Old Welekade Market is situated in the district of Badulla. It is near Badulla-Bandarwela road. The distance from Ella to Old Welekade Market is just 21.6 km which is just a 40-minute long ride.
About the destination
Old Welekade Market is also named as the Badulla Dutch fort. It is a protected monument since June 06th, 2008. The building is presently owned by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka. Some say that in the past this place was used as a castle or fortress by the Dutch while others state that it was built by the British.
As it is built on the escarpment near a paddy field it is also called “Wele Kade”.
History of the destination
It is stated that Old Welekade Market was built by the British in 1889. It is recognized as one of the acts done in the Badulla district by the British after the British signed the Kandyan Convention with Sri Lankan heads in 1818. It consists of British styled wooden arches which can be seen up to date and it also consists of a central high roof and a lower roof with four entrances. In the inner space, there is an octagonal central compound and four cross-shaped yards. The other building including Old Welekade Market is built in the shape of crosses, this is done to maintain the archeological and architectural values.
How to reach your destination
From Colombo
You have to take Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Then take the Southern Expressway. Follow Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Highway, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, and Bandarawela – Badulla Road and drive to your destination in Badulla.
From Badulla
Head southwest toward Keppetipola Road. Turn left at Higher Studies onto Keppetipola Road. Turn right at Mankada Hotel and you will reach your destination.
