
Kuragala Buddhist monastery at Balangoda (ඓතිහාසික කූරගල)
Kuragala is a vast Buddhist monastery complex 18 km’s off Balangoda on the Kaltota road. This complex covers number of rock outcrops which is collectively known as Kuragala.
Kuragala is a vast Buddhist monastery complex 18 km’s off Balangoda on the Kaltota road. This complex covers number of rock outcrops which is collectively known as Kuragala.
According to legend the history of the Bolthumbe Saman Devalaya goes as far as Ravana Era. Even today, a prominent place is given to King Ravana in all its activities.
Polwatta Amuran Ella waterfall is an 18 meter unconfirmed waterfall published in the official website of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council.
The stream originates from the Burangamuwa Forest Reserve and flows to the Thini River. Three beautiful pools form at the top of the rock before the water cascades down over two rock ledges, creating the 45m-high Thini Oya Ella Fall also known as Biso Ella and Besam Ella by some.
Flowing down 30m and over a vast expanse of rocks 2m wide, the source of the Kanabadu Ella Fall is an aquifer. Except during times of severe drought, the flow of water is constant.
Several streams merge to form this 9m-high Nagarak Ella Falls, which cascades into a pool made of a basin in the rock. The nearest town is Belihul Oya – take the Horton Plain road to Nonpareil Estate.
At 18m high and 2m wide, the Meddekanda Ella Falls can be viewed from Meddekanda Bazaar. Caution is advised as bathing in its plunge pool is dangerous.
This twin-streamed Hal Ella Fall (Haal Ella Fall) flows over a protruding rock face and resembles an upturned receptacle used for carrying water. It is 7m high and 12m wide. Upstream, the woodland contains several hal (Vateria copellifera) trees, the fruits of which fall into the stream and drift over the fall, hence its name.
The 60m high Diyavini Ella Fall forms part of a tributary of the Diyavini River, which is in a jungle 8km east of Balangoda, south of Vikiliya.
The source of the 30m-high Dodam Gallena Ella Fall springs from the Dangadova Mountain and flows via Bullathgama to the Walaweganga River.
Diyan Ella Fall is one of several falls located in the Walawe Valley, Ratnapura District. The double-streamed fall (20m in height) flows through jungle, from Ravana Mountain to the Walawe River.
At 45m-high and 3m-wide, the Balangoda Ranmudu Ella Falls is located near the Ranmuthu River, and cascades down a massive rock formation.
Maragala Gallenagoda Len Viharaya cave is of medium size – being 20 feet long, 50 feet high and 40 feet broad having well chiselled drip ledges on the apex of these cave shelter.
Whom we met at the Kottimbulwala Rajamaha Viharaya in the suburbs of Balangoda informed us of an interesting old temple called Lendora Raja Maha Viharaya in the close vicinity of Belimalliyadda.
The Beligala Rajamaha Viharaya is believed to be another achievement of King Vatta Gamini Abaya (aka King Walagamba) during the period of 103 BC to 89 BC.