the jungle for about 500 meters to reach what is left of the ruins. Fresh Sloth Bear droppings were found all over indicating the presence of a good population. Elephants had visited the pool at the foot of the rock and were heard nearby as well. Thus it is prudent to be very cautious when you are on foot at this locality.