Kotmale Dam & Reservoir

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Overview

The beautiful Kotmale Reservoir, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is not only a reservoir but a huge project built through hard work and tears. This reservoir is one of the five major reservoirs built under the Mahaweli Development Project, and it was inaugurated in 1985.

This dam is constructed across the Kotmale Oya stream. It offers electricity to the second largest hydroelectric power plant in Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this dam is that, unlike other dams, this is not a concrete dam, but a rock-fill dam. The height of this massive rock-fill dam is 87 metres or 285 feet.

But the Kotmale Reservoir has a very poignant past. In building the Kotmale Reservoir, 57 ancient villages and 54 temples had to be submerged. Reminiscing the memories of the past, the emergence of the ancient "Kadadora Viharaya" situated underwater throughout the low water level (drought) is a very poignant sight. In remembrance of the temples submerged underwater, a huge stupa titled "Mahaweli Maha Seya" has also been built.

Key Attractions
  • The Kotmale Dam: You can walk on top of the dam, and you have a beautiful view of the valley below.
  • Mahaweli Maha Seya: This is one of the biggest Stupas in Sri Lanka, constructed to dedicate the submerged temples during the construction of the reservoir. The unique feature of this Stupa is that you can go inside and see the hollow nave.
  • Submerged Temple: One can see it during times of severe drought because of the falling water level. It is a mystical sight to behold when one sees the half-broken statues of Buddha and the structure of the temple.
  • Viewpoints: The mountain ranges and the blue water which can be seen from Kotmale are good photography subjects.

What can we do?

  • Visit the Dam & Museum: Visit the small museum near the dam and learn about the construction of the dam and Mahaweli project.
  • Worship at Maha Seya: If you visit the Maha Seya, go to the upper courtyard where you will have a 360-degree view of the entire area of Kotmale.
  • Photography: Take pictures on the dam and on the side of the reservoir.

Travel Tip:

 On your way to visit the Kotmale dam, it is possible to visit the place called “Monaragala Kanda” (the Peacock Hill) too, which is nearby. From this area, the Kotmale reservoir and Nuwara Eliya area look lovely.

Travel Information

  • Location:

Located 30-40 km away from Nuwara Eliya.

If you are going from Kandy, you can travel via Gampola - Ulapane - Maswela road or through Pussellawa.

  • Tickets:

But you have to obtain permission to visit the dam, and sometimes restrictions may be imposed on this. There may also be a charge imposed as a small fee.

Visiting the Mahaweli Maha Seya stupa is free.

  • Best Time:

Any time is suitable to visit the environment.

To see the sunken temple known as Kadadora Viharaya, it is recommended to visit the location during the dry season like March-April.