The stone pool
A big square pool among the trees.
Wanni — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kamilmkm — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Prof Ranga Sai — CC BY 4.0 · Sithumini Chathunika — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cherubino — CC BY-SA 3.0
Ritigala Forest Monastery is the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery on the slopes of Ritigala, the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Its ruins lie scattered among the trees in a thick, quiet forest, with no domes or statues to catch the eye, which gives it a character of its own among the region's sites. The ruins and rock inscriptions date back to the 1st century BC. The mountain stands 766 m above sea level and 600 m above the surrounding plains, higher than Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale. The modern name comes from the ancient Ariṭṭha Pabbata, the Dreadful Mountain, mentioned in the Mahavamsa. A strict nature reserve of 1,528 hectares was established here in 1941. An old stone path leads through the forest to raised platforms and square stone pools, including a big one near the entrance. You also see the remains of the monastery's hospital with stone medical tools, along with steps and small bridges over streams. The mountain's climate differs from the dry plains around it, with mist and moisture at the top and evergreen forest whose canopy reaches 30 m. The site lies about 34.6 km from Anuradhapura and 21.4 km from Sigiriya in a straight line. Visitors are allowed only in the archaeological area, as the rest of the reserve is strictly protected, so do not leave the path. Bring water and closed shoes, and watch for leeches after rain. Respect the silence, as this is an old religious site.
A big square pool among the trees.
A stone way through the forest.
Stone medical tools from the monastery.
Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka
No, the reserve is strict and visitors may enter only the archaeological area.
Thick forest and quiet ruins with no domes or statues, unlike other sites in the region.