Exploring Kadadora & Ranamune: Where History, Nature, and Community Spirit Thrive

Hidden within the misty folds of the central highlands of Kothmale lie the villages of Kadadora and Ranamune, timeless enclaves where history, tradition, and nature coexist. Our journey began with a picturesque drive from Nawalapitiya to this beautiful site that serves as a gateway to Sri Lanka’s storied past. In about half an hour, we arrived at Kadadora, a village steeped in legend, once home to one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated monarchs, King Dutugemunu.

A walk back in time to learn more about the great King Dutugemunu

Long before he became the iconic King Dutugemunu, Prince Gamini, as he was then known, lived in exile in Kothmale. Fleeing his father King Kavantissa after a confrontation, the young prince sought refuge here, disguising himself as a farmer. According to local lore, he spent over a decade in this region, cultivating paddy fields alongside villagers and living a life far removed from royalty.

Exploring the lush green paddy fields in Ranamune

Ranamune's heart lies in its historic Ranamune Pihilla, a granite waterspout. The prince is said to have bathed here, using the water not only for personal hygiene but also as a vital resource for farming. Legend has it that the name ‘Ranamune’ (derived from ‘Ran’ for gold) refers to treasures or the golden sword he is believed to have hidden nearby.

Visiting Ranamune showed me the importance of agriculture-based community tourism as it draws tourists to rural areas, stimulating economies, and fostering a great appreciation for agricultural practices and local food systems. 

Ancient Technology Meets Modern Life

What struck me most was how the past seamlessly integrates with the present in Ranamune. The paddy fields surrounding the spout are still cultivated using the ancient cascade irrigation system, an ingenious method designed to maximize water efficiency in hilly terrains. Most of the villagers who live here are farmers and they continue to plough their fields with buffaloes, using tools and techniques that have been passed down for generations. 

The fields are still cultivated using the ancient cascade irrigation system

The cascade system channels water through a series of reservoirs and terraced fields, ensuring a steady flow even during dry spells. Watching the process unfold, it was easy to imagine the young prince learning these techniques from local farmers, skills that would later inform his leadership and resource management as king.

The Ranamune Ambalama: A Shelter with Stories

Adjacent to the waterspout stands the Ranamune Ambalama, a small stone shelter that speaks to Sri Lanka’s communal traditions. Built with granite blocks and capped with a tiled roof, this structure served as a rest stop for travelers and a gathering place for the community. During the Kandyan era, ambalamas were vital hubs for social and economic life. Here, farmers would meet, share news, and rest after a hard day's work. Standing within its walls, I imagined villagers and pilgrims from centuries past pausing here, sharing stories, and marvelling at the ingenuity of the cascade irrigation system that sustained their lives.

This stone shelter was a gathering place for the community in ancient times

Folklore and Myth

The legends surrounding Dutugemunu extend beyond the spout and the ambalama. Some say that his sword was hidden near the spout, a detail that underscores Ranamune's connection to the prince's transformation from a fugitive to king. Others believe that gold treasures lie buried nearby, adding an air of mystery to this serene location.

The stories are not confined to Dutugemunu alone. Ranamune is part of a larger network of sites in Kothmale that reflect Sri Lanka’s layered history. The nearby Kothmale Valley and its iconic Maha Seya stupa also bear witness to the region’s spiritual and cultural significance.

A Step Back in Time

Visiting Ranamune was like stepping into a time machine. From the bubbling waterspout to the terraced fields and the stone ambalama, every corner whisper tales of resilience, ingenuity, and legacy. For travellers seeking to connect with Sri Lanka’s past, this village offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and living culture.

As I left Ranamune, I couldn’t help but reflect on how places like this preserve the essence of a nation. Dutugemunu's story is not just about a king; it’s about a community that nurtured him and a landscape that shaped his destiny. If you find yourself in the highlands of Kothmale, make time for Ranamune. 

Kadadora Entrance: A Gateway to Sri Lanka’s Ancient Past

We then visited the historic ‘Kadadora Entrance’ which is one of the four gateways to the Kotmale area. According to the legend, the prince secretly entered Kothmale through this very passage from the Kingdom of Ruhunu and started his new life here. Today, this entrance serves as a portal to the rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the timeless tales of its ancient inhabitants. 

Entering the historic ‘Kadadora Entrance’ - one of the four gateways of Kotmale

The Kadadora Entrance, or Dehadu Kadulla, is an unassuming yet deeply significant archaeological site in the scenic Kothmale Valley. During my visit, I was captivated by its historical resonance, quiet charm, and connection to Sri Lanka’s storied past. Known as one of the four ancient gateways to the Maya Rata—the western province of ancient Lanka—Kadadora served as both a physical and symbolic border. Its location marks the division between the Maya Rata and Ruhuna (modern southeastern Sri Lanka), two powerful regions in the country’s history.

The Legend of Prince Dutugemunu

What makes Kadadora truly special is its association with Prince Dutugemunu. According to local lore, this gateway is where the young prince, fleeing hid his ceremonial sword inside a tree. The name ‘Dehadu Kadulla’ which translates to ‘Double Gate’ is said to hint at this event, though ‘kadu’ also signifies ‘sword’ in Sinhala.

The Role of Kadadora in Ancient Sri Lanka

Kadadora wasn’t just a gateway; it was a strategic point for travellers, merchants, and armies moving between regions. The Maya Rata, which it guarded, was one of the island’s most prosperous areas, known for its fertile lands and political significance. The gateway's design, with its robust walls and strategic positioning, underscores its role in safeguarding the borders of this ancient kingdom.

Moreover, it is one of the few surviving examples of its kind. While other gateways to Maya Rata have been lost to time, Kadadora endures, offering a rare glimpse into the island’s medieval and early historic eras.

The Kotmale Valley and it’s Submerged History

The gateway’s proximity to the Kothmale Reservoir adds another layer of intrigue. Constructed as part of the Mahaweli Development Project in the 1980s, the reservoir submerged many historical sites and villages. Yet, the Kadadora Entrance remained above water, a silent sentinel preserving the valley’s legacy. 

How to Visit Kadadora

Kadadora is about 38km from Kandy and takes about an hour’s drive. From Colombo, the journey is longer as it’s 140kms away. It is a short walk from the Kotmale Dam Museum’s car park. Combine your visit with an exploration of the nearby reservoir, the Mahaweli Maha Seya stupa, and other historical points in the valley for a comprehensive experience of this culturally rich region. 

This is a very interesting place for history enthusiasts due to its legendary past that links it to the great king’s youth in exile allowing them to explore many places of archeological importance. 

Mahaweli Mahaseya

This bubble shaped temple is the largest structure of its kind in Sri Lanka

We then visited a unique bubble shaped Buddhist temple known as the Mahaweli Mahaseya, which is a landmark building in the area and is the largest structure of its kind in Sri Lanka. This monumental white stupa, the second tallest in Sri Lanka, is a serene beacon visible from miles around. During my visit, I was struck not only by its architectural grandeur but also by its deeply poignant history, tied intricately to the transformation of this region.

 The Mahaweli Development Project, initiated in the late 20th century, was an ambitious effort to harness the waters of the Mahaweli River to boost agriculture and generate hydroelectric power. The Kotmale Reservoir submerged ancient temples, villages, and settlements that had stood for centuries. Among the submerged sites were not just historic sites that represented not just religious significance but also the lives and livelihoods of countless people.

On rare occasions, the ruins of a Buddhist temple known as Kadadora Vihara can still be seen during the dry season when the water levels of the reservoir are low. In honour of these lost temples, Mahaweli Mahaseya was built with a towering 88-meter-high stupa rising above the reservoir and its majestic structure can be seen from far away distances. The construction began in the early 1980s, and the stupa's completion spanned over three decades, finally opening in 2016. 

Apart from the rich history and beautiful flora and fauna, the area of Kothmale is also home to the art of kithul tapping. Kithul is a palm tree that grows in Sri Lanka and the sap of this tree is used to craft fine alcohol, delicate honey, and rich jaggery.

The delicious Kithul jaggery which I ate in large quantities 

We visited a local establishment where we witnessed the process of kithul jaggery making and I even tried my hand at it. The liquid from the tree was heated and thickened in a wok and then poured into coconut shells where it cooled and hardened within a few minutes. After this, it was time to taste it, and it was really tasty and I think I ate so much of it that I could barely eat lunch thereafter! This artisanal tradition is cherished for its cultural significance and sought after globally as it ensures sustainable livelihoods for the people who are dedicated to its production, promising a prosperous future from this cherished craft.

Trying my hand at kithul making

After this delicious and enriching experience, we headed over for lunch to the residence of Nelka - a community member who runs a small food store and is working hard to provide services at their level best. She had prepared a home cooked meal for us and we enjoyed trying various Sri Lankan delicacies. Moreover, it was a great experience to interact with the community and learn more about their initiatives.

A home cooked meal at a community member's residence

Our next adventure took us through the lush jungles of the Kothmale region, eventually leading us to a serene lake connected to the expansive Kothmale Reservoir. The journey itself was enchanting, with towering trees and a rich tapestry of flora enveloping us in a cocoon of nature. As we emerged from the dense foliage, the sight of the tranquil lake took my breath away. Its calm waters mirrored the surrounding hills, creating a picture-perfect setting.

At the Kothmale reservoir, I had the entire lake to myself

Near the lake, I encountered a local fisherman skilfully casting his nets, a daily ritual for those who depend on the reservoir’s bounty. His invitation for a boat ride on his traditional canoe was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Sitting on the canoe, I marvelled at the stillness of the water, broken only by the gentle ripples of his paddling. The lake felt entirely mine, a rare solitude that allowed me to soak in the serene beauty and the sounds of nature uninterrupted.

Enjoying the serenity of the lake and the magnificent scenery around me

The Kothmale Reservoir not only serves as a hydroelectric powerhouse but also as a hub for local livelihoods and recreational activities. It is surrounded by hills draped in green, often dotted with small temples and remnants of old villages that were submerged during its construction in the 1980s. While the lake offers a peaceful retreat, it also reflects the resilience of the communities that adapted to this transformation. For visitors, a boat ride here isn’t just about the views; it’s an intimate experience that connects you to the rhythms of the local way of life. 

Overall, I had an amazing experience learning about the rich history of these places and learning how the community has still preserved these ancient locations and their traditions in this modern age.

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Kadadora & Ranamune Community- Based Ecotourism Site:

https://youtu.be/j-YSRG7smHs?si=PR21Ufh5Z6KTf9To

Disclaimer: Sri Lanka Less Travelled is a community-driven tourism initiative implemented by Chrysalis, aimed at developing five sustainable, community-based biodiversity tourism signature sites in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Matale from 2022 to 2025. This article was produced under the Sri Lanka Less Travelled project with the financial support of the European Union. The content is the sole responsibility of Chrysalis and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.