Kadadora Vihara was a Buddhist temple situated in Kotmale area. In ’80s the temple had to be abandoned and left to be submerged under Kotmale Reservoir, due to its constructions.
History of Kadadora Vihara
Kotmale reservoir is the first hydro-power plant project executed under Mahaweli Development Programme in Sri Lanka. The construction of Kotmale Dam started in 1979 and completed in 1985. It is said that a total of 14 tea estates, 57 villages and 54 religious places had to be left out due to the construction of the reservoir. This temple is a significant one among them.
The interesting thing is, Kadadora Temple emerge out from the water in prolonged droughts, very rarely. In the history of more than 30 years of the reservoir, it may have become visible only three or four times. In the drought the central hills faced in 2019, Kadadora Vihara became visible again.
But unfortunately, it was partially submerged already when we reach there. A number of people can be seen there watching Kadadora Vihara.
It is kind of a mystery how Kadadora Vihara is still protected up to this level for more than 30 years. There is no sign of any religious place or any other structure which gone submerged in the reservoir.
The view from the reservoir side is much beautiful, but unfortunately, couldn’t reach there due to raised water. Just make a google image search for Kadadora Vihara to see it.
Kadadora Vihara is situated close to the Kotmale Dam. The dam can be seen from there.
As a compensation for all the Buddhist temples which had to be left out, Mahaweli Authority built a large stupa nearby the reservoir. That is Mahaweli Maha Seya which is situated about 2km away up on the hills.
How to Reach…?
You won’t often get chances to see Kadadora Vihara, but if you ever got a chance, this is the exact location.
Vehicles can be parked at the side of the road and about 400m footpath in the bush leads to the temple.
If you have any queries or if you need more details, feel free to leave a comment below.