Kadadora Viharaya | Kothmale

About this Attraction

I felt nostalgia as I journeyed through the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya District. The peaceful village of Kadadora, nestled in the lush greenery, held a secret beneath the still waters of the Kotmale Reservoir—the ruins of Kadadora Viharaya. This sacred temple, once a thriving spiritual centre, now lay submerged, hidden from sight except during the rare times when the water levels recede.

The Price of Progress

In 1979, Sri Lanka took a bold step toward modernization with the Mahaweli Development Programme. The Kotmale Dam, a vital part of this ambitious project, promised economic growth through hydroelectric power and irrigation. Yet, as I stood by the reservoir, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history—the price paid for this progress. Fifty-seven villages, along with 54 religious sites, were sacrificed in the name of development, their existence now just a memory beneath the waves.

The Submersion of Kadadora Viharaya

Walking along the water’s edge, I imagined the temple as it once was—a sanctuary of peace, where monks recited prayers and devotees gathered in devotion. The temple’s bell, which once rang through the valley, was replaced by the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore. It was a haunting reminder that history can be swallowed whole yet never truly erased.

The Ghosts of the Past Resurface

There are moments when history fights back against oblivion. During periods of drought, when the reservoir's water levels drop, the ruins of Kadadora Viharaya reemerge. This temporary spectacle offers a rare glimpse into the past—a chance to see the forgotten bricks and stones that once formed the foundation of faith and community. Seeing these remnants was an emotional experience as if the temple was reaching out, reminding the world that it still exists, even in fragments.

A Tribute to What Was Lost: Mahaweli Maha Seya

Not all was lost to the depths. To preserve the legacy of the temples and religious sites that had been submerged, the Mahaweli authorities initiated the construction of Mahaweli Maha Seya. This grand stupa, second in height only to the revered Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, is a monument of resilience and remembrance. Gazing upon its towering form, I felt a mixture of sadness and admiration—it was a tribute to faith, proving that history, even when displaced, can still be honoured.

Reflections on a Vanishing Heritage

Standing there, watching the ripples on the reservoir’s surface, I realized that Kadadora Viharaya is more than a submerged temple—it symbolises the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Development is necessary but should never come at the cost of completely erasing our cultural and spiritual roots.

I reflected on the many hidden stories beneath Sri Lanka’s evolving landscape through this journey. The echoes of Kadadora Viharaya will always linger, whispering tales of devotion, sacrifice, and resilience. And as long as we continue to remember, history will never truly be lost.

Weather in next three days near this attraction

KOTMALE WEATHER

YouTube Video about this Attraction