#AroundTheWorld #Thoppigala #තොප්පිගල #SriLanka
Around the World – Episode 31 | Thoppigala (Baron’s Cap), Sri Lanka. | තොප්පිගල
03:46 – Thoppigala Heritage Park
05:38 – Thoppigala Rock
Thoppigala, a unique geographical formation in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, belongs to the Kudumbimalai Grama Niladhari Division of the Koralai Pattu South Divisional Secretariat of Batticaloa District.
Known as Kudumbimalai (குடும்பிமலை) in Tamil and “Baron’s Cap” in English, this mountain is so named because of its unique shape. In this vast plain, among a number of monadnocks (=isolated hills of bedrock), Thoppigala rock rises up to a height of 534 m. It is of special importance due to a number of reasons.
The liberation of the Thoppigala area from the clutches of the terrorists is considered to be a decisive victory in the overall war effort. Built to commemorate that past, the monument and the Information Center maintained by the Army is an important place to help understand the Thoppigala heritage and its uniqueness.
The monument was erected on April 18, 2013, after the complete defeat of terrorism in 2009 to pay homage to the war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country. At its Information Center, you will be able to learn about the geographical and environmental value of the area, as well as valuable information on the war operations in the Eastern Province, including the Battle of Thoppigala.
During the war, Thoppigala was especially talked about due to the military importance of the area. In April 2007, troops launched a military operation against terrorists confined to the Thoppigala area, with the contribution of the Commando Regiment’s Long-Range Forces. By July 11 of that year, they had completely liberated the area.
The easiest way to reach this place is from Kiran Junction on the A15 along the east coast. This junction is about 8 km south of Passikudah and 25 km north of Batticaloa. Kiran is the last town you will pass, on your way to Thoppigala.
There is a distance of about 21 km from Kiran to the foothills of Thoppigala. As of January 2020, many sections of the road were in dilapidated condition. This road could be very difficult for a vehicle with low ground clearance.
To understand the uniqueness of Thoppigala, you have to visit the peak. The foothills of Thoppigala can be reached by vehicle. From the base to the top of the hill there is a distance of about 700 m.
Following the expeditions in 1983, the eminent archaeologist Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thero has published that there are many archeological sites not only in the vicinity of Thoppigala rock but also in the nearby rocks of Nelugala, Wesi Banda Gala, Motagala, and Iddagala. None of these had been properly explored yet. It is said that there are ruins of such an ancient Buddhist monastery in Narakamulla or Naranamulla area as well, which was infamous as a major stronghold of terrorists.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, the strategic significance of this location becomes very evident. Being here, it is possible to have a 360 degree view up to a very long distance without any difficulty. On top of this rock, there are traces of a Stupa that might have been here ages ago. Today, there is a Hindu Kovil.
Even after the dawn of peace in the country, little attention has been paid to this area. In August 2021, eminent archaeologist Senior Prof. Raj Somadeva launched a more formal archeological expedition of the area. As a result, it will be possible to resurrect the historical Buddhist heritage buried in this area.
AloJapan.com