Ussangoda

Ussangoda is a legendary landing place of Ravana, the evil king of Hindu mythology who piloted his special peacock chariot across the skies. The area’s landscape is unusual, and its red earth is barren – possibly the result of a meteor that struck in ancient times.

Ussangoda provides a panoramic view of the beach and the sea. The extent of this place is approximately 20 acres and very little grows on the barren red earth. Scrub jungle surrounds Ussangoda from the land side and on the sea side the plateau drops a sheer 60 feet over a rocky escarpment out to the open sea below. In ancient times this area was struck by a meteorite and the barren and unusual landscape stills bares witness to this catastrophic event.

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Sithulpawwa rock temple

Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in the Hambantota district. The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient ‘Cittalpabbata’, ‘The hill of the quiet mind’. It is said that in the 1st century AD as many as 12,000 Arahants lived here (monks that have achieved the highest mind level in Buddhism). Unlike the great monasteries in Anuradhapura and other towns, life at Sithulpawwa was hard and a monk or nun lived there only if they were interested in silence and solitude. Located opposite the Maha Sithulpawwa rock which is 400 feet (122M) in height is a cave temple. This cave temple, which is 67 feet high and 30 feet long, is part of the intricate cave-complex at Sithulpawwa.

The Dagoba of Sithulpawwa can be seen on the top of the rock. It is believed to have been built by King Kawantissa (100-140AD). A number of caves contain inscriptions in the early Brahmi script and from these inscriptions it was learned that a number of villages donated money to this temple for its upkeep. Ancient literary works give interesting information relating to this shrine. The image house at Sithulpawwa still contains some fragments of paintings. In the eastern precinct of Sithulpawwa the ruins of an ancient preaching house can be seen, where a cluster of 10 feet high pillars rises from the earth.

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Madunagala Hot Springs

Laying in a wide expanse of open country, Madunagala Hot Springs is a wonderful creation of nature in all its natural beauty. Historically, these hot springs flowed into a natural water hole. Recently they have been renovated and attractive stone tanks and basins have been created. Here, the hot water bubbles into the ponds and mixes with cooler water there. Warm water flows smoothly into the surrounding basins where visitors can enjoy the soothing mineral water. Changing rooms, western toilets and small shops with snacks and beverages are close by. Special indigenous ayurvedic drinks such as “Belimal” and “Ranawara” are local treats worth trying.

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Kudawella blow hole - Hummanaya

The Kudawella Blow Hole, a site that is breathtakingly mysterious. Volumes of sea water whistle through a natural fine hole from beneath a massive rock in the sea. Located on a rock about 40 ft above sea level, this magnificent site was first discovered after a close scrutiny of photographs taken from the sea.

At the site, rough and high waves push water into the triangular based rock bottom, and force it through a hole at the bottom of the rock with very high pressure. With the sound of a blow whistle the water is blown high into the air. Approaching this place, one can find many small outlets selling local fruits, thirst quenching drinks and the all time favorite fresh fried fish. In addition to this you will also find souvenir shops with a variety of local handicrafts and ornaments made out of sea shells and other marine findings.

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Kandalama Hotel - Sri Lanka

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Leisure World Theme Park

Conveniently located in the “Seethawaka” Electorate this Theme Park is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka boasts of a rich Bio diversified surrounding in a serene atmosphere giving the visitors a once in a life time experience of novel water and amusement activities. Out of the total extent of 52 acres 27 acres have been developed during the first phase. Well trained instructors, Operators, Life guards, Pool Attendants are at your service.

LAKE RIDES

Paddle Boats, Bumper Boats and Speed Boats.

WATER RIDES

Multi Lane, Thunder Cruise, Crazy Cruise, Free Fall, Octopus, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Kiddies Activity Pool with Slides, Swimming Pool exclusive for Ladies.

AMUSEMENT RIDES

Swing Around, Log Flume, Crescent Swing, UFO, Happy Express, Super Swinger, Space Ship, Junior Coaster, Pirate Ship.

KIDS PLAY AREA

Separate area for Kids below 12 Years with activities. Bookings are undertaken for Birth day Parties with reserved space.

RAIN FOREST

 A tropical Rain Forest with around 50 species that are available at Sinharaja Rain Forest are planted and grown. A document has been compiled based on these plants to inculcate the value of protecting flora in Sri Lanka For Foreigners – 30 US$ (All activities unlimited (Complementary ride of the Log Flume) Mondays – Park will be closed. If any holiday or Poya falls on a Monday, the park will be opened & the immediate Tuesday will be closed. During the Festive seasons i.e: Christmas/ New Year/ Sinhala & Hindu New Year/ Vesak/ School Vacations, the park will be operational on all SEVEN DAYS (07) of the week. Common Ticketing Counters are available within the Park (only for Amusement Rides).

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Visit to Ambuluwawa mountain in Gampola

Ambuluwawa mountain is considered one of the must visit places in the Gampola area and although its a hard journey some people do climb the mountain on foot. Luckily for me we were able to higher a van to go to mountain top. It is somewhat a steep mountain so even in a van sometimes its not possible to go the full distance. However the journey is worth it because it offers one of the most beautiful scenes you can ever see. Ambuluwawa was built as a symbol of religious harmony in Sri Lanka and you can find a temple , a church , a Hindu kovil and a mosque there. The great thing is you can go to the top of the Dagoba in the mountain giving you a feeling of being in the sky.

Although not considered a top tourist attraction in Sri Lanka it does attract some tourists and everyday lots of locals visit there. There is a beautiful landscaped garden for you to spend some time and you can get some amazing picture from the top of the mountain. A great place to visit if you are in Gampola. Below are some picture of Ambuluwawa mountain

Landscaped gardens in Ambuluwawa mountain

The Dagoba on top of Ambuluwawa mountain

Viewing pavilion on top of Ambuluwawa mountain

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