Kotmale Dam and Museum

About this Attraction

Sri Lanka’s highlands are filled with stunning landscapes. Still, my visit to Kotmale Dam was more than just a scenic experience—it was a journey through history, engineering brilliance, and untold sacrifices. Nestled among the lush green hills of Kotmale, this reservoir holds power and poignant memories beneath its calm waters.

A Panoramic Welcome

The first glimpse of the Kotmale Reservoir was from the winding roads between Talawakelle and Ramboda, where elevated viewpoints 300 meters above the lake revealed a breathtaking scene. The still waters reflected the rolling hills and misty sky, creating an almost surreal view. I had seen pictures before, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale and tranquillity of the reservoir.

Curious to see more, I decided to detour and explore the Kotmale Dam and Museum, uncovering the untold stories beneath the water’s surface.

Kotmale Dam: An Engineering Marvel

Standing 90 meters tall, the Kotmale Dam is an awe-inspiring sight. Built between 1979 and 1985 as part of the Mahaweli Development Project, it is crucial in Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir spans 2,270 hectares and feeds an underground power station via a 7-kilometer-long tunnel, so I couldn’t help but appreciate the sheer engineering brilliance behind it.

Walking along the dam, I felt the weight of history—this wasn’t just a structure holding back water; it was a testament to progress, ambition, and sacrifice.

A Visit to the Kotmale Dam Museum

A short 1-kilometer drive from the dam took me to the Kotmale Dam Museum, a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to understand the true impact of this project.

The museum showcased photographs, engineering models, and documents detailing the dam’s construction. But what struck me the most were the stories of the 57 villages, 14 tea estates, and 54 ancient temples that once thrived where the reservoir now stands.

I enjoyed one of the best viewpoints of the dam and reservoir from the museum terrace. The sun shimmered on the vast expanse of water, a peaceful sight masking the history of displacement and transformation beneath.

The Hidden Temple Beneath the Water

One of the most haunting yet fascinating aspects of Kotmale is the Kadadora Hidden Temple. During extreme droughts, when the water levels recede, this temple emerges from the depths, revealing remnants of a once-thriving spiritual site.

I imagined how entire communities once lived here, worshipped in these temples, and cultivated these lands before they were submerged forever. Seeing the partially exposed ruins of the temple was a poignant reminder of the price of progress.

Mahaweli Maha Seya: A Tribute to the Lost Temples

To honour the sacred sites lost beneath the waters, the Mahaweli Maha Seya was built on higher ground. Visiting this grand stupa was a spiritual experience, as it stood as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the temples that had to make way for the reservoir.

Walking around its peaceful grounds, I reflected on the delicate balance between development and preservation. The Kotmale project provided much-needed electricity and irrigation, yet it also meant saying goodbye to a part of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious history.

A Journey Worth Taking

When I left Kotmale, I felt a mix of emotions—awe at the engineering feat, respect for the sacrifices made, and gratitude for the beauty that still remains.

Suppose you’re travelling between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and take a detour to Kotmale Dam and Museum. It’s more than just a picturesque reservoir—it’s a place where Sri Lanka’s past and future intersect, offering visitors a profound experience of progress, loss, and resilience.

It was a journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s history, nature, and ambition—one that I will never forget.

Weather in next three days near this attraction

KOTMALE WEATHER

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