Map of Sri Lanka & Few Places of Interest

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Attached the Map of Sri Lanka for your reference.

Few Places of Interest / National Parks closer and around "Rithika's Hideout":

1) Sigiriya Rock Fortress - was an interregnum of great excitement. Built by Kasyapa who killed his father to gain his wealth, this literal fortress in the sky, is a masterpiece of construction, artistry and irrigation. It was a resort of pleasure, a citadel of beauty and fortress of strength.

2) Dambulla - Dambulla or the Golden Rock is a cave temple, which dates back to the 1st Century BC. Its rock
Ceiling is one large sweep of colourful frescoes, which depict Buddhist mythology, and the tales
Of the Buddha’s previous births. Within the cave temple is the collection of the largest number of Buddha statues in one place.

3) Popham Arboretum - is another interesting excursion for those interested in gaining insight into the trees and foliage of the dry zone. Located about 15 km from Sigiriya along the Kandalama road, this is one of the few arboretums in the country where more than 68 different species of dry zone trees can be identified.

4) Jathika Namal Uyana - is at its best in spring when the Na trees spanning 260 acres burst into full bloom and the earth is covered with a carpet of white petals. On a full moonlit night the white, rose and mauve hues of the seven Rose quarts mountain ranges and their peaks glisten with an ethereal pearly sheen adding an aura of tranquil beauty to the already peaceful atmosphere, wind blown with the soft fragrance of thousands of Na flowers.

5) Anuradhapura - which is the First capital of Singhalese kingdom. At Anuradhapura the extensive ruins spread out from its massive sacred Bo tree, including dagobas, ponds and palaces.

6) Mihintale - Poson, the Full-moon festival commemorates the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century B.C. The Centre of celebrations is Mihintale (about 10 km From Anuradhapura) where the Buddhist doctrine was first preached by Arahat Mahinda, son of the great Emperor Asoka of India.

7) Ritigala -Mist-shrouded, this 2,514 feet high range was for centuries, a fortress for kings and a retreat for monks.

8) Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka’s medieval capital between the 11th and 13th centuries. Enclosed within three concentric walls, the city contained royal palaces, bathing ponds, monasteries and
Sacred architecture such as dagobas and image houses.

9) Medirigiriya - This site situated in a beautiful surrounding has a history going in to the pre-Christian times. The brami characters found on the bricks and the some of the stone carvings is an indication of the long history of this site. The first reference to this site in the chronicles is during the king Kanittha Tissa (192-194) of the Anuradhapura Era. Later many kings have contributed to this complex and finally after the invasion of Maga this site too was abandoned when the Sinhalese migrated to the southern parts unable to withstand the torture.

10) Somawathiya & Flood Plains - The Somawathi Chaithya is located by the bank of the Mahaveli River within the Sanctuary named after it and nearly 20 km north east of Polonnaruwa. The flood plains of Mahaveli River have been inhibited by a large number of wild animals ranging from elephants, wild buffalo, deer and other grass-eating animals fed by the luxuriously growing grasslands. The animals are protected by the declaration of Wasgomuwa Strict Natural Reserve, Flood Plains National Park, Trikonamadu Natural Reserve and the Somawathi Chaithya Sanctuary all located to embrace low laying banks of the mighty river.

11) Minneriya National Park - in Sri Lanka there is no better place to watch elephants in the wild than Minneriya National Park, consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favourites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3 rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.

12) Kaudulla National Park - is the latest (actually number 15) to be opened in Sri Lanka. This 6,656 hectare park, which opened in 2002, is an elephant corridor which offers visitors the opportunity to get within close range of the animals. At Kaudulla, near Habarana in the ancient cities zone, it is possible to hire a catamaran to sail on the tank and look out for the elephants, leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer and the endangered rusty spotted cat. August to December is the best time to go.

13) Giritale - is a work in progress. Land by its lake was identified as a tourist resort area more than 30 years ago.

14) Wilpattu National Park - (Willu-pattu) Land of Lakes - is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The Leopard population in Wilpattu is still not yet known.

15) Wasgomuwa National Park - was originally declared as strict nature reserve in 1938 and then change to a national park in 1984. The park lies within central and north- central provinces. The total park area is 39,322 ha. Park consists of riverine forest, dry mixed evergreen forest, grasslands and wetlands. As park is almost surrounded by Mahaweli & Amban Rivers, riverine forest area is fairly large.

16) Trincomalee - has a strange magnetic charm to it. Maybe, it’s the calmness that gives the place the character of a deep, still pool. Maybe, it’s the azure sea, the pristine beaches, the mysterious Shiva shrine, or the rocks, relentlessly bathed by the rushing waves. Or perhaps it is the town’s fresh, raw beauty.

17) Nilaveli - idyllic palm-fringed beaches lure the sun-seekers continuously, but it’s the sightseeing attractions in the harbour town of Trincomalee close by that keeps them lingering a little longer, namely the Koneswaran Temple, Hot Springs, Swami Rock and Fort Frederick.

18) Matale - Spice Gardens gives you a first hand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produces the special spices of Sri Lanka.

19) Kandy - known as The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, is the home to the stately Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

20) Royal Botanical Gardens - which began as a pleasure garden for the kings of Kandy, the rich flora of the tropical is exhibited at its best here.

Golden Temple of Dambulla - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dating back to the 1st Century BC, this is the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. The temple is composed of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. The caves, built at the base of a 150m high rock during the Anuradhapura (1st Century BC to 993 AD) and Polonnaruwa times (1073 to 1250), are by far the most impressive of the many cave temples found in Sri Lanka. Access is along the gentle slope of the Dambulla Rock, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the rock fortress Sigiriya, 19kms away. Families of friendly monkeys make the climb even more interesting. Dusk brings hundreds of swooping swallows to the cave entrance. The largest cave measures about 52m from east to west, and 23m from the entrance to the back, this spectacular cave is 7m tall at its highest point. Hindu deities are also represented here, as are the Kings Walagambahu and Nissankamalla, and Ananda - the Buddha's most devoted disciple.
Within these shrine rooms is housed a collection of one hundred and fifty statues of the Buddhist Order and the country's history. These statues and paintings are representative of many epochs of Sinhala sculpture and art. The Buddha statues are in varying sizes and attitudes - the largest is 15 metres long. One cave has over 1,500 paintings of Buddha covering the ceiling. The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd Centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Walagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.
The first cave is called Devarajalena, or "Cave of the Divine King." An account of the founding of the monastery is recorded in a first-century Brahmi inscription over the entrance to the first cave. This cave is dominated by the 14-meter statue of the Buddha, hewn out of the rock. It has been repainted countless times in the course of its history, and probably received its last coat of paint in the 20th century. At his feet is Buddha's favorite pupil, Ananda; at his head, Vishnu, said to have used his divine powers to create the caves.In the second and largest cave, in addition to 16 standing and 40 seated statues of Buddha, are the gods Saman and Vishnu, which pilgrims often decorate with garlands, and finally statues of King Vattagamani, who honored the monastery in the first century B.C., and King Nissanka Malla, responsible in the 12th century for the gilding of 50 statues, as indicated by a stone inscription near the monastery entrance. This cave is accordingly called Maharajalena, "Cave of the Great Kings." The Buddha statue hewn out of the rock on the left side of the room is escorted by wooden figures of the Bodhisattvas Maitreya (left) and Avalokiteshvara or Natha (right). There is also a dagoba and a spring which drips its water, said to have healing powers, out of a crack in the ceiling. Valuable tempera paintings on the cave ceiling dating from the 18th centurydepict scenes from Buddha's life, from the dream of Mahamaya to temptation by the demon Mara. Further pictures relate important events from the country's history The third cave, the Maha Alut Vihara, the "Great New Monastery," acquired ceiling and wall paintings in the typical Kandy style during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747-1782), the famous Buddhist revivalist. In addition to the 50 Buddha statues, there is also a statue of the king.
The fourth and fifth caves are smaller; they date from a later period and are not of such high quality. A small Vishnu Devale between the first and second caves attracts many worshipers.

Sigiriya - The 8th Wonder of the World

The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa I (477–95) lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 370 m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

The most significant feature of the Rock would have been the Lion staircase leading to the palace garden on the summit.Based on the ideas described in some of the graffiti, this Lion staircase could be visualised as a gigantic figure towering majestically against the granite cliff, facing north, bright coloured, and awe-inspiring. Through the open mouth of the Lion had led the covered staircase built of bricks and timber and a tiled roof. All that remains now are the two colossal paws and a mass of brick masonry that surround the ancient limestone steps and the cuts and groves on the rock face give an idea of the size and shape of the lion figure.
Though traces of plaster and pigments occur all over this area, there are only two pockets of paintings surviving in the depressions of the rock face, about a 100 meters above the ground level. These paintings represent the earliest surviving examples of a Sri Lanka school of classical realism, already fully evolved by the 5th century, when these paintings had been made. Earlier the Sigiri style had been considered as belonging to the Central Indian school of Ajanta, but later considered as specifically different from the Ajanta paintings. The ladies depicted in the paintings have been variously identified as Apsaras (heavenly maidens), as ladies of Kasyapa’s court and as Lightening Princess and Cloud Damsels.
There are also remains of paintings in some of the caves at the foot of the rock. Of special significance is the painting on the roof of the Cobra Hood Cave. The cave with its unique shape dates from the pre-christian era. The painting combines geometrical shapes and motifs with a free and complex rendering of characteristic volute or whorl motifs. It is nothing less than a masterpiece of expressionist painting.

This video clip gives you the exact view of this Great Lion Rock and it's surrounding from the "Rithika's Hideout".

Sigiriya Rock and it's Frescos - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sigiriya is an archeological site in Central Sri Lanka. It is essetntially the ruins of an ancient palace / fortress complex, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD). It is one of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka and is one of its most popular tourist destinations. The climb to the top - via the famed cave paintings is not for the faint hearted as the second part of the ascent is up narrow metal stairs (a bit like a fire escape) that are bolted to the rock face.Whilst I reccomend this attraction to anybody visiting the Island I sound a note of caution to those with any degree of vertigo as my travelling companion does as she was very dissapointed to find how narrow / exposed etc the steps are and sadly could not tackle the climb beyond half way. The section to the paintings is a spiral stair and the section beyond the lions paws is particulaly exposed. The climb is quite breath- taking and well worth the nerves and excitment. For those who go part way and wait for companions to come back be aware its the same way up and down so dont be concerned with the "informal guides" who may try and tell you that your waiting in the wrong place as people descend a different route, thats just nonsense !Make sure you take water and dark coloured clothes as there is a lot of rust on the stairs and rails and if you wear white you will end up covered in yellow stains. Aside from these pointers I would say its one of the most interesting / baffling / stunning views and experiences of the whole island.

Great People who Helped Me so far - Thank You

Here are few names of main actors like Wijerathne, Sanjeewa, Indrawansa, Amila and Sumith who's very closely acting with me, by helping, guiding and supporting me to reach the highest point of my great dream in this drama by designing and creating a wonderful hideout with thier utmost and heartiest support at all times, and not forgetting the other village folks like Siripala, Gemunu and Nawarathne too.

Photo # 01 (L to R) - Wijerathne, Mano, Sanjeewa and Indrawansa.

Photo # 02 (L to R) - Amila and Sumith

Thank you everybody, you'll are WONDERFUL & GREAT PEOPLE !!!

Bird Watching

Look at some beautiful Peacocks closer to you, while you relax after a heavy breakfast or during your nature walks.

Also you can observe so many different species of Birds when you're in this area.

Unexpected Wild Life experience

Well, if you like to feel some unexpected Wild Life experience around you, sometimes may be at day or night during your stay here, this is some proof for it, "Elephant Foot Prints" at the lake.

Sorry for the long silence from my side. Just to tell you I was bit busy with some work to start up with the construction of this lovely Individual Eco Dwellings and it's surrounding. Anyhow still have not finalized with the sketches of this Individual Eco Dwellings as there are small things to be changed to give the utmost comfort for the people who's going to stay there. As I said before this is a truly amazing place going to be.

Dear all, for your information this is the exact view of the Lion Rock and Pidurangala overlooking the medium sized lake "Egodawewa" from my land or "Rithika's Hideout". Hope you would like it and to come and relax in a beautiful environment like this in near future. This will be a Eco friendly totally Green concept luxury boutique style property.

Future Reservations;

Mano de Silva or Renuka De Silva
Managing Partners
"Rithika's Hideout"
Palutawa,
Sigiriya.
Sri Lanka (NC)

Round the Clock: 00 94 (0) 773 798 013 or 00 94 (0) 773 029 000
E-mail : manodesilva@gmail.com / amathima@gmail.com
rithikashideout@gmail.com
URL : http://rithikashideout.blogspot.com/