See more in Sri Lanka!
Standard round tours visiting Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and beach are not a bad choice! But for those who want to see more than what most others have on their itinerary or who like to avoid the crowds or who are looking for something new on their second visit to the island... there are additions and alternatives that really make a difference in the sense that they allow you a travel experience in a pretty unique and undisturbed way. We don't want to leave the impression to be arrogant, but we found that many of those sites you find advertised as "hidden" or "authentic" online turn out to be well-known destinations found in every pocket guide or even commercialised attractions. Can there be any places of interest left out and not found in the bibles of independent travelers? Just check: Do you find Madagama or Petthagangala or Madulsima in your favourite guidebook? All three places are surprisingly spectacular and nonetheless almost unknown to travelers. To be honest, many of our favourite off-the-beaten destinations can be found in guidebooks, too. But they still deserve the title hidden gems indeed, is our promise!
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Sure, we also recommend the famous places, there is a reason why so many travelers like them. For Sri Lanka's Top 20 highlights click here...
Sri Lanka's 20 less-known Destinations sorted by Region
Cultural Triangle |
Hillcountry |
North & East |
South & West |
Twenty more places of interest not really untouched, but not yet overcrowded at all
Top 20 less-known Attractions - Our hitlist
We sorted by priority-preferences: Places of interest we consider to be more attractive appear higher-ranked in our top 20 list. Sure, every such list is somewhat arbitrary. But a debatable ranking is better than no grading of recommendations at all, isn't it?
1. Dimbulagala - Sri Lanka's forgotten heritage site of utmost significance for Buddhism
Dimbulagala is one of the oldest monastic sites in the world, inhabited by monks already in pre-Christian centuries. In the medieval Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya periods, Dimbulagala was the island's most important forest monastery, held in high regard for its scholarship. That's the reason why it attracted monks even from far-away countries. Actually, Dimbulagala played a crucial role in introducing Sri Lanka's form of Theravada Buddhism into today's four Theravada countries of mainland Southeast Asia.
What might be more exciting for today's traveler: Dimbulagala is crowded with attractions of very diverse kinds: several great panoraramic viewpoints and charming hiking trails, a large modern monastery and an excavation of an ancient one, many inscriptions and one of the rare paintings from the Anuradhapura periof, modern pagodas and old monastic cells in rock shelters, deep blue ponds and crystal clear deep waterholes in caves. Dimbulagala is a magnificent example of a heritage attraction embedded in a fascinating natural setting, as it is characteristic of many of Sri Lanka's ancient site. But actually, in Dimbulagala this combination is not found at only one place, but at half a dozen places of interests and all of them are connected by jungle pathes. Not many know this, but exploring Dimbulagala in some more depth is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can imagine.
Actually, you need at least an entire day to discover all the beauties of this 5 km long ridge that offers surprises at all its slopes and is also worth to be climbed to enjoy the views from the very top. What might be fascinating for you, too, is that Dimbulagala is a living heritage, still (or again) inhabited by a comparatively high number of monks.
Dimbulagala can be reached easily from Polonnaruwa. It's also worth a detour for beach holiday makers who stay at one of the comfortable hotels of Sri Lanka's new East Coast resort Pasikuda.
More about Dimbulagala...
What might be more exciting for today's traveler: Dimbulagala is crowded with attractions of very diverse kinds: several great panoraramic viewpoints and charming hiking trails, a large modern monastery and an excavation of an ancient one, many inscriptions and one of the rare paintings from the Anuradhapura periof, modern pagodas and old monastic cells in rock shelters, deep blue ponds and crystal clear deep waterholes in caves. Dimbulagala is a magnificent example of a heritage attraction embedded in a fascinating natural setting, as it is characteristic of many of Sri Lanka's ancient site. But actually, in Dimbulagala this combination is not found at only one place, but at half a dozen places of interests and all of them are connected by jungle pathes. Not many know this, but exploring Dimbulagala in some more depth is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can imagine.
Actually, you need at least an entire day to discover all the beauties of this 5 km long ridge that offers surprises at all its slopes and is also worth to be climbed to enjoy the views from the very top. What might be fascinating for you, too, is that Dimbulagala is a living heritage, still (or again) inhabited by a comparatively high number of monks.
Dimbulagala can be reached easily from Polonnaruwa. It's also worth a detour for beach holiday makers who stay at one of the comfortable hotels of Sri Lanka's new East Coast resort Pasikuda.
More about Dimbulagala...
2. Maduru Oya - the most remote and lonesome of Sri Lanka's large national parks
Just to the south of Dimbulagala is Maduru Oya National Park, the main gate of which is on its opposite southern edge near Mahiyanagana.
Maduru Oya is one of the four largest national parks in Sri Lanka. In contrast to Yala and Wilpattu and also smaller national parks such as Udawalawe and Minneriya, Maduru Oya is not at all crowded with jeeps. The only reason why ithis wildlife area has still remained untouched by large-scale safari tourism is only this: Maduru Oya is too far away from the common standard routes and has no agglomerate of hotels nearby.
Like Udawalawe, Maduru Oya National Park offers almost a guarantee of sighting wild elephants, sometimes eben entire herds. Be more cautious in Maduru Oya, because the elephants are not used to human visitors. So strictly follow the advice of the ranger, though he will presumably allow you to leave the jeep at certain places.
There are plenty of ancient sites within the territory of Maduru Oya National Park, a spectacular one being the Hennanigala monadnock with a brick stupa at the foot of the rock and rock shelters once inhabited by monks high above the ground level. One extraordinary feature at an ancient reservoir in Maduru Oya is the very best specimen of an ancient sluice that made use of an ingeniuos hydraulic technique that was introduced in Europe only one century later on.
Most tourists coming for a wildlife safari to Maduru Oya spend the night in Mahiyangana. However, Maduru Oya is also within day-trip distance from the East Coast resorts of Pasikuda.
More about Maduru Oya...
Maduru Oya is one of the four largest national parks in Sri Lanka. In contrast to Yala and Wilpattu and also smaller national parks such as Udawalawe and Minneriya, Maduru Oya is not at all crowded with jeeps. The only reason why ithis wildlife area has still remained untouched by large-scale safari tourism is only this: Maduru Oya is too far away from the common standard routes and has no agglomerate of hotels nearby.
Like Udawalawe, Maduru Oya National Park offers almost a guarantee of sighting wild elephants, sometimes eben entire herds. Be more cautious in Maduru Oya, because the elephants are not used to human visitors. So strictly follow the advice of the ranger, though he will presumably allow you to leave the jeep at certain places.
There are plenty of ancient sites within the territory of Maduru Oya National Park, a spectacular one being the Hennanigala monadnock with a brick stupa at the foot of the rock and rock shelters once inhabited by monks high above the ground level. One extraordinary feature at an ancient reservoir in Maduru Oya is the very best specimen of an ancient sluice that made use of an ingeniuos hydraulic technique that was introduced in Europe only one century later on.
Most tourists coming for a wildlife safari to Maduru Oya spend the night in Mahiyangana. However, Maduru Oya is also within day-trip distance from the East Coast resorts of Pasikuda.
More about Maduru Oya...
3. Namunukula - highest peak of Uva
Namunukula translates to "Nine Peaks". However, one of the peaks is significantly higher than all the others. With an altitude of about 2000m, it's the most prominent peak of the Uva range at all, marking the southeastern corner of the hillcountry. Namunukala is the backyard mountain of Uva's capital Badulla. The lower western slopes of the mountain are covered by the tea plantations of Spring Valley.
Be aware, there is also a village called Namunukula, but this is 10 km further south. However, Namunukula village is one access to the mountain of the same name. Actually, the easiest jungle-path climb starts from the pass in between Namunukula village and Spring Valley.
You will not miss the correct forest path by only going upwards, but a guide could be helpful for those who are not sure to find the same way back. The best time for a visit of Namunukula is the early morning. Be aware, it's cold and the climb does not require any mountaineering skills at all, but itÄs a quite exhausting hike.
More about Namunukula...
Be aware, there is also a village called Namunukula, but this is 10 km further south. However, Namunukula village is one access to the mountain of the same name. Actually, the easiest jungle-path climb starts from the pass in between Namunukula village and Spring Valley.
You will not miss the correct forest path by only going upwards, but a guide could be helpful for those who are not sure to find the same way back. The best time for a visit of Namunukula is the early morning. Be aware, it's cold and the climb does not require any mountaineering skills at all, but itÄs a quite exhausting hike.
More about Namunukula...
4. Thiriyai - a paramount example of a typical Sinhalese circular temple
When spending two nights at the popular beach of Nilaveli close to Trincomalee, those interested in ancient sites should definitely consider a half-day trip to Thiriyai (also transcribed Tiriyaya) 35 km further north. You can combine the trip with a few hours at a more lonesome beach nearby, which will be less crowded than Nilaveli.
Thiriyai is a modern monastery at the foot of a hill with ruins of an ancient monastery further uphill. The very top is crowned by one of the best-preserved Vatadages of Sri Lanka. This kind of circular temple is typical of ancient Sinhalese sacred architecture. The best-known specimen is the Vatadage of Polonnaruwa. But that of Thiriyai is half a millennium older and among the Vatadages from the Anuradhapura period, it has the by far best-preserved outer circular wall.
Though Thiriyai is not yet on the tourism hotlist, from an archaeological or historical point of view it's the most significant ancient site of the Eastern Province (although Dighavapi has the largest stupa in the east).
Today, Thiriyai is a Buddhist pilgrim destination. So don't expect to be alone at this site. However, most of the other visitors are locals and the attendance of devotees actually contributes much to the appeal of this heritage site.
More about Thiriyai...
Thiriyai is a modern monastery at the foot of a hill with ruins of an ancient monastery further uphill. The very top is crowned by one of the best-preserved Vatadages of Sri Lanka. This kind of circular temple is typical of ancient Sinhalese sacred architecture. The best-known specimen is the Vatadage of Polonnaruwa. But that of Thiriyai is half a millennium older and among the Vatadages from the Anuradhapura period, it has the by far best-preserved outer circular wall.
Though Thiriyai is not yet on the tourism hotlist, from an archaeological or historical point of view it's the most significant ancient site of the Eastern Province (although Dighavapi has the largest stupa in the east).
Today, Thiriyai is a Buddhist pilgrim destination. So don't expect to be alone at this site. However, most of the other visitors are locals and the attendance of devotees actually contributes much to the appeal of this heritage site.
More about Thiriyai...
5. Deanston - the Mini World's End that's easy to reach
Knuckles Range is Sri Lanka's number one destination for full-day hiking or multi-day trekking. But close to the famous Corbett's Gap and on the way to the preferred starting point of trekkers, Meemure, there is one rewarding destinations for those who love only much shorter hikes, of maximum an hour or so, namely the Mini World's End at Deanston. The exciting vantage point can be reached from the forest department office of the same name within 10 or 15 minutes. The entire circular trail is only 1.5 km long.
What you will see is nevertheless a 270-degree panorama, all the peaks of the eastern half of Knuckles Range can be seen from here. Some say, the views are even more amazing than those from the more famous World's End at Horton Plains, although altitude above see level and height of the escarpment are indeed "mini" in comparison.
You can visit Deanston when traveling the mountain road via Hunasgiriya from Kandy to Mahiyangana. Not many tourists travel eastwards from Kandy, though the river valley of Mahaweli with is three large and winding reservoires is pretty attractive. So you can see some more off-the-beaten-path destinations on the way.
More about Deanston...
What you will see is nevertheless a 270-degree panorama, all the peaks of the eastern half of Knuckles Range can be seen from here. Some say, the views are even more amazing than those from the more famous World's End at Horton Plains, although altitude above see level and height of the escarpment are indeed "mini" in comparison.
You can visit Deanston when traveling the mountain road via Hunasgiriya from Kandy to Mahiyangana. Not many tourists travel eastwards from Kandy, though the river valley of Mahaweli with is three large and winding reservoires is pretty attractive. So you can see some more off-the-beaten-path destinations on the way.
More about Deanston...
6. Pilikuttuwa - one of the most romantic forest monasteries
Pilikuttuwa is a picturebook forest monastery. All visitors falls in love with it. Surprisingly, it is situated in the otherwise densely populated Western Province. However, the immediate surroundings and the monastic area of Pilikuttuwa are lush green forests and rocky hills.
99 rock shelters are counted in Pilikuttuwa, many of which were inhabited by reclusive monks already in pre-Christian centuries. Some caves are painted in the Kandyan style.
What's most charming is that all cultural attractions are embedded in a pretty idyllic natural setting, for example a whits dagaba is placed under overhanging rocks.
There are two trails through the forests and rocks to show you all major attractions. The shorter one takes only 30 minutes and leads from rock boulder to rockboulder and to the garden-like area of the living monastery. The longer one is leading uphill to a Hindu shrine and a vantage point atop the Pilikuttuwa ridge.
More about Pilikuttuwa...
99 rock shelters are counted in Pilikuttuwa, many of which were inhabited by reclusive monks already in pre-Christian centuries. Some caves are painted in the Kandyan style.
What's most charming is that all cultural attractions are embedded in a pretty idyllic natural setting, for example a whits dagaba is placed under overhanging rocks.
There are two trails through the forests and rocks to show you all major attractions. The shorter one takes only 30 minutes and leads from rock boulder to rockboulder and to the garden-like area of the living monastery. The longer one is leading uphill to a Hindu shrine and a vantage point atop the Pilikuttuwa ridge.
More about Pilikuttuwa...
7. Dambadeniya - Kandyan-style temple and a forgotten palace on a rock
Dambadeniya was Sri Lanka's capital in the mid 13th century and played a major role in the transition period, when the centre of the Sinhalese culture shifted form the north-central dryzone to the south-western wetzone. Not much is left from the heydeys of Dambadeniya. But there are two major attractions in this small town that is crossed by many tourists on their way from the airport or Colombo to the Cultural Triangle. But almost none of them take notice of the treasures of Dambadeniya.
Firstly, there is a wooden temple in the Kandyan style. It's on the compound of the state temple of the Dambadeniya period, but what can be seen today is mostly from the 18th century. The main shrine has an upper storey with two rooms richly decorated with murals in the typical Kandyan style, belonging to the masterpieces in the lowlands.
The other major attraction of Dambadeniya is the palace rock. Only foundations can be seen from the 13th century royal palace. However, the terraces on the top are a wonderful natural setting now and offer views to the lush green coconut and paddy cultivation areas that can be seen from various vantage points in all major directions.
More about Dambadeniya...
Firstly, there is a wooden temple in the Kandyan style. It's on the compound of the state temple of the Dambadeniya period, but what can be seen today is mostly from the 18th century. The main shrine has an upper storey with two rooms richly decorated with murals in the typical Kandyan style, belonging to the masterpieces in the lowlands.
The other major attraction of Dambadeniya is the palace rock. Only foundations can be seen from the 13th century royal palace. However, the terraces on the top are a wonderful natural setting now and offer views to the lush green coconut and paddy cultivation areas that can be seen from various vantage points in all major directions.
More about Dambadeniya...
8. Madagama - almost unknow dream destination in Sri Lanka
Madagama is on the way from Anuradhapura to Trincomalee. Not many travelers ever visit this place. It's one of the typical forest moansteries with cells of the monks within natural rock shelters.
With the help of a monk, who are not used to see to see tourists at this remote site and therefore all the more welcoming you, you will find the only easy managable path to the top of this otherwise very steep rock. On the way, you will see a small pond artidicially carved into the rock. On the summit, you can enjoy perfect views to Sri Lanka's sparsely populated Vanni zone in the northern and northeastern direction.
For seeing the most exciting place of Madagama rock, you have to do a little bit climbing with your hands, though not much. You will reach a terrace at the southern slope of the rock. This is a place of immense beauty you will never forget. It's really a paradigmatic example of what makes Sri Lanka's ancient sites unique: their natural setting. In one of the rock shelters is a natural small pond, the edge of which is only centimeters away from the escarpment.
More about Madagama...
With the help of a monk, who are not used to see to see tourists at this remote site and therefore all the more welcoming you, you will find the only easy managable path to the top of this otherwise very steep rock. On the way, you will see a small pond artidicially carved into the rock. On the summit, you can enjoy perfect views to Sri Lanka's sparsely populated Vanni zone in the northern and northeastern direction.
For seeing the most exciting place of Madagama rock, you have to do a little bit climbing with your hands, though not much. You will reach a terrace at the southern slope of the rock. This is a place of immense beauty you will never forget. It's really a paradigmatic example of what makes Sri Lanka's ancient sites unique: their natural setting. In one of the rock shelters is a natural small pond, the edge of which is only centimeters away from the escarpment.
More about Madagama...
9. Maligatenna - lush green nature so close to Colombo
Maligatenna is both the highest hill in Gampaha District and a cave monastery in the typical Sri Lankan style. The path to the summit takes only about one and a half hours up and down and is one of the most recommendable hikes in the surroundings of Colombo and Negombo, as it pathes rock shelters, chasms, rock-cut stairways and offers lots of views into all directions.
Maligatenna is in the immediate neighbourhoos of Pilkuttuwa. If you have time only for one of them, hikers should prefer Maligatenna, whereas lovers of heritage sites are recommended to visit Pilikuttuwa.
Three more temples can be visited in this area that was historically known as Siyane Korale, the westernmost province of the Kandy kingdom. Koskandawala is in between Maligatenna and Pilikuttuwa, but it's less attractive. Varana and Petthagangala are listed further below, both of them are further east. The entire region is pleasantly green and surprisingly tranquil, although the Colombo-Kandy main road A1 is only in a few kilometers distance.
More about Maligatenna...
Maligatenna is in the immediate neighbourhoos of Pilkuttuwa. If you have time only for one of them, hikers should prefer Maligatenna, whereas lovers of heritage sites are recommended to visit Pilikuttuwa.
Three more temples can be visited in this area that was historically known as Siyane Korale, the westernmost province of the Kandy kingdom. Koskandawala is in between Maligatenna and Pilikuttuwa, but it's less attractive. Varana and Petthagangala are listed further below, both of them are further east. The entire region is pleasantly green and surprisingly tranquil, although the Colombo-Kandy main road A1 is only in a few kilometers distance.
More about Maligatenna...
10. Dedigama - an immense stupa with a highly recommendable museum
Though Dedigama, which is situated 30 km southwest of the Pinnawela Epelphant Orphanage, is mentioned in most pocket guides, only few travelers find their way to Kotawehera stupa, which is the largest ancient dagaba in the western parts of Sri Lanka. It is said to have been built at the birthplace of King Parakramabahu the Great, who first reigned in the western lowlands of the island before ascending to the throne in Polonnaruwa. He can be considered to be the most noteworthy monarch in Sri lanka's history.
The stupa is not the only one that was enlarged in the course of time. But what is special at the Kotawehera Dagaba in Dedigama is that the older stupa is not entirely overbuilt but can still be seen as a protrusion at the northeastern side of the larger main stupa.
What's even more remarkable is that the two merged stupas had separate relic chambers. And this is a reason to visit Dedigama, as this is one of the very few places where archaeologists were permitted to excavate the relics. Many important artefacts are now in the national Museum in Colombo, but what can be seen in the museum next to the stupa in Dedigama is still impressive. Actually, this museum, though smaller in size than others, deserves to be labeled the second most important collection of ancient Buddhist art on the island.
More about Dedigama...
The stupa is not the only one that was enlarged in the course of time. But what is special at the Kotawehera Dagaba in Dedigama is that the older stupa is not entirely overbuilt but can still be seen as a protrusion at the northeastern side of the larger main stupa.
What's even more remarkable is that the two merged stupas had separate relic chambers. And this is a reason to visit Dedigama, as this is one of the very few places where archaeologists were permitted to excavate the relics. Many important artefacts are now in the national Museum in Colombo, but what can be seen in the museum next to the stupa in Dedigama is still impressive. Actually, this museum, though smaller in size than others, deserves to be labeled the second most important collection of ancient Buddhist art on the island.
More about Dedigama...
11. Rufus Kulam - chocolatebox lake with wildlife for free
Rufus Kulam is almost unknown to foreigners and even most tour guides don't know this place. That's fine, as it means that Rufus Kulam remains undisturbed, and that's part of its charm.
Those who know it love it. Due to being embedded between boulders, the small historical tank Rufus Kulam is defintely the most photogenic lake in Sri Lanka.
Even more noteworthy is that it is one of the very few places where you have very best chances to observe wildlife without any national park fees and mandator guiding by a ranger. The boulders allow you both a good sight to the wild animals gathering at the lake in the late afternoon and some safe distance from them. Nonetheles, we highly recommend you do not visit this amazing place alone. If not accompanied by one of our team members, you should ask locals to come with you and strictly follow their advice.
More about Rufus Kulam...
Those who know it love it. Due to being embedded between boulders, the small historical tank Rufus Kulam is defintely the most photogenic lake in Sri Lanka.
Even more noteworthy is that it is one of the very few places where you have very best chances to observe wildlife without any national park fees and mandator guiding by a ranger. The boulders allow you both a good sight to the wild animals gathering at the lake in the late afternoon and some safe distance from them. Nonetheles, we highly recommend you do not visit this amazing place alone. If not accompanied by one of our team members, you should ask locals to come with you and strictly follow their advice.
More about Rufus Kulam...
12. Varana - largest painted cave in the western plains
Varana, also spelt Warana or Warane, is the largest meditation monastery in Sri Lanka's Western Province. It's not for tourists but for monks from other monasteries who come here for studies and meditating in a tranquil environment.
There are quite a few modern monastic buildings at the foot of the rocky hill. But there are two upper terraces further uphill, where traditional Kutis (monk cells) in rock shelters and larger caves that are image houses in the Kandyan style can be seen, namely the "middle terrace" and "upper terrace" of Varana.
The middle terrace is quite picturesque, the temple building is partly roofed by the overhanging rocks. The largest cave inside has statues and murals that are a little bit gaudy, not of the same quality as those of Dambulla, but you will not find a more impressive painted Buddhist cave with statues in the surroundings of Colombo and Negombo.
The upper terrace has another image house in a rock shelter, only on a smaller scale. Some natural rock shelters can be seen here near the summit, one of which is said to have served as a refuge of King Valagambha. But to be honest, there is hardly any cave temple in Sri Lanka that does not claim to have been the dwelling of this famous king during the years of his forced exile from Anuradhapura.
More about Varana...
There are quite a few modern monastic buildings at the foot of the rocky hill. But there are two upper terraces further uphill, where traditional Kutis (monk cells) in rock shelters and larger caves that are image houses in the Kandyan style can be seen, namely the "middle terrace" and "upper terrace" of Varana.
The middle terrace is quite picturesque, the temple building is partly roofed by the overhanging rocks. The largest cave inside has statues and murals that are a little bit gaudy, not of the same quality as those of Dambulla, but you will not find a more impressive painted Buddhist cave with statues in the surroundings of Colombo and Negombo.
The upper terrace has another image house in a rock shelter, only on a smaller scale. Some natural rock shelters can be seen here near the summit, one of which is said to have served as a refuge of King Valagambha. But to be honest, there is hardly any cave temple in Sri Lanka that does not claim to have been the dwelling of this famous king during the years of his forced exile from Anuradhapura.
More about Varana...
13. Kiralagala - first forest monastery of the enigmatic Pansukulikas
From an archaeological point of view, the remnants of the ancient monastery of Veheranbandigala in today's Kirilagala village are a quite significant excavation site among the hundreds of protected monuments in Sri Lanka. The reason why almost no tour itineraries cover it, is simply Kiralagala's remote location.
What's interesting for those diving deeper in the island's monastic architecture is that Veherabandigala at Kiralagala seems to be the oldest temple complex of a very specific kind. The so-called Pansukulika sect sought a more austere lifestyle and developed a specific kind of meditation architecture for this purpose, identifiable by the occurence of so-called Padhanagara, which are twin platforms. This type of meditation platform is unique in Sri Lanka and it seems that it was introduced at Veherabandigala. The reason for this assumption is, that stages of development can be noticed here, from an normal monastery in the ordinary style with a stupa to the new style of Pansukulika buildings. In contrast all other large monasteries of this sect, most notably Ritigala near Habarana and the Western Monasteries of Anuradhapura, are purely built in the new style. This indicates that Veherabandigala was the place where the transition to this new type of architecture took place.
Other characteritic features of a Pansukulika monastery can be studied at Veherabndigala as well, namely a large and elegant temple pond and an Ayurvedic hospital.
More about Kiralagala...
What's interesting for those diving deeper in the island's monastic architecture is that Veherabandigala at Kiralagala seems to be the oldest temple complex of a very specific kind. The so-called Pansukulika sect sought a more austere lifestyle and developed a specific kind of meditation architecture for this purpose, identifiable by the occurence of so-called Padhanagara, which are twin platforms. This type of meditation platform is unique in Sri Lanka and it seems that it was introduced at Veherabandigala. The reason for this assumption is, that stages of development can be noticed here, from an normal monastery in the ordinary style with a stupa to the new style of Pansukulika buildings. In contrast all other large monasteries of this sect, most notably Ritigala near Habarana and the Western Monasteries of Anuradhapura, are purely built in the new style. This indicates that Veherabandigala was the place where the transition to this new type of architecture took place.
Other characteritic features of a Pansukulika monastery can be studied at Veherabndigala as well, namely a large and elegant temple pond and an Ayurvedic hospital.
More about Kiralagala...
14. Manakanda - Ritigala's unknown smaller sister
The best-known monasteries of the very unique Pansukulika style from the late Anuradhapura period (8th to 10th century A.D,) are those in Ritigala, Arankale and the western outskirts of Anuradhapura. However, there is one more such temple complex of this specific monastic style just in the middle of all of them an quite close to a junction every Cultural Triangle visitor must pass when traveling from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa or to Dambulla. But almost nobody knows the ruins of Manakanda, though they are actually situated in the very centre of the Cultural Triangle and it's twin Ritigala only 12 m further east is pretty famous.
The reason why Manakanda is left out on almost each and every group tour itinerary and independent travelers' visiting places alike is not a lack of attractivity but that it is not mentioned in most of the guidebooks.
Lie Ritigala, Manakanda has an Ayurvedic hospital, a large artificial pond with ghats and several meditation platform of the double-terrace layout and also remnants of meditation pathes climbing up the hill. Manakanda offers still a jungle walk for those who want to explore overgrown ruins completely alone. Those climbing to the very top of the ridge will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views. But be aware that this is elephant wildlife area. Honest guides will sometimes advise against longer tours after having contacted locals to be able to judge the situation.
More about Manakanda...
The reason why Manakanda is left out on almost each and every group tour itinerary and independent travelers' visiting places alike is not a lack of attractivity but that it is not mentioned in most of the guidebooks.
Lie Ritigala, Manakanda has an Ayurvedic hospital, a large artificial pond with ghats and several meditation platform of the double-terrace layout and also remnants of meditation pathes climbing up the hill. Manakanda offers still a jungle walk for those who want to explore overgrown ruins completely alone. Those climbing to the very top of the ridge will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views. But be aware that this is elephant wildlife area. Honest guides will sometimes advise against longer tours after having contacted locals to be able to judge the situation.
More about Manakanda...
15. Anamaduwa - rock temple far away from standard routes
Anamduwa is in between Kurunegala and Puttalam, to the south of Wilpattu National Park.
The major attraction is a few kilometers outside town, namely the rock temple known as Parakamakanda. The interior of the temple follows a common pattern and is not worth a longer detour. But what makes Paramakanda attractive is the easy climb to the "back of the turtle", the plateau near the summit of the rock offering you perfect fews to the surroundings that are crowded with cocnuts.
On the way to the back of the rock, you will see some Kutis, former or still inhabited monk cells, which picturesquely sheltered by overhanging rocks.
Among archaeologists Anamaduwa is well known for extraordinarily detailed rock inscriptions, which are an imprtant source for the history of trade.
More about Anamaduwa...
The major attraction is a few kilometers outside town, namely the rock temple known as Parakamakanda. The interior of the temple follows a common pattern and is not worth a longer detour. But what makes Paramakanda attractive is the easy climb to the "back of the turtle", the plateau near the summit of the rock offering you perfect fews to the surroundings that are crowded with cocnuts.
On the way to the back of the rock, you will see some Kutis, former or still inhabited monk cells, which picturesquely sheltered by overhanging rocks.
Among archaeologists Anamaduwa is well known for extraordinarily detailed rock inscriptions, which are an imprtant source for the history of trade.
More about Anamaduwa...
16. Mannakethi Falls - picturebook waterfalls hidden in the jungles of Kitulgala
Kitulgala is not off the beaten path at all. Actually, it's the major adventure holiday destination of Sri Lanka, attracting many visitors. However, most of them come here for the white water rafting experience on the Kelani River or for a cup of tea at the shores of the river. Most of the immediate surroundings of Kitulagala remain untouched by mass tourism, though this valley is a highly recommendable hiking area. There are several waterfalls formed by tributaries on both sides of the Kelani river.
One particulary charming waterfall is Mannakethi, which actually consists of two. The upper falls are wide and pour into a natural pool, whereas the Lower Mannakethi Falls are of the horestail type. The pool below them is narrow and the currents are usually too strong for a pleasant bath there. The jungle pathes to the two waterfalls are not easy to find, which of course is one more reason to enjoy the services of our experienced team members. They will also help you to prevent leeches attacks, which occur quite frequently in this area.
More about Mannakethi Falls...
One particulary charming waterfall is Mannakethi, which actually consists of two. The upper falls are wide and pour into a natural pool, whereas the Lower Mannakethi Falls are of the horestail type. The pool below them is narrow and the currents are usually too strong for a pleasant bath there. The jungle pathes to the two waterfalls are not easy to find, which of course is one more reason to enjoy the services of our experienced team members. They will also help you to prevent leeches attacks, which occur quite frequently in this area.
More about Mannakethi Falls...
17. Lahugala - significant excavation site in the southeast
Lahugala is the name of both a small national park and a temple. The actual name of the national park is Lahugala Kitulana. It's part of the island's southern elephant corridor. At the begin of the local dry season around June, elephants migrate from Yala National park to te large reservoirs further north. On the way, they find smaller lakes and their favourite grass in Lahugala Kitulana National Park and enjoy it for a few more days. Actually, some elephants seem to stay here much longer. Anyway, chances to spot wild elephants at the lakes of Lahugala Kitulana are quite good throughout the year.
The archaeological site of Lahugala is outside the national park borders, a few kilometers further southeast. The ruins are not spectucalar, but this is actually the most noteworthy ancient site in the southeast of the island. The structures are mainly from the late Anuradhapura period (last centuries of the firs millennium Christian Era), they are arraganed in a pattern that is quite similar to a type of monastery that was common in the Sinhalese heartland around Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa at that point in time. However, the southeast was not always under the control of Anuradhapura. So not surprisingly there are some local characteristics as specific varients at this heritage attraction.
One charming example is the moonstone. It's the most elaborate one in the southern half of Sri Lanka. But it differs from classical Anuradhapura moonstones. Most remarkably, some of the elephants depicted on this carving carry their mahouts on their backs. This is a unique sujet in the art of ancient Sri Lanka.
More about Lahugala...
The archaeological site of Lahugala is outside the national park borders, a few kilometers further southeast. The ruins are not spectucalar, but this is actually the most noteworthy ancient site in the southeast of the island. The structures are mainly from the late Anuradhapura period (last centuries of the firs millennium Christian Era), they are arraganed in a pattern that is quite similar to a type of monastery that was common in the Sinhalese heartland around Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa at that point in time. However, the southeast was not always under the control of Anuradhapura. So not surprisingly there are some local characteristics as specific varients at this heritage attraction.
One charming example is the moonstone. It's the most elaborate one in the southern half of Sri Lanka. But it differs from classical Anuradhapura moonstones. Most remarkably, some of the elephants depicted on this carving carry their mahouts on their backs. This is a unique sujet in the art of ancient Sri Lanka.
More about Lahugala...
18. Pettagangala - Sri Lanka's logan temple almost unknown to foreigners
No, Pettagangala is not a nice temple and the natural surroundings are not as charming as at Maligatenna and Pilikuttuwa. But Petthagangala is good for taking a nice picture, as on the entire island this is the most spectacular logan serving as a temple. You can see that the boulder is crowned by a little pole in the form of a dagoba, indicating that it's a sacred site. Indeed, pilgrims come to this place and you can see what they have left: They support the logan by placing small sticks below it to help to carry the weight and to hold the balance. This of course is a purely symbolic form of buttress. You will observe this religios custom it at many overhanging rocks in Sri Lanka. The so-called Petti Gala of Petthagangala is the place where you can best understand the meaning.
As you might have noticed, the logan of Pettagangala brings to mind pictures of the Golden Rock (Kayiktiyo Pagoda) in Myanmar, which of course is much more spectacular. But in contrast, Pettagangala is an entirely tranquil site almost never visited by tourists, truly a hidden gem.
Be aware, there are many different speliing of this place, for example Petta Gan Gala. However, even with the correct spelling and pronunciation, you will not find many persons in Sri Lanka who know this place.
More about Petthagangala...
As you might have noticed, the logan of Pettagangala brings to mind pictures of the Golden Rock (Kayiktiyo Pagoda) in Myanmar, which of course is much more spectacular. But in contrast, Pettagangala is an entirely tranquil site almost never visited by tourists, truly a hidden gem.
Be aware, there are many different speliing of this place, for example Petta Gan Gala. However, even with the correct spelling and pronunciation, you will not find many persons in Sri Lanka who know this place.
More about Petthagangala...
19. Lakshapana Falls - hidden waterfall on the way to Adam's Peak
Lakshapana Falls are near Norton Bridge, which is on the way from Kandy or Kitulgala to Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) at the foot of Adam's Peak.
Lakshapana Falls are a little bit difficult to find. Moreove, you cannot reach the pond of the falls without climbing a large flight of stairways down and up, this means, it's a little bit exhausting to visit them. Both the remoteness and the many steps may be the reasons why you will rarely meet any tourists at Lakshapana Falls.
Lakshapana is a horestail waterfall. It' s still pretty picturesque, though it must have been much more imposing, before part of the water of the river was diverged for a hydroenergy project, which is part of the large-scale Mahaweli projects. Several other waterfalls in Sri Lanka, most notably St. Clair's Falls, which is known as Sri Lanka's "Little Niagara", also suffered the same fate. However, for conservationist reasons, some of the water is left for the waterfalls, though their beauty has declined.
More about Lakshapana Falls...
Lakshapana Falls are a little bit difficult to find. Moreove, you cannot reach the pond of the falls without climbing a large flight of stairways down and up, this means, it's a little bit exhausting to visit them. Both the remoteness and the many steps may be the reasons why you will rarely meet any tourists at Lakshapana Falls.
Lakshapana is a horestail waterfall. It' s still pretty picturesque, though it must have been much more imposing, before part of the water of the river was diverged for a hydroenergy project, which is part of the large-scale Mahaweli projects. Several other waterfalls in Sri Lanka, most notably St. Clair's Falls, which is known as Sri Lanka's "Little Niagara", also suffered the same fate. However, for conservationist reasons, some of the water is left for the waterfalls, though their beauty has declined.
More about Lakshapana Falls...
20. Divaguhawa - pregistoric cave and Buddhist pilgrimage site
Divaguhawa is actually the same as Batatotalena. Both names are famous, though only within two different very specific groups.
Divaguhawa is know to Buddhists in Sri Lanka as the cave where the Buddha stayed when visiting the nearby iconic mountains known as Siri Pada to Sinhalese and as Adam's Peak to most foreigners. As one of the 16 places visited by the the Buddha on the island of Lanka, a cave is often depicted in Kandyan paintings. But the belief that this mythical cave Divaguhawa is the same as the former Batatotalena has become popular only in recent decades. Today, Divaguhawa has developed in a major pilgrimage site of Sabaragamuwa Province, but it's almost never visited by foreigners, though the location and the cave temple are an interesting site.
Batatolena is well-known to archaeologists as one of the major finding places of remnants of the prehistoric Balangoda culture, which was predominant in Sri Lanka prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens. There are still some caves at this rock that cannot as easily be reached as the major cave temple which only requires to climb a few hundred steps along a roofed pilgrimage stairway.
More about Divaguhawa...
Divaguhawa is know to Buddhists in Sri Lanka as the cave where the Buddha stayed when visiting the nearby iconic mountains known as Siri Pada to Sinhalese and as Adam's Peak to most foreigners. As one of the 16 places visited by the the Buddha on the island of Lanka, a cave is often depicted in Kandyan paintings. But the belief that this mythical cave Divaguhawa is the same as the former Batatotalena has become popular only in recent decades. Today, Divaguhawa has developed in a major pilgrimage site of Sabaragamuwa Province, but it's almost never visited by foreigners, though the location and the cave temple are an interesting site.
Batatolena is well-known to archaeologists as one of the major finding places of remnants of the prehistoric Balangoda culture, which was predominant in Sri Lanka prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens. There are still some caves at this rock that cannot as easily be reached as the major cave temple which only requires to climb a few hundred steps along a roofed pilgrimage stairway.
More about Divaguhawa...
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