Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya is a 3rd-century BCE monastery near Anuradhapura, famous for its 2,300-year-old Bodhi tree and massive rock-carved Buddhas. This 250-acre sanctuary features a 45-foot reclining statue, ancient meditation caves with Brahmi inscriptions, and an ancient library, all set within a serene, boulder-strewn forest landscape.
Ritigala Ruins decorative urinal These are at least 70 caves at Ritigala which were prepared for monks between the 1st century BCE and the early centuries CE.
After traveling 12 kilometers to Kekirawa and another 12 kilometers to Dambulla from Kekirawa in the District of Anuradhapura, Kotagala Sri Piyangalu Raja Maha Viharaya can be seen.
Jathika Namal Uyana is Asia’s largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain range, spanning 260 acres near Dambulla. This 550-million-year-old geological marvel features seven shimmering ridges, ancient monastery ruins, and a diverse ecosystem of medicinal herbs, offering a serene blend of prehistoric nature and spiritual history.
Built during 1st Century BC, Kinihiri Kanda Rajamaha Viharaya is a series of 24 caves on the 550 feet tall Kinihiri mountain in Dambulla. The top of Kinihiri mountain has a rounded-shape. Inside the largest of the cave complex, lies a 26-foot long Buddha Statue.
Traveling 1.4 kilometres (0.9 miles) passing the small town of Medawachchiya on the A9 (Kandy-Jaffna) highway, u will come across this beautiful stupa situated on top of a large rock and a name board claiming the name of “Isinbassagala”. The name loosely translate to “the rock that the sage came from”.
Located in the picturesque landscape covering 300 acres, Hatthikuchchi Aramic complex ( also referred as Hatthikucchi, Hastikuchchi, Hasti Kuchchi) dates back to 3 rd century BC. But this location is most famous as the place that exiled king Sirisangabo offered his own head to a pheasant.
A lesser known place that lay mostly in ruins today is situated in a serene forest-clad area in a village called Ratmalgahawewa 22 miles north-east of Anuradhapura. This sacred site called Handagala cave temple could be reached by proceeding about two miles from Ratmalgahawewa junction on the Kebitigollewa road and continuing westwards for another two miles.
The Chandrasara Forest Hermitage is situated at the remote village of Halmillewa. This village can be reached from the Thalawa – Kekirawa Road.
A little beyond the town of Kahatagasdigiliya, my destination, is the historic Gonagiri Rajamaha Viharaya which rises majestically against the backdrop of huge rock boulder.
Sakwala Chakraya, the “Universe Cycle” at Ranmasu Uyana, is a mysterious 6-foot circular rock carving. Often called a “Stargate,” this ancient chart features concentric rings and strange geometric symbols. While some view it as a map for interstellar travel, archaeologists suggest it is an early cosmographical map of the universe.
The ruins of the present Hospital Complex is attributed to King Sena II (853-887 AD). But it is believed that there was a hospital at Mihintale long before this building. The inner Chamber of the hospital is centered around a Buddha Shrine.
Climbing up the 1,840 steps of Mihintale, this is the first relic which comes to view once you reach the upper terrace of Mihintale Complex. Ambastala Dagaba (also called Sela Chethiya) believed to be built by by King Mahadatika Mahanaga (09-21 AC) on the exact place where the great Mahinda Thero met the King Devanampiyatissa.
Rising prominently above the surrounding plains are the unusually bald boulders of the Rajagiri Kanda or the mountain of the kings. This is accessible from the road almost directly in front of the entrance to the Kaludiya pokuna complex.
When one climbs down about three hundred yards on to the eastern side passing the site of the Sila Cetiya at Mihintale, one reaches a stone slab sheltered by another rock called Mihindu Guhawa.
From whichever road you are traveling to Mihintale your first sight is almost always the Mihintale Maha seya, the largest and the most conspicuous stupa built half way up the Mihintale mountain.
Kantaka Chethiya in Mihintale is one of Sri Lanka’s most architecturally significant stupas, dating back to at least the 2nd century BCE. While it was once a forgotten mound of debris, its 1930s restoration revealed some of the finest examples of early Anuradhapura-period craftsmanship, particularly its world-class vahalkada.
Indikatu Seya is a monastery complex lying within the lager Mihintale Complex. A stone parapet encloses the monastic establishment identified as the Indikatu Seya monastery. According the legend the smithy instruments and tools used in the construction of Mihintale Monastery is enshrined in this stupa.
The climb along the long flight of steps leading to its summit of Eth Vehera is a rewarding experience. The narrow steps winding its way upwards makes art in its very simplicity.
The remains of the Bath Ge or the Dana Sala or the Refectory of the monks of the Mihintale Monastery.The building is rectangular with a central courtyard open to the sky and paved with granite slabs.
