Velgam Vehera is a Buddhist temple situated in Trincomalee. It is also known as Natanar Kovil to the Hindus. There is a beautiful tank named “Periyakulam” which is just 2 miles right to the temple. It is situated close to Kinniyai.
About the destination
Velgam Vehera dates back to the 2nd century and it was one of the few sites that were not destroyed by the Cholas. It was built in the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It was later renovated by Kings Bathiya I, Agkbo III, Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I. This place was called as Rajarajaperumpalli after the emperor Rajaraja added his structures and buildings.
History of the destination
During the war times, there was an LTTE camp lying nearby the place but still, the temple was unharmed. During this time brave Buddhist monks didn’t abandon the temple but rather stayed and protected the temple for future generations. There is a shell stuck on the Bodhi tree that reminds the people of the past horrible war memories.
There is an inscription on a hill that records a vihara in this site named as Abhagara.
Reaching the destination
From Colombo
Go on McCallum Road. Continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and merge onto the Outer Circular Expressway. Turn right onto Colombo – Kandy Road and turn left onto Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway.
Turn left onto Puttalam – Anuradhapura – Trincomalee Highway and turn left onto Nilaveli Road. Turn left onto Vilgam Vihara Road to reach your destination.
From Trincomalee
You have to head south toward Uppuveli Road. Then exit the roundabout onto Uppuveli Road. At 3rd Mile Post Junction, continue onto Nilaveli Road and turn left onto Vilgam Vihara Road to reach your destination.
