![The Mystery of Ussangoda National Park (උස්සන්ගොඩ ජාතික වන උද්යානය) The plains of Ussangoda National Park](https://i0.wp.com/amazinglanka.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ambalanthota-048.jpg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1)
The Mystery of Ussangoda National Park (උස්සන්ගොඩ ජාතික වන උද්යානය)
It is believed by some that anciently a meteoroid had fallen at Ussangoda, which explains the unique barren nature of the soil and the peculiar vegetation growth patterns.
It is believed by some that anciently a meteoroid had fallen at Ussangoda, which explains the unique barren nature of the soil and the peculiar vegetation growth patterns.
Mahapelessa (Madunagala) Hot springs is one of the major tourists attractions in the southern part of the country. Lying in the middle of paddy fields this area was frequented by elephants until about 10 year ago.
The sources of this 12m-high Sapugahadola Ella (Ranmale Biso Ella/ Sapugaharoda) fall are the brooks flowing down the Rammale mountain range. It flows on to the Warapitiya Reservoir and then the Kirma River.
Hambantota Abarana Ella Falls is located off the Pelmadulla-Embilipitiya-Nonagama Highway about 12 miles away, near Hedawinna-Pallerotte from where a deviation has to be made off the Muravasihena Branch Irrigation Field Channel.
Bundala National Park is an ideal location to experience large number of migratory and resident birds. The total bird population can exceed 20,000 during migratory season.
Yala Strict Nature reserve lies insode Block 2 of Yala and lies between the Manik Ganga and the Kumbukkan Oya which is a designated Strict Natue Reserve and access to this area is only through special permission.
A human skeleton, estimated to be at least 7000 years old, several other pre-historic stone tools including animal remains have been unearthed from the Godawaya (Godavaya) archeological site in Ambalantota.
Bastian Jayawardena who had escorted Ehelapola Maha Adikaram to Mauritius is the builder of this Wasala Walawwa during the first decade of the 20th Century.
The Tissa Wewa is one of the largest ancient irrigation tanks constructed the 3rd Century is considered the first Oblique Dam in the world
This massive Tissamaharama Stupa (Tissamaharamaya) is believed to be built by King Mahanaga in the 3rd century BC or King Kavanthissa in the 1st century BC and is the largest stupa in the ancient southern kingdom.
Lying inside the elephant infested Yala National Park, Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya has been home to over 12,000 Arhath Bhikkus in the 1st century AD
At the entrance to this Sandagirigodella site stands a mass of ruins in stone. Some standing monolithic pillars. Next to it lies the Pilimage (Image House).
History of Ramba Rajamaha Viharaya ancient monastery complex dates back from the period of 2nd-3rd century BC of King Devanampiyatissa’s reign to the 4th-10th century of Polonnaruwa and even the Ruhuna rata period of time,
Debarawewa Paschimarama Rajamaha Viharaya is situated on the bank of Kirindi Oya, by the side of the Weerawila-deberawewa main road. Construction of this temple is attributed to King Mahanaga of the 3 rd century BC.
Padikemgala Raja Maha Viharaya (Hambantota district) nestles in the Walawe basin, from where it is still closer to reach this historical Temple along the Embilipitya-Sooriyawewa Road.
Kirinda Rajamaha Viharaya lying on the shores of Kirinda on a elevated rocky hill, is popularly considered the place which Viharamaha Devi, daughter of the king of Kelaniya landed being floated on her boat.
Kataragama is one of the few places in Sri Lanka which is worshipped by most of the popular religious people in Sri Lanka. According to the Buddhists, Katragama is one of the 16 places visited by Buddha (solos maha stana) during his 3 visits to Sri Lanka.
Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya is situated on rocky outcrop near the mouth of the Walawe River in Godawaya which is a small fishing hamlet located between Ambalantota and Hamantota. The temple believed to have been built by Regional king Gotabaya (King Kavanthissa’s father) in the 2nd centaury BC.
The Hambanthota Lighthouse was built in 1913 with a height of 14 metres. This is a round masonary tower with a lantern and a gallery. The rocks which have been used to build this tower gives a the impression of a black and white spiral paint on the tower. Has been operational till 1970’s but currently in a dilapidated state.
Though the Martello Tower at Hambantota is not spread in a large area, it could also be considered as a defense watchtower. Generally believed to be a Dutch fortification, but actually built by Capt. Goper of the Army Engineers during the British Period.