Rathnapura District – Travel

Buddhists believe it is held to be the footprint of the Buddha, Hindus believe it is that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas.  The surrounding of the mountain is forested hills and it is a wildlife reserve. There are many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species.

Watch Sun Rising 

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Maha Saman Dewalaya

*Religious site, dress code matters

Maha Saman Dewalaya  has been at Rathnapura  since the time of King Dutugamunu of Anuradhapura Kingdom.  Portuguese  built the Rathnapura Fort and a church on the ground of Maha Saman Dewalaya in 1618.  Later King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe in 1747 of Kandyan Kingdom re captured the Rathnapura, destroyed the Fort and the Church and re built the Maha Saman Dewalaya on the same site.

Gemological Museum

Gemological Museum show cases full of astounding crystals and gem stones along with some fossils and carvings.  In addition to the museum near by there are gem mines and lapidaries, place where the gems are cut and polish.

Kirindi Ella Water Fall  

The amazing breath-taking Kirindi Ella Water Falls flows from Kuttapitiya Mountain and travels through the Kaluwaramukalana Jungle via Denawaka River to Kaluganga River.  At the base of the fall, the water plunges into a deep pool called Diyagathwala. Surrounding forest with many types of trees and plant species with  wildlife including wild boar, cobra, monkeys and reptiles increase the beauty of Kirindi Ella Water Fall.

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens 

The garden was established in 20th century as a plantation for Rubber and Tea.  Even though this garden is not very famous among the travelers, is a very charming and pleasant surprise for visitors. Botanical Garden that is projected in 2008 and opened to the public in 2014. The garden mainly serves as a conservation area for threatened and vulnerable endemic plant species in the Sinharaja Rain Forest region.

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