Dedigama Archaeological Museum

This has models of what were found when the "Kota Vehera" excavation in early 1950s.

This is a stupa located closer to Nelumdeniya in Kegalle district. The name “kotawehera” has being derived from the shape of the stupa, which does not have the usual upper part (eka dewatha kotuwa, kotha) Another name used for this stupa is, “Suthigara Chathiya”. In sinhala “suthigharaya” mean the place used for a birth. According to the history Queen Rathnavalie used this place to give the birth to her baby, who was later become King Parakramabahu I (Barakramabahu the Great) who ruled in the Polonnaruwa Kingdom era (1153-1186 AD). With the excavations done by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka, another small stupa had found inside of this large stupa. That stupa is not in the center of the large stupa and hence possible to view from the opening at a side of the main stupa. According to the shape of the stupa some may think the construction works of it had being completed partially. But there is a model of the stupa which has being found by the excavations. That model shows the real shape of the stupa which is not common in the country.

The birth place of a great king(Parakramabahu the great)

Very informative and exhibits are arranged logically. There are very rare exhibits uncovered from excavations at the site. Staff is friendly and equipped with adequate knowledge about exhibits. Must visit place for history lovers.

A very well kept museum located right next to the Archeological remains of the Stupa in the grounds next to it . Has many small artifacts of the various periods including the Neolithic and megalithic periods of Sri Lanka as well as a reconstructed structure of the relic chamber of the stupa