Habessa Rock Cave

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

A so-called rock cave (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974: 253; 1983: 255) which possibly consists -- but this is mere guesswork -- of a modified natural rock shelter (or true cave) used for monastic troglodyte purposes as a vihara. Compare the so-called –>Okkampitiya Cave (Brooks 1995 Mss). SITUATION: Somewhere in the vicinity of Habessa (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974: 253; 1983: 255) or Habessa (note 1) which lies about 8 km south of Okkampitiya (N06°45': E081°17') and some 5 km in a direct line south-east of Maligawila / Maligavila (N06°43': E081°21'). APPROACH 1: This rock cave (CEYLON TRAVELLER 1974: 253; 1983: 255) lies about 13 or 15 km along a direct footpath from Buttala (N06°45': E081°14') approximately south-southwest. APPROACH 2: Alternatively, it can be reached by driving from Buttala (perhaps 10 km or so) east to Okkampitiya (note 2), from where Habessa / Habassa can be reached by walking five miles (8 km generally south) along a track that skirts the main stream of the KumbukkanOya (N06°30': E081°42').Oya (N06°30': E081°42').