Dambulla- Ibbankatuwa ancient burial site

Ibbankatuwa- an area close to Dambulla town, reveals an ancient burial site of megalithic pre- historic age of Sri Lanka. Ten tombs have been excavated and all show similar features. Each consists of four stone plates placed in the four sides making a square and a one stone plate to cover it. Only few tombs have the covering stone plate now. Personal belongings as neck laces and pots have been found inside the tombs. It is believed the cremated remains of deceased are buried here.  Some archeologists suspect there had been trade with foreign lands as a large variety of beads made out of agate, glass and terra-cott have also been discovered.  Although Ibbankatuwa is situated very close to the Dambulla cave temple many tourists are not aware of this site. It lies close to Kurunegala- Dambulla road about three kilometers from Dambulla town (Before Dambulla International Stadium). There is a small sign post on the left of the main road showing the path which should be followed to reach it. After travelling about 500m along this road take the small path on your left and it directly takes you to the site.

Badulla- Adisham bungalow

Adisham’s bungalow is one of the popular tourist destinations of those who visit Nuwaraeliya and Badulla. This bungalow (now a monastery of Roman catholic priests) was built by an English planter Thomas Villers in 1931. He has given the name of his Kentish village to this mansion and has imported all components as furniture, carpets and glasses to make sure it looked like an Elizabethan country mansion of his village. The garden which reflects the British landscaping of that era, is carefully planned and includes grass lawns, various types of flowers beds and orchards. The house is still well maintained and consists of a drawing room, library, kitchen, study room and bed rooms. Walls of some rooms are decorated by the paintings of Lady Villers who seems to be a good artist. A stable and a room used as a generator room can be seen outside. In the living room a large portrait of Thomas Villers hangs from the wall and the elegant furniture, beautiful lampshades and carpets imported from Britain are still there.

The fire place in the study room is also a wonderful creation. From the outlet freshly prepared marmalades, jams and cordials can be purchased. If you are travelling from Nuwara eliya take Nuwara eliya- welimada road up to Keppitipola. From there turn right to  Haputhale road. Travelling in this part of the road itself is a unique experience as it winds through a hilly area carpeted with tea bushes. Travel until you come across the name board. Some prefer to walk to the bungalow from this point as it ascends through the Thangamalai bird sanctuary- which is an ideal place for bird watchers. If you are coming from the other way come to Haputale town and take the temple road. It is about two kilometers from Haputale town. A vehicle can reach the place and parking facilities are available.

Pidurangala

Although many tourists visit Sigiriya they usually tend to neglect Pidurangala- a temple located close to Sigiriya. It is believed this was built in the same era as the Sigiriya by king Kashyapa. It can be easily accessed by the road from Sigiriya Temple. From the entrance of Sigiriya there is a road to left. By following this about 1km you can reach Pidurangala Temple. In the base of the hill there are some ruins including a ruins of a stupa and a chapter house. The climbing of the hill is easy initially. After about 20 minutes of ascend you will come across a statue of a reclining Buddha. This is made out of clay and brick and it had been reconstructed following destruction by treasure-hunting vandals. From this point onwards the climbing becomes difficult. But the view from the top of the hill is magnificent. This is considered to be a monastery for Buddhist monks as ruins of a stupa, image house, chapter house and a meditation hall have been excavated and restored.

Kurunegala – Ibbagala Temple

Take the road leading to Ethagala from Kurunegala town (see ethagala- elephant rock post). On the way to Buddha statue you will see some steps embedded in the rock on your left. These steps take you to a small, peaceful and less congested temple- Ibbagala Raja Maha Viharaya. If you proceed further without taking the steps you will come across the name board of the temple. By following this road you can reach the temple by a vehicle. The temple is well maintained and the view from the temple is fascinating. Part of an ancient painting can be seen on a roof of a cave temple. There is a foot print embedded in a stone stage around which many legends have woven. One story says a king of Kurunegala Kingdom constructed this to show his mother instead of Sri Pada (Adams peak) as she was very feeble to climb Sri Pada.

Kurunegala- Panduwasnuwara

Panduwasnuwara is considered to be the kingdom of king Panduwasadewa – second king of Sri Lanka. Many legends have woven around this ancient city including the story of Unmada Chithra- a princess believed to imprisoned in a tower shaped building.( Some consider this building as the palace) Still there are numerous ruins which reflect the proud history of this city. The canal around the city is believed to be a moat in which crocodiles were kept to get additional protection. Citadel wall about 1/ ¼ long and the stone inscriptions are important ruins. Remains of the palace, audience hall and shrines can still be seen inside the citadel. Reconstructed temple of tooth is situated outside the citadel as well as the bo- tree. The small museum which displays the items found in excavations such as coins and jewelry is little away from the ruins and worth watching. Travel along Kurunegala-Puttalam road (about 17km) up to Wariyapola town. Take Chilaw road from Wariyapola town which is on the left. Follow this road about 13km and the site is about 1 km from main road.

Kandy- Embekke Dewalaya

Visiting Ambekke Dewalaya- a shrine dedicated to God Katharagama is an invaluable experience as it exhibits marvelous craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankans. This is the only place in Sri Lanka where we have such ancient wood carvings. Numerous pillars well decorated with fine designs of dancers, musicians, wrestlers, soldiers, hoarse riders and birds hold the roof of the building. Roof it self is a very creative and artistic structure which depicts a very rare piece of architecture. Wood carvings can also be seen in doorways, beams and rafters.

The easiest way to get here is via Pilimathalawa on Colombo- Kandy road. After travelling about 8 kilometers from Pilimathalawa towards Kandy you will come across a clear sign post which indicates the road to Embekke Dewalaya. This road goes through a pleasant country side with paddy fields and small villages. You have to travel about 2 kilometers to reach this wooden wonder.

Kurunegala- Arankale

For those who seek for some escape from noisy, busyand polluted urbanized areas, Arankale is an ideal site. Huge trees with their long stretched roots, various types of creepers hanging from them and pleasant environment with noises of insects and birds creates a forestry atmosphere.

To reach this one has to take Kurunegala- Dambulla Road up to Ibbagamuwa.From Ibbagamuwa take Ibbagamuwa-Moragollagama road and follow it for about 10km. On the left there is a small name board which can be hardly seen from a vehicle.  This narrow road goes through a calm rural area with paddy fields, villages and small forestry areas. There are some ruins of ancient meditation halls and meditation platforms and several other buildings.

Tea estates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tea is a main export product of Sri Lanka. It is mainly grown in hill country but can also be seen in areas as Galle. In areas such as Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Badulla, hills carpeted with tea bushes create a magnificent view. Busy workers plucking tea leaves with their fast moving fingers with a basket attached to the back is a common scene. There are several Tea factories which allow the tourists to observe the tea manufacturing process. Labukale is one of them and they provide a guided tour inside the factory.

Kurunegala – Ethagala(Elephant rock)

Athagala (Elephant rock) of Kurunegala has become more elegant because of the recently constructed Buddha statue. You have to take the Kandy road from Kurunegala town and at the round about in front of the Imperial theatre , turn left to Wathhimi road.(This road joins the Kurunegala-Dambulla road adjacent to Welagedara stadium) Follow this road until you come across the name board – Samadhi Pilimaya – Ethagala. The steep mountain road on your right with few sharp bends, takes you to the top and parking space is available. But careful driving is advised. It is also enjoyable to walk along the rock as the surrounding scenery is stunning. For this, follow the small path with embedded steps on your right. Try to visit in the early morning or late evening as it is difficult to walk in the hot sun.