Bingoda Monastic Ruins at Govinda Hela (Westminster Abbey)

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Ruins of an ancient monastery at Bingoda at Govinda Hela
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Govinda Hela, also known as the Westminister Abbey so named by the British is an majestic rocky mountain standing over 350 meters above plains in Monaragala District close to the Siyambalnduwa – Ampara road. From one angle it resembles the Sigiriya Rock with a shear drop but from another angle resembles a monitor lizard.

On a side of this massive rock lies ruins of ancient monastic buildings forgotten over time and encroached by the jungle called Bingoda ruins/caves.

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To access this unknown monastery grounds in the jungles surrounding Govinda Hela (Westminister Abbey) you need to travel 16.7 kms (passing 10th mile post) on the Siyambalanduwa – Ampara Road from the Siyambalanduwa junction. The foot path starts in front of a now abandoned building which carries the name Sarath’s Tyre Shop.

The foot path is barely used but granite steps and rock cut steps will guide you to the destination. The total hike is about 1.5 km in the jungle climbing up about 130 m from the level of the main road.

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“The ancient road had well placed steps and at some places steps carved on rocks which led towards a cave complex. We at least came across 10 caves with drip ledge inscriptions. And the largest cave had tree tops kissing its drip ledge. The largest cave should be the largest and tallest cave in Monaragala district. We also found a good view point (balum gala) where we sat for a while before leaving this mysterious place behind.”

Trail Path Download

The abandoned tire workshop where the foot path starts

Entering the forest while the rays of the sun tried to creep through Govinda Hela - Bingoda

The ancient path towards Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

The mighty westminster abbey en route to Bingoda Ruins

Monolithic pillars hidden by the jungle at Bingoda

Bingoda ruins - massive sky hugging trees

Rock cut steps of an ancient monastery at Bingoda at Govinda Hela

An ancient lake at the base of the mountain — in Bingoda at Govinda Hela

Foot path from the ancient lake at the base of the mountain — in Bingoda at Govinda Hela

The first cave you will come across — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Signs of a meditating monk who occupied this forest until recently at the first cave you will come across — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

A basic hearth of the monk — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Another cave where the monk resided — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Still remaining plaster on the cave — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Another cave cave — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Where the pillars were fitted at the first cave you will come across — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Cloth hangers of the monk — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

An umbrella made from a Thal Leaf — in Bingoda Caves at Govinda Hela

Another dripledge cave with an inscription - in Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Inside the main cave — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

The drip ledge with inscription — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

The main cave — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Entering the main cave — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Another cave — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Inscriptions at the cave — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Carved symbols — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Kirimeti Guhawa at — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

Plenty of drip ledge inscriptions — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

More dripledge caves — Bingoda Ruins at Govinda Hela

View from the top — Bingoda at Govinda Hela

Source : Diggalahela the rock of Siyambalanduwa (450m) and Bingoda cave complex!

Also See

Map of Bingoda Monastic Ruins at Govinda Hela (Westminster Abbey)

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