The Story of Kadadora Vihara-by Kalani-eLanka Once a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, Kadadora Vihara, also known as Kadadora Sri Priyabimbaramaya Vihara, stood proudly in the tranquil surroundings of Kadadora, nestled within Sri Lanka’s picturesque Nuwara Eliya District. However, the temple’s fate took a tragic turn with the advent of progress, as the construction of the Kotmale Dam under the Mahaweli Development program in 1979 led to its abandonment and eventual ruin. The serene landscape that once cradled Kadadora Vihara underwent a profound transformation with the ambitious development projects initiated by the Sri Lankan government. The construction of the Kotmale Dam, aimed at harnessing the power of the Kotmale Oya for irrigation and hydroelectricity, brought about significant changes to the region’s topography, displacing communities and altering the natural environment. Amidst the waters of the Kotmale Reservoir lie the submerged remnants of Kadadora Vihara, silent witnesses to a bygone era of devotion ...
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Kadadora Viharaya – spectacular vistas of drought – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Submerged by the water of *Kotmale Reservoir, spectacular ruins of Kadadora Viharaya, especially the sculptured statues of the Buddha and other deities that can be seen during drought is a rare surreal sight to behold … Nestled in the breathtaking central highlands of Sri Lanka, engulfed by the misty cool climate, clear waters rippling in the gentle breeze blowing across the vast expanse of water, no one would believe that there are scenic attractions to feast one’s eyes on, beneath the tranquil waters… Kadadora Viharaya in Kotmale is a nostalgic reminder of life in a bygone era… There are ruins of approximately 54 ancient temples of historic and archaeological value, 57 human settlements including villages, over 14 tea estates that were inundated with the completion of Kotmale Reservoir when the Reservoir was constructed damming Thispane and Kadadora hills ...
