Ritigala | Sri Lanka’s Ancient Buddhist Monastery and Unique Ecosystem

Описание: ▶️Ritigala: A Sacred Mountain in Sri Lanka
Located just 10 kilometers from the town of Habarana, Ritigala is a mountain shrouded in both natural beauty and mystery. Home to an ancient monastic settlement, Ritigala is one of Sri Lanka's most important historical and cultural landmarks. The mountain features an ecosystem unique to Sri Lanka's dry zone and is a designated nature reserve. Visitors to Ritigala can explore ruins of ancient stone structures and meditate in the peaceful surroundings.

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▶️Ritigala's Unique Climate and Ecosystem
Ritigala is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from dry zone to wet zone climates. Its elevation of 766 meters results in a cooler climate near the summit, with wet zone vegetation and numerous streams cascading down the mountain. The mountain is a key watershed for the Malvatu Oya, with the best time to visit being between December and February when the region experiences its wettest months.

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▶️The Ancient Monastic Settlement of Ritigala
The ruins of Ritigala’s ancient monastic settlement spread over 24 hectares on the eastern side of the mountain. Visitors can explore a remarkable series of stone bridges, courtyards, ponds, and meditation platforms. The Banda Pokuna, a large polygonal pond, was used for bathing, cooling, and aesthetic purposes. The stone pathways and the unique architectural design of the settlement showcase the Buddhist monks' focus on simplicity and functionality.

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▶️Architectural Features of Ritigala
The complex at Ritigala features multiple stone platforms, rest stops, and buildings used by monks for meditation. The giman hala, circular resting areas, served as places to relax and cool off. The Padanagura, double-platform buildings, were used for meditation, with remains of a water channel still visible. A unique 29-meter-long walkway used for walking meditation remains intact, with stone markers guiding the monks during their meditative practices.

▶️Ritigala’s Natural Wonders and Folklore
Ritigala’s unique micro-ecosystem, filled with medicinal plants, fungi, and lichens, adds to the mountain’s mystique. Local folklore suggests that parts of the Himalayas were dropped by the monkey king Hanuman, creating areas with contrasting climates like Ritigala and Rumasella in Galle. The natural beauty of Ritigala, combined with its rich history, makes it a vital site for both spiritual practice and biodiversity.

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▶️The Waterfall and Water Sources of Ritigala
One of Ritigala's most stunning features is its natural water spring, which never runs dry, and its man-made waterfall, created from an arrangement of boulders. The waterfall, which can be best viewed during the rainy season, adds to the tranquil and mystical atmosphere of the site. Ritigala continues to be a revered site for both its spiritual and environmental significance.

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Credits: Serendip Stories :    / @serendipstories-srilanka