Hurulu Wewa ancient reservoir, originally known as Challura Vapi, was one of sixteen reservoirs constructed by King Mahasen, the renowned Sinhalese monarch who ruled over Lanka from 276 to 303 CE. The reservoir lies on Yan Oya in the remote village of Yakalla, between Anuradhapura and Habarana off Ritigala.
The Kurulupettagala Rajamaha Viharaya is considered to have been constructed by King Bhatika Abhaya, who ruled between 20 BCE and 7 CE. It was offered to the 500 Arahants, including the Maha Arahant Dammadinna. The meditation cells and walking paths used by the Arahants are still visible at this Viharaya.
This ancient site, where the Maha Rahaths resided since the Anuradhapura era, is located in the Padaviya region of the Anuradhapura District, amidst a vast forest. Its name has been identified as ‘Pannabhaya’ (පන්නභරය) from the inscriptions found here. The site features a large number of rock-cut caves around a rock outcrop.
Believed to have been built during the reign of King Walagamba, this sacred site, marked by the Vahalkada entrance gate constructed in 2019, feels ancient. After entering the temple, you can see a ‘temple area’ with modern structures. To the south of the temple, there is an ancient Bo tree, rich in history. The lower part of the temple houses a Dharma Hall with an image house, an old residential building, a Sunday School building, and a newly constructed Atavisi Buddha Bodhi enclosure.
Built in the 3rd century BCE, Sangilikanadara Wewa belongs to the list of oldest reservoirs in Sri Lanka. Located in the valley of Sangilikanadara Oya, in the Medawachchiya DS division of Anuradhapura District, this reservoir has been built for the storage of water for irrigation purposes of the region.
The pillar measures 4½ feet (1.4 meters) tall and 8½ inches (21.6 cm) square. Mr. H. C. P. Bell, then Archaeological Commissioner, examined it in 1895. The writing covers all four sides, with twenty-one lines on each, including the two top lines that are missing.
The Aluth Halmillawa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Vihara is located approximately 5 kilometres northeast of the Padaviya Reservoir. Today, it is a somewhat modernized temple, but it is evident that it was constructed on the site of an ancient monastery. Nearby, the ruins of an ancient image house can be seen.
According to the description provided on the information board of the site, it states that the building exhibits the style of architecture of the Anuradhapura period and according to folklore, this was the palace of the king’s viceroy. As to who built it or its purpose is uncertain. From the design, it could be surmised that the structure has been built for purposes other than a palace. The building has been conserved in 1951.
The Western Monastery “N” is located in a shrub jungle about 75 meters off Watawandana Road. Its secluded location makes it unlikely for any pilgrim to discover or explore. To reach the site, travel along the Watawandana Road from the other cluster of Western Monasteries around the intersection of Arippu Road towards Jethavanaramaya.
The Western Monastery “M” is located in a shrub jungle about 750 meters off Watawandana Road. Its secluded location makes it unlikely for any pilgrim to discover or explore. To reach the site, travel along the Watawandana Road from the other cluster of Western Monasteries around the intersection of Arippu Road towards Jethavanaramaya.
The Western Monastery “E” is located in the shrub jungle along Watawandana Road, close to Arippu Road. Its secluded location makes it unlikely for any pilgrim to discover or explore. To reach the site, turn onto Watawandana Road at Lolugaswewa Junction on Arippu Road, travel 360 meters, and then take the narrow gravel road to the left at the 2km post near a new Buddhist temple.
The Western Monastery “D” is located in the shrub jungle along Watawandana Road, close to Arippu Road. Its secluded location makes it unlikely for any pilgrim to discover or explore. To reach the site, turn onto Watawandana Road at Lolugaswewa Junction on Arippu Road, travel 375 meters, and then take the narrow gravel road to the left.
The inscription of King Mahinda IV belonging to the tenth century, is installed on the two sides of the entrance to this Vihara. The relic house is a square building.
The Kotttapitiya Slab Inscription is considered one of the 14 valuable inscriptions of the Anuradhapura Era. The pillar inscription is believed to have been placed by King Mahinda IV (956-972) and is 6 feet in height and 1.5 feet wide. 45 lines of text have been inscribed on this pillar.
Placed by King Dappula IV in the early part of the 10th century, this Ranawa Andiyagala Pillar Inscription declares a sanctuary for Animal, Plants as well as Humans in the Namal Uyana area. Even royal guards were prohibited from entering this area to apprehend criminals.
Many do not pay special attention to this pillar which is generally called “Dutugenumu Pillar” but the story behind this pillar is interesting as the construction of the Ruwanweli Seya itself. This pillar was installed by King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BCE) on the advice of Mihindu Maha Thero.
Gurugalhinna Megalithic Cemetery was initially uncovered and examined in 1896 by R. W. Levers. Subsequently, in the 1970s, Raja De Silva from the Department of Archaeology led excavations at Gurugalhinna. However, the burials at the site have not been scientifically dated.
In the Ritigala Uththupitiya Archaeological Site, there are two stupa mounds and five buildings in ruins. Most of these ruins have been destroyed by treasure hunters. There are about 10 caves with drip ledges and almost every one of these caves has a ledge inscription. In addition to this, there are parts of walls and steps. In this monastic complex, there is a rock inscription on the top of the rock above one of the caves.
Siyambaladamana Megalithic Burial Site is located in Siyambaladamana village in No. 598 Madawala Grama Sevaka division of Palugaswewa Regional Secretariat Dvision in Anuradhapura District of North Central Province. This burial site is well preserved due to its location which has not yet been affected by natural and human activities. There are about 16 burial chambers located in an area of about 03 acres.
In 2023, archaeologists discovered an ancient Stone Bridge (Gal Palama) and a Ambalama between Uththupitiya village and Ganewal Pola village on the border of Tirappane Divisional Secretariat Division and Kekirawa Divisional Secretariat Division of Anuradhapura District at the foot of the Ritigala Mountains across the origin of the Malwathu Oya.
