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KATARAGAMA
20 km from Galapita, the greatest shrine in southern Lanka is wrapped in mystery and legend. Kataragama is older than history – a holy city that draws Buddhists, Hindus and followers of Islam. It is a city that is closely associated with the culture of Sri Lanka, a place where thousands of pilgrims from all three faiths flock for thanksgiving and to request favours of the God. Kiri Vehara at Kataragama is one of the three places in Sri Lanka which was hallowed by the visit of Lord Buddha. (Over the week during July – August full moon). The festival of God Kataragama (known to Hindus by such names as Murugan, Skanda and Kartikeya) is held here.
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Ritual acts of penance and self mortification are part of the festival and it is common to see devotees wearing hooks and skewers through their flesh. The festival climaxes on the final night with a fire walking ceremony at which the devotees walk barefoot over hot coals.
If you wish to make a trip to the shrine at Kataragama, poojas
times are as follows:-
Sunday to Friday; 5.00am, 11.00am, 7.00pm & Saturdays 11.00am & 7.00pm.
YALA WILD PARK RESERVE
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Better known to aficionados as ‘Yala’, is Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife reserve, occupying most of the south-eastern corner of the island. Yala offers some of the most beautiful jungle prospects in the country.
The reserve is home to elephant, bear, leopard, deer and sambhur, wild pig, water buffalo, crocodile, jackal and porcupine. The variety of bird and reptile life is immense. Yala offers magnificent photo opportunities as animals graze, bathe and spar in their natural habitat. The part of Yala in the vicinity of galapita is known as Yala North-Reserve. Magnificent Mayagala, Kimbulagala and Pilimgala are outstanding locations to spend a night under the stars. A night out camping on any of the above mentioned rocks within the Yala-North reserve is recommended and could be arranged with advance notice. |
YUDHAGANAWA
Yudhaganawa stupa dating from around the 6th century AD is one of the largest and most unusual stupas in the island. It is now in ruins though the site is still occupied by a Buddhist monastery.
The splendid Yudhaganawa lake, near by was built by ancient kings of the south, comes complete with a beautiful island, ideal for boating, fishing or simply watching life on the lake front.
MALIGAWILA
Only 30 km away is the colossal standing Buddha at Maligawila, near Okkampitiya towering over you at 36ft. Dating from around the 7th century A.D. The Maligawila images carved from crystalline limestone is a part of an ancient complex of terraces, gateways and a pillared council chamber, surrounded by jungle. In close proximity is another striking colossus, 25ft in height of Avalokisteswara and the beautiful ancient Dagaba and unusual guardstone at Dematamal Viharaya.
BUDURUVAGALA
Four miles south off Wellawaya is the turn off to Buduruvagala. The group of statutes, the finest example of Mahayana sculpture in the island, is over a thousand years old. At the end of this road rises the tall Buduruvagala rock and on it’s face is a unique assemblage of gigantic statuary. A 51 ft tall image of the Buddha stands dominant in the centre of it.
The image of the Buddha – the tallest in the island – is flanked on either side by two 40ft high Bodhisatvas each of which is in turn flanked by two figures. Of these one is of a female figure .
BISOKOTUWA
The Bisokotuwa complex at Galabedde 9 km from Moneragala on the Pottuvil road includes an interesting sluice gate ponds, moats, ramparts and the remains of a palace of a local princess Sugala Devi dating from the 12th century A.D. The swimming pool of the princess in the palace garden is one of the masterpieces of ancient Sinhala architecture.
MAGUL MAHA VIHARA
Between Buttala and Pottuvil and situated at Lahugala, famous for large herds of elephants even during the day, is the ancient Magul Maha Vihara built by King Dathusena between 516 -526 BC. Later, Vihara Maha Devi wife of the Parakrama brothers renovated the jungle covered shrine and installed one of the most exquisite moonstone carvings in Sri Lanka. The above information was found in a rock inscription dating back to the 14th century AD. You will be amazed by the extent of the ruins and their exquisite design.
ARUGAM BAY
Arugam Bay is well known among the serious surfing community, but the perfect wave is only one of its attractions. Dolphin pods, beloved of the local fisherman, often play in the bay, and the surrounding country is thick with wildlife, birds and extensive monastic ruins. Sastharvila, Kudumbigala, Muhudu Maha Vihara and Tarulengala are ancient Buddhist ruins in the vicinity dating back from the timeless past. Nearby Okanda, an important (though isolated) Hindu shrine, is on the pilgrim route from Jaffna in the north to Kataragama. Okanda is also the gateway to famous Kumana Villu, where water birds nest, and the Yala east national park with miles of unexplored golden beaches.
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