Bopath ella

Bopath Ella
Bopath Ella is a waterfall situated in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. It has a shape very similar to the leaf of the Sacred fig or "Bo" tree, which has earned it this name. The waterfall is a major tourist attraction in the country. Local myths say that it is haunted and that it hides a treasure trove.
The main attraction from minara is the “Bopath Ella”. ‘Bopath’ in Sinhala means ‘Bo’ leaf. When the water cascades down the rock it takes the shape of a Bo leaf and thus the name Bopath Ella. This is by far the most popular tourist attraction around Kuruwita and attracts many visitors especially during the weekend. Maha Saman Devalaya,Dodan Ella (Dodan Falls),Batadombalena,Divaguhawa are the other places around Rathnapura Divition close to Bopath fall.




Dodan Ella (Dodan Falls)

It is worthwhile to travel for about 2 kilometers from Bopath Ella towards the Devipahala area, where the not so known ‘Dodan Ella’ falls is situated. The fall is created by a tributary of the Kuru ganga which joins it near Bopath Ella. The top most part of the fall descends to a deep pool where the water is not spilled over, but collects underneath the rock and continues to cascade down to the second level. This indeed is a strange and rare formation. Visitors to this spot have to descend to the waterfall along its edge to reach the bottom of the falls as there is no other approachable path. Warning: Visitors have to be cautious when climbing down and upalong the edge as it could be dangerous. The adventure trail from Bopath Ella to Dodan Ella along the river is interesting and provides a fascinating view of the fall.



Batadombalena

Batadombalena became an important archeological site after evidence relating to pre-historic human activities was discovered. To reach the caves - turn off at Ekneligoda (on the Kuruwita - Erathna road) to the Siripagama road and proceed for about 3 kilometers. to Batadomba-lena junction. Trekking through the forest for about 1200 meters will lead to the caves. Alternate route to Adam’s Peak is via Siripagama, during the pilgrim season. Batadomba lena consists of a few rock caves. The jungle track through the forest is a wonderful experience and it runs along a stream for a lengthy distance.



Divaguhawa

To Divaguhawa, proceed on the Kuruwita – Erathna road passing Ekneligoda. At the Batathota junction the road to the left leads to the temple known as ‘Batatota len viharaya’. (About 1500 meters) This cave, height of around 400 feet is huge with some ancient constructions & drawings dating back to the Kandyan era. The school of thought is that the Lord Buddha visited this cave on his journey to Sri-pada. (Adam’s Peak) Adam's peak is clearly visible from this cave on a clear day and it attracts a fair number of visitors. For those who love adventure, you could climb down from Divaguhawa to the ‘Isthripura’ caves as well.



Maha Saman Devalaya

This is a shrine dedicated to the god Saman. The god Saman is (a Buddhist deity) considered to be the guardian of Ratnapura. When the Portuguese captured Ratnapura, the ancient shrine that stood at this location was destroyed and a Portuguese church was constructed on top of it. When the Kandyan kingdom recaptured Ratnapura, the Portuguese church was destroyed and the shrine was rebuilt. Although there is no direct evidence to support the existence of the old shrine, indirect evidence supports the existence of a shrine that looked like a Hindu temple. The Saman Devalaya is an important place of worship and the colourful annual pageant is an event not to be missed.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescos), which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times. It was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from about the 5th century BC, with caves prepared and donated by devotees to the Buddhist Sangha. The garden and palace were built by King Kasyapa. Following King Kasyapa's death, it was again a monastery complex up to about the 14th century, after which it was abandoned. . The Sigiri inscriptions were deciphered by the archaeologist Senarath Paranavithana in his renowned two-volume work, published by Oxford, Sigiri Graffiti. He also wrote the popular book "Story of Sigiriya".

The Mahavamsa, the ancient historical record of Sri Lanka, describes King Kasyapa as the son of King Dhatusena. Kasyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana, Dhatusena's son by the true queen. Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which he considered was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallana, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace. Mogallana finally arrived and declared war. During the battle Kasyapa's armies abandoned him and he committed suicide by falling on his sword. Chronicles and lore say that the battle-elephant on which Kasyapa was mounted changed course to take a strategic advantage, but the army misinterpreted the movement as the King having opted to retreat, prompting the army to abandon the king altogether. Moggallana returned the capital to Anuradapura, converting Sigiriya into a monastery complex.

Alternative stories have the primary builder of Sigiriya as King Dhatusena, with Kasyapa finishing the work in honour of his father. Still other stories have Kasyapa as a playboy king, with Sigiriya a pleasure palace. Even Kasyapa's eventual fate is mutable. In some versions he is assassinated by poison administered by a concubine. In others he cuts his own throat when isolated in his final battle. Still further interpretations have the site as the work of a Buddhist community, with no military function at all. This site may have been important in the competition between the Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions in ancient Sri Lanka

Nilaweli

Nilaveli is a beautiful place to see ,coastal resort town located about 20 km North-West ofTrincomalee, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination, however due to Tsunami and Sri Lankan Civil War tourist numbers have declined.but now it has open for tourism.one of a beautiful beach in srilanka as well as the nature of the sea aria also very beautiful.but now any one can go there because the war is ended now.
One of the finest beaches in the country. The white sands of beach & the clear waters is a forte here. The beach stretches about 6km up to Uppuweli. Pigeon island is a famous place for snorkeling & diving,Situated 195 km from Colombo

Diyaluma Falls is a nice fall,220m high and the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 361th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated 6km away from Koslanda in ,uva province, Badulla District on Colombo-Badulla highway. The Falls are formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya.

Dunhinda is strarting uva province from is one of a Srilankan's most beautiful waterfalls located about 5 km off badulla town. The waterfall, which is 210 feet (64 m) high gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. “dun”means smoke in english.The water fall is created by the river called Badulu Oya which goes through the Badulla town.To reach the water fall you have to walk more than 1 km distance along a foot path. Along this foot path you can see another small waterfall at a distance. However walking along this muddy foot path is really worth as the waterfall is so beautiful. Along this foot path there are many native venders selling herbal drinks to refresh and rest yourself. At the end of the path there is a secure stage constructed for viewers to see the waterfall.