Ritigala forest monastery with a local guide
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Located southeast of Anuradhapura, the Ritigala mountain range is the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka and is surrounded by many mysteries and folklore. One of the more popular beliefs is that Lord Hanuman accidentally dropped a chunk of medicinal herbs he was carrying back from the Himalayan Mountain to Sri Lanka to help Lord Rama's brother, Prince Lakshman, who was wounded during a battle. This story accounts for the pocket of vegetation of healing herbs and plants at the strange mini-plateau at the summit of Ritigala, distinct from the dry-zone flora of the lower slopes and surrounding plains
Experience Overview
Walk through the Ritigala forest monastery that spreads across 700 acres of land. Home to forest monks who lived a simple way of life removed from the material world back in the day, Ritigala has since been abandoned. Shaded by a thick canopy of jungle and stone pathways built into existing rocks, Ritigala is unlike any other experience. The incline to the peak of the mountain is gradual and is surrounded by sites of ruins of structures that were once used by the monks.
Includes:
Entrance fees and water is always provided
Duration:
Approx. 1.5 hours + the driving there and back or to your next activity.
Time:
All day
Difficulty:
Moderate, it’s not very high but there are some steep steps and it can be a hot walk through the jungle area.
Suitable for children:
The experience is suitable for children over 8 yrs.
What to wear or bring along:
Light clothing, sun cream, a hat, shoes for walking and camera
Private or not?
This experience is private.
About the Host
Your host has spent most of his life in Anuradhapura and has studied Buddhism and tourism development in Sri Lanka and overseas. His extensive knowledge on the two subjects has helped him provide insightful experiences avoiding the regular tourist trail.
Managing Expectations
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