Velgam Vehera
වෙල්ගම් වෙහෙර
Ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple from the Anuradhapura period, with a stupa and Tamil inscriptions that reflect the blending of Sinhalese and Tamil culture.
Velgam Vehera was founded around the turn of the common era in the Anuradhapura period. Later, under the Chola dynasty, Tamils continued to venerate it, and Tamil inscriptions remain at the site, testifying to the blending of the two communities' religious cultures. Today you can see a restored white stupa, Buddha images and building foundations in a peaceful setting. It lies about 15 km from town, close to the direction of Kanniya Hot Springs, and can be added on a tuk-tuk hire. Visitors must remove their shoes and dress with shoulders and knees covered.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Kanniya Hot Wells
- Trincomalee War Cemetery
- Nilaveli Beach
- Uppuveli Beach
- Pigeon Island National Park
- Trincomalee Fish Market
- Pathirakali Amman Temple
- Koneswaram Temple