Found close to the Bentota River is the historic Galapatha Raja Maha Viharaya also known as the Bhimathitha Viharaya. Seen as a popular tourist destination, the temple is a feature of ancient architecture and can be visited by staying at a luxury hotel Sri Lanka has to offer. Saman Villas which is rated amongst some of the finest of Sri Lanka boutique hotels will come across as a suitable option worth considering.
Trace each step along the way as you ascend towards an archway that will lead to a stone doorway flanked by two monolithic pillars. On these pillars one could inspect the elaborate carvings of ‘Nari Latha’ motifs which date back to the Kandyan period. However from all its features none quite adds to the mystique of that of the stone water filter or ‘Galperanaya’ which is hewn out of solid stone and consists of porous properties that could absorb the water that was filled into it. The oval shape object stands testament to a bygone era that once flourished. Near to the stone gateway one will discover a rock outcrop on which a line of inscriptions which are believed to go back as far as the 12th or 13th century AD. A dagoba on the premises is said to hold the sacred tooth relic of Sri Anubuddha Maha Kassyapa arahat. Those coming here during the month of August will be able to join in the festivities of the annual perahera which is held amidst a large gathering of locals and tourists.
