Gal Massa in Padavigampola

There are only few megalithic sites in Sri Lanka. However, one of them is a spectacuarly large dolmen, called Gal Massa in Sinhala. It’s situated in the village of Padavigampola not far from Rambukkana. The prehistoric site, of course, is surrounded by legends. Only giants were able to create it. Nevertheless, the Gal Massa of Padavigampola is also the setting of a famous story from the Buddhist period. It is believed to be the place – though not the only one – that served as the dwelling of the last monk who attained enlightenment on the island of Sri Lanka, Maliyadeva. Surprisingly, the Gal Massa of Padavigampola is almost unknown to tourists, though not far away from a major travel destination, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

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