The Mystic Mountain of Rumassala in Galle

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The Mystic Mountain of Rumassala - අභිරහස් රූමස්සල කන්ද — The Mystic Mountain of Rumassala – අභිරහස් රූමස්සල කන්ද

Rumassala Kanda, or Rumassala Mountain, is a distinctive hill located south of Galle Harbour in Sri Lanka, within the area of Unawatuna. During colonial times, it was referred to as “Buena Vista,” a Spanish term meaning “Good View,” owing to the breathtaking panorama it offers over the Bay of Galle.

Renowned as an ancient herbal and fruit garden, once home to rare herbs found nowhere else, Rumassala Hill today offers several attractions worth exploring. The hill’s unique ecosystem, distinct from its surrounding areas, has given rise to numerous myths and theories over time, adding charm of this mystical mountain.

The access road to Rumassala Hill is located just beyond Buena Vista Bay. Along this road leading to the hilltop, there are several hotels. At the Sri Vivekaramaya Temple, visitors can see a towering statue of Hanuman, while the Samudragiri Viharaya Temple features a tranquil Buddha statue set against the picturesque backdrop of the bay. At the summit of the hill stands the Japanese Peace Pagoda, one of the few such temples scattered across Sri Lanka.

Just before reaching the temple premises, a footpath winding through the jungle leads to the hidden gem of Jungle Beach in Galle. This unspoiled beach has become a popular hotspot for tourists visiting the area. Along the shore, there are a few restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the ocean breeze.

History of Unawatuna

The common belief is that the name “Unawatuna” originates from the phrase “Onna-wetuna” (There, it fell), linked to the Ravana Epic. However, the actual meaning of “Unawatuna” refers to a small harbour or cove. Derived from “Una-Patuna” (Oonapattana), it signifies a natural inlet, a term used in ancient Sri Lanka to describe minor harbours, such as Dambakola Patuna and Yapa Patuna.

Although Portuguese Captain Laurenco de Almeida aimed to sail to the Port of Colombo, ocean currents led him to Galle. Ancient lore suggests that Galle might be the Biblical port of Tarshish. Around Unawatuna Cove, there are remnants hinting at historical connections with distant lands. Even today, a site along Unawatuna Bay is called “Ja-Kotuwa,” meaning “The camp of the Javanese people.”

Legends of Rumassala Kanda Mountain

Hanuman Carrying the Jeevani Mountain to Lanka

The central theme of the Indian epic Ramayana revolves around the encounter between Rama and Ravana. Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, abducted Sita, Rama’s wife, and brought her to his island kingdom. During the battle to rescue Sita, Rama’s brother Lakshman was severely injured, leaving little hope for his survival. His life depended on specific medicinal herbs found only in the Himalayas, and the urgency of the situation was critical. Hanuman, the Monkey God, undertook the mission to retrieve these herbs. However, upon reaching the site, he forgot the names of the required plants.

To ensure success, Hanuman tore off a chunk of the mountain containing the herbs and carried it back to Lanka, where Lakshman was successfully treated. According to legend, fragments of the mountain fell in five locations during his journey: Kachchativu Island, Thalladi near Mannar, Ritigala, Dolukanda near Arankale, and Rumassala. Each of these sites possesses a unique ecosystem, distinct from their surrounding areas.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the renowned science fiction writer and underwater explorer who made Sri Lanka his adopted home, once expressed fascination with Rumassala. He commented on its geological uniqueness and magnetic anomalies, speculating on its mysterious origin. Clarke suggested that the peculiar composition of the Rumassala rock and its distinct ecosystem might have resulted from extraterrestrial or meteorite influences, aligning with his imaginative and scientific curiosity.

Japanese Peace Pagoda at the Rumassala Hill in Galle

statue of Maithree Bodhisattva at the Hanuman Temple in Rumassala

Hanuman Temple at the Rumassala Mountain

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Travelling Directions to Rumassala Mountain in Galle

Route from Galle to Rumassala Mountain	Route from Colombo to Rumassala Mountain
Distance:125 km Travel time: 2.5 hours Driving directions: see on Google map	Distance:125 km Travel time: 2.5 hours Driving directions: see on Google map