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Ritigala Forest Monastery, Anuradhapura

4.5

#5 of 15 in Historic Sites in Anuradhapura

Historic Site Tourist Spot

• ©

Witness the remnants of an ancient culture as you trek the winding forest paths at Ritigala Forest Monastery. Originally inhabited by local aboriginals called Yukas, the ruins of the monastery complex are linked by stone paths that lead through the old trees of the jungle. Look for the ancient man-made reservoir, most likely used for ritual bathing purposes: dating between 437 and 367 BCE, it represents an engineering marvel for its time. Hire a knowledgeable guide that can explain the significance of each of the monastery ruins. As you walk between sites, listen to the sounds of the jungle, and contemplate the transportation of heavy rocks necessary for the complex's construction. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Ritigala Forest Monastery by using our Anuradhapura trip planning site .

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Ritigala Forest Monastery Reviews

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5.0

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• By KellerMayer

  Ritigala is a Buddhist monastery complex in Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve,. Many centuries ago, these jungle-covered monastic caves were inhabited by Buddhist monks of the Pansakulika Order. Ruins...  more »

• By Dak20199

  This is an awesome historical monastery the hike up was fantastic. The hike is mostly on the rock bad cut when the monastery was active. There are steps and most of the time it is at upward in Klein.....  more »

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