The forest range of Ritigala stands aloof, shrouded in mystery and hiding amongst its mossy green depths, some amazing historic treasures. Belonging to the dry zone, Ritigala is somewhat different to the mist laden mountains of the hill country yet has its own cool climate about it, partly imparted from the plant and shrubs and tall trees as well as its climb from the sea level. Aside from the aesthetic allure of the mountain range, Ritigala possess one of the most historic religious monarchies of all times and that itself draws many locals and foreigners to its midst.
With a height of 766km above sea level, Ritigala is a mountain range that is the tallest in the Northern part of Sri Lanka rising above the renowned Sigiriya the rocky fortress as well as Mihintalaya. Of the four tall peaks that belong to this range of forestry, the ‘Ritigala kanda’ is the tallest. Unperturbed by the droughts and harsh weathers that hit at the dry zone, the forestry enjoys its own micro environment of moisture and cool air which is something even the visitors will appreciate.
What is more intriguing than the mountain is the mysterious monastery that lies shrouded in the heart of the jungle as if by choice, with so many unexplained questions and queries hovering around their enigmatic rocky contours, stone stair ways and moss covered rocks that seems to serve unknown intent and purpose. Compared as an epic recreation of an Indian Jones movie set, the monastery unfolds with grace and symmetry with many walkways and foot paths each leading into more ruins and structures as well as stone stair ways and reservoirs. The most striking contrast is that, in spite of the belief that this was the habitat of Buddhist monks at an ancient era, there is no trace of any stupa or statue or version of Buddha or any other religious statue to worship on, in this entire monastery. The huge reservoirs, tall pillars, spacious courtyards, enclosing walls consisting with mostly stone tablets constitute the mass of ruins that spread over an area of about 120 acres. The monastery is supposed to belong the 1st century BCE and can be found 43 km away from the sacred city of Anuradhapura with 12 km away from Habarana.
While the locals can travel in their own vehicles along the Anuradhapura to Habarana road, the foreigners can easily get the services of a Sri Lanka car rental. There are trusted and reliable rental services that have been established for long years and which has come to be trusted by tourists. Malkey Rent A Car is a service that is reliable and dependable for a safe journey with competitive charges that can ensure you reach your destination in the comfort of a vehicle of your choice. This is a service that also offers the service of Airport Transfers Sri Lanka.