Ritigala & Surrounding Monasteries
Step into Sri Lanka’s spiritual past on a journey through the ancient Ritigala Forest Monastery and its surrounding hermitages, hidden deep within a strict nature reserve. Ritigala’s moss-covered ruins, stone meditation platforms, and sacred silence reveal the austere lives of forest-dwelling monks. Rich in mystery and linked to the legend of the Ramayana, this site offers both cultural depth and natural tranquillity.
Ritigala Archaeological Monastery Complex
Ancient Forest Monastery – A serene, less-touristy site with stone pathways winding through thick jungle.
Meditation Platforms & Stone Bridges – Beautifully carved platforms once used by monks for silent meditation.
Banda Pokuna – A massive stone-lined pond used for bathing rituals.
Herbal Plant Life – Ritigala’s microclimate supports rare medicinal plants, some tied to Ayurvedic traditions.
Surrounding Monasteries & Heritage Sites
Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka Mihintale – Just 30 minutes from Ritigala.
Climb a granite stairway to shrines, stupas, and panoramic views of Ambasthala Dagoba, Kantaka Chetiya, and the Aradhana Gala rock.