Sri Lanka’s oldest introduced breadfruit tree (rata del) stands at Galle Fort’s Akersloot Bastion. Brought by colonial traders as cheap food, early 19th-century records highlight its culinary versatility, while local legend traces it to Dutch imports or the HMS Bounty.
One of the Detis Pala Bodhi is recorded to be planted at a site called Maha Jallika Kevulgama.” While the exact location of Maha Jallika remains uncertain, it is generally believed to correspond to present-day Kalpitiya. However, other interpretations suggest alternate sites such as Kalutara, Trincomalee, or Ratmalana.
The Hunuvilagama site comprises the ruins of a stupa, the remains of an ancient image house, and a broken Buddha statue. Around the image house, numerous brick fragments are scattered across the ground. Additionally, fifteen short stone pillars, likely once supporting the structure, can still be identified at the image house site.
Kimbula Ketu Gala is an ancient monastic site located within Wilpattu National Park. Although no systematic archaeological excavations have been undertaken here, surface evidence points to the existence of a significant Buddhist establishment. Scattered across the rocky outcrop and adjacent jungle are numerous fragments of bricks, roof tiles, and dressed stone blocks
By 1610, the Portuguese had established a small Christian mission on the Kalpitiya peninsula with two priests, and a church was built in Kalpitiya. This church successfully converted most of the local population to Christianity, with the exception of some of the Moorcommunity.
The recently discovered Aruwakkalu Survey Tower, despite being partially covered by jungle, remains in relatively good condition, although its plaster has worn away in several areas. It stands over 150 feet tall and consists of two sections, with a smaller, shorter block at the top.
Munneswaram Kovil, located in Chilaw, Sri Lanka, is one of the island’s most popular and ancient Hindu temples, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Dedicated primarily to Lord Siva, under the name Muniya Iswara or Iswara, the temple is a popular pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Situated about 155 km from Colombo, Galwila Eco Park is a recent addition to the wildlife safari destinations. The park encompasses both primary and secondary forests, providing visitors with the chance to observe a diverse array of wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, various reptiles, and numerous bird species.
The baobab at Pomparippu Aru is the most mystical of all baobabs in Sri Lanka due to its inaccessible location. Because it cannot be reached by land, only a few people have ever seen this tree. To find it, you must travel to Gangewadiya in Wilpattu and hire a fishing boat to navigate up the Pomparippu Aru. The tree stands at the river’s edge, with part of it exposed to the river water.
The Survey Tower at Chilaw has stood on the beach, exposed to the sea breeze, for possibly a century or more. It is built on a square platform and consists of three cylindrical towers stacked one on top of another. Similar cylindrical survey towers can be found in Kudarappu and Analaitivu in the Jaffna Peninsula, Negombo (though it has been destroyed), Katunayake, and Mannar.
The historically significant Thambapanni or Kudiramalai is an ancient sea port which lies in the western coast in the Wilpattu National Park.
The Tampita Vihara at Halambe is particularly noteworthy, as it stands at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet. In fact, its design resembles that of a two-story building, with the Tampita temple serving as the upper level. The stone pillars utilized in its construction appear to have been sourced from various ancient temple ruins, resulting in a distinct and varied composition.
Situated 180 km from Colombo, and about 40 km from Anuradhapura Wilpattu National park is the largest wild life sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Declared as a sanctuary in 1938, and subsequently a national park, Wilpattu reserve, is a popular attraction for both tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Chilaw, anciently called “Pitigal Korale” was under the possession of the Kandyan king until 1756 when it was captured by the Dutch However the Portuguese had built a small fort in Chilaw in the 16th century
Singakkuliya Aiyyanayaka Tampita Devalaya lies in the village of Singakkuliya in Dankotuwa Divisional Secretariat in Puttalam District. According to folklore this devalaya is about 400 to 500 years old. The Tampita Devalya is built on 9 stone pillars slightly over 1 foot high.
Naththandiya Paluwelgala Sri Pushparamaya was built in 1735 during the reign of king Weeraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707 – 1739) of the Kandyan kingdom. He was also the last Sinhalese king of the Kandyan kingdom which lasted till 1815.
Hidden deep within Wilpattu’s wilderness lies Veli Vehera—an ancient monastery shrouded in mystery. Its weathered stupas, stone terraces, and silent Buddha statues echo the artistry of the Anuradhapura era, offering a haunting glimpse into Sri Lanka’s forgotten spiritual heritage now enveloped by the forest’s timeless stillness.
The Malwila Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient monastery situated at Saliya Pura in Karadipuwa Grama Niladhari Division of Wanatawilluwa Divisional Secretariat in the Puttalam District.
On the Puttalam peninsula lies ruins of what is believed to be a palace which was adobe of princess Allirani. Site lies close to a large pond called Genge. Remains of a building with rock pillars was found here. Although declared as an archaeological site, no exploration or conservation work has been carried out by the department.
Ruins of a ancient stone bridge and a amuna (weir) belonging to the mid Anuradhapura period lies at Palamgala over Kala Oya in the remote village of Thimbiripokuna on the borders of Wilpaththu National Park
