The Ritigala Monastery

Tucked away in between the two ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, the Ritigala mountain is bound by numerous legends and myths that make visiting the mountain all the more intriguing and adventurous. Covered in a blanket of haze and a thick forest for over a two mile radius, Ritigala is richly endowed with herbs and plants found nowhere else in the country, and is home to wild elephants, bears, leopards and a number of endemic creatures.

As the legend goes, Hanuman who was running an errand to King Rama, dropped a part of the landmass he was carrying while flying over Ritigala and the plants eventually grew into the forest it is today. Another folklore that dates back to the third century, tells the story of a warrior by the name of Ritigala Jayasena who died in the battlefield during the reign of King Pandukabaya. It is widely believed that his ghost haunts the Ritigala Monastery even to date.

In order to maintain its unspoilt environment the forest and most of the mountain has been declared a Strict Natural Reserve. However the ruins of the Ritigala Monastery is open to the public, and a short climb from the foot of the mountain brings the visitors to the site. The ruins tell the stories of the ascetics and monks who sought the mountain’s refuge in the olden days and the huge man-made reservoir, long paved paths with roundabouts and unique double platforms speaks of the impressive architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.

Getting there in the early hours before the noisy crowds turn up, allows one to enjoy a few glorious minutes breathing in the fresh air and to appreciate the stupendous mountain. Visitors can also obtain special permits to trek the forest and discover over seventy rock caves believed to have been inhabited in the first century BC.




Written By: Kavisha Perera