Hidden within the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom, the Padalangala Weheragodella Rajamaha Viharaya reveals the remnants of a long-lost stupa buried beneath time. Excavations in 2016 uncovered its sacred relic chamber, intricate brickwork, and traces of ancient Buddhist craftsmanship that echo early spiritual heritage of Rohana Kingdom.
Hidden near the Udagama junction, the recently discovered Embilipitiya Udagama Stupa reveals a layered history of construction and restoration. Excavations uncovered an octagonal brick platform, ruined relic chamber, and artefacts including pottery, iron fragments, and colonial coins, offering glimpses into its ancient and later phases.
The 4-meter-high Miniran Ella is a short yet wide waterfall along the Pimbura Ganga River, located in the Nikagoda GS Division of the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat in the Ratnapura District. Still hidden from mainstream travel routes, this charming cascade has preserved its natural beauty—untouched by man-made structures and unspoiled by litter.
The 10-meter-high Ritigas Ella is a charming waterfall cascading along the Heen Ganga River, located upstream of the better-known Minee Ella. Tucked away in the Gangodakanda GS Division of the Ayagama Divisional Secretariat in the Ratnapura District, this hidden gem has remained largely unknown to the public.
Galpaya Bambaragala Monastery is an active Buddhist hermitage. This region was once part of a flourishing Buddhist city that extended as far as Kuragala during the reign of King Mahanaga in the 3rd century BCE. The name Bambaragala refers to the area beneath the Galpaya Rocky hill, characterized by numerous drip-ledged caves.
This 15th century inscription features an etching of an individual worshiping Sri Pada. It includes a description by a Brahmin named Dharmaraja, detailing the construction of the stone steps leading to the peak of Dharmaraja Gala.
Rankoth Vehera in Gileemale (Gilimale) is an ancient temple situated along the historic route to Sri Pada. The temple’s most significant artifact is a slab inscription from the reign of King Vijayabahu I (1070–1110) referring to the granting of Gileemale for the benefit of the pilgrims who went to worship the Sacred Foot Print of the Buddha on the Sri Pada.
Kirimakulgolla is a village situated between Diyawinna and Kalupedigama in Kalthota, bordered by a mountain range to the north. The southern slopes of this range contain numerous natural caves, some of which have been inhabited since ancient times.
Lanka Pabbatharama Rajamaha Vihara Archaeology site lies just passing Budugala Rajama Vihara Ruins in Kalthota. Both these temples are believed to have been part of the greater monastery of Kuragala. Looking streight up towards the hills behind the temple, you can see the new Stupa buit at the top of Kuragala Rock which is accessible from the other side of the hills.
Amidst the jungle above the Thanjanthenna Wewa Reservoir in Kaltota, the ruins of an ancient complex, known as the Endagala Ruins, can be found. At this site, remnants of an ancient building have been preserved. The main structure was constructed on a natural rock surface, with clear evidence of its existence seen in the pillar pits and raised moonstones embedded in the rock.
Although the Diyavinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya appears modern due to recent construction, ancient cave inscriptions within confirm its existence since the 2nd century BCE. As per historical accounts, the temple was established under the patronage of sub-king Yatala Tissa, who governed the Ruhuna sub-kingdom during that period.
The Buddhist ruins of Handagiriya, situated amidst a beautiful paddy field, are spread over an area of about 5 acres. Farmers who cultivate the fields say that building foundations, clay tools, stone, brick, and tile fragments emerge from the ground from time to time throughout the paddy field.
Perched on a scenic bend along the Bulathkohupitiya–Dolosbage Road, the Palampitiya Viewpoint unveils breathtaking vistas of misty valleys, rolling hills, and tea-clad slopes. Just 7.5 kilometers from Dedugala, this tranquil, lesser-known lookout invites travelers to pause and embrace Sri Lanka’s untouched natural beauty.
Empilipitiya Chandrika Wewa Reservoir, located in the Ratnapura District bordering Hambanthota District, is one of the largest reservoirs constructed after Ceylon gained independence. Chandrika wewa today is a magnet for the tourists and pilgrims to Kataragama seeking the scenic route rather than than the Southern Expressway.
The Udawalawe Reservoir, located in the Ratnapura and Hambantota Districts of Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s largest and most significant water bodies. It was constructed in 1963, primarily to support agriculture and irrigation in the surrounding regions, which include Udawalawe, Embilipitiya, and Hambantota.
The Batadura Ambalama, located in the Batadura village within the Opanayake Divisional Secretariat Division, is situated near the Batadura junction. This junction is about 7 kilometers from the Delgas junction on the Opanayake-Galkanda road. There are no photographs or detailed descriptions available of this Ambalama.
Liyangastota Amuna (which was called Liyangahatota Amuna during British times) is an Anicut built by the British across the Walawe Ganga River lying close to the Barawakumbuka Interchange which leads to Nonangama on the Southern Expressway. The amuna was built in 1889 by the British.
At the centre of Ratnapura Town lies the clock tower which was built as a monument for the fallen servicemen from Ratnapura District during World War I. The clock tower was commissioned at the end of the war in 1920 by the Local War Memorial Committee and was unveiled on 03rd June 1922.
The Tomb Monument of Iddamalgoda Nilame was built with stone blocks in the town of Pelmadulla. However, this was destroyed by treasure hunters in search of valuables inside the monument. The Department of Archaeology restored this monument some time a go some time ago.
There are two ways to the Ilumbakanda Doowili Ella Falls. One is via Ratnapura, Kalawana, and Pothupitiya come to Imbullkande Village. From here, trek 2km into the forest to see the fall.
