Author Topic: RITIGALA  (Read 11759 times)

madhavi

  • Administrator
  • Newbie
  • *****
  • Posts: 8
RITIGALA
« on: September 28, 2014, 11:34:10 AM »
Ritigala


Ritigala, truly an eco travel enthusiast’s paradise, an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain lies 157Km’s away from the bustling city of Colombo and it is situated between 2 of the most important ancient cities of  Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa. It will take around 6 hours to get to this city that has many ruins from an old Buddhist Monastery dated back to the 1st century BC. :)

At 766 m above sea level, and 600 m above the surrounding plains, Ritigala is the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Ritigala Mountain Range situated in the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve has 4 peaks and the highest peak in the south is called the Ritigala Kanda (Mountain). This mountain range that needs to be travelled mostly on gravel and dirt roads is a perfect place for hiking and the road sides are filled with fauna and flora unique to its Dry Zone. The climate at the summit is cooler in comparison to hot and dry climate of the region. Its rainfall records the highest in the whole of dry zone surrounding it. Do not forget to carry water and snacks if you intend to stay long hours inside this reserve which is a bit away from the villages.

The Buddhist Monastery has been in the eastern side of the mountain range of Ritigala and all the ruins are in a vast area of 24 acres. According to legend, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain. The venerable Prof. Walpola Sri Rahula Maha Thera (1907–1997), a Professor of History and Religions at Northwestern University, a Buddhist monk scholar, in his “History of Buddhism in Ceylon, says "the term “Yaksa” denotes superhuman beings worthy of respect. There are stone structures named double-platforms, which are characteristic of Ritigala and other forest monasteries such as Arankele, Veherabandigala and the western monasteries at Anuradhapura.

Ritigala is a location where one can enjoy a jungle track and discover the beauty inside in it.Its great place for nature lovers, historians and for people who has a thirst for knowledge.
There are no hotels or resorts inside the nature reserve of Ritigala and will have to travel to Habarana for lodging which is only 21Km’s away. For Hotels:http://www.roomsbook.net/hotel_search.php?search_name=habarana&x=0&y=0

support@roomsbook.net
 
Wish you a great Track! ;) ;) ;)
« Last Edit: September 28, 2014, 07:56:20 PM by madhavi »